Forest and Fire Operations Officer - Technical Lead (Gellibrand)

An exiting fixed term opportunity presents at the Gellibrand WorkCentre as a FFOO - Tech lead. 

Step into this exiting role where you will experience a job like no other. Working primarily outdoors in amazing natural landscapes from grassland plains to foothill forests and heathlands, up into the rainforest and then to the coastal dunes. All of this within touching distance of Gellibrand. As a Forest and Fire Operations Officer – Technical Lead, you’ll play a crucial role overseeing and implementing operational tasks and fire prevention activities in Victoria’s state forests, national parks and protected public land. 

In this hands-on role, you will be expected operate and maintain a large range of tools and equipment from, shovels, rake hoes and power tools to chainsaws, brush cutters and pumps, 4x4 vehicles and pending experience and qualification heavy plant and machinery. Working in small and large teams is critical to the success of the role where leadership from the successful applicant will be called upon. This position has a strong focus on emergency response and may involve being deployed across the state for periods up to 7 days, for both emergency response and planned burning activities. These activities require a high level of fitness, as the work environment can be steep and remote from vehicles.

This is your chance to join an exceptional team committed to land management and public safety.

Applicants must hold a current manual Drivers Licence (conditions A, I & V not acceptable for employment).

Specialist/Technical Expertise/Qualifications

• Demonstrated experience working in bushfire response or forest operations is desirable
• Demonstrated experience and understanding in natural resource management, preferably with good knowledge of forest management and forest operations.

This is a fixed term position available until 30 June 2027, available in the regional location of Gellibrand, Victoria.

You’ll have the chance to explore and protect stunning landscapes whilst earning a competitive salary ranging from $73,820 to $82,015 per annum, plus superannuation.

Your salary will reflect your skills and experience, rewarding your commitment to our mission.

Please refer to the Key Selection Criteria provided in the Position Description, including the mandatory requirements.

How to Apply:

If you are a current DEECA employee, please apply via DEECA Careers. 

Click the ‘Apply’ button and you'll be redirected to a new platform and create an account.

Applications close 11.59pm on Wednesday, 19 August 2026.

All applications must be submitted through the online portal. We are unable to consider email or manual applications at this time.

Other relevant information:

Preferred candidates will be required to undertake pre-employment screening, including a Declaration and Consent form and a Nationally Coordinated Criminal History Check.

To be eligible for appointment to this role, applicants will possess corresponding work rights for the advertised employment period. Appointment to an ongoing position is only available to an Australian/New Zealand citizen or an Australian Permanent Resident.

An inclusive, culturally safe and flexible workplace

DEECA fosters an inclusive workplace culture and is committed to a fair, accessible, and equitable recruitment process.

We strongly encourage Aboriginal and or Torres Strait Islander people to apply.  We recognise the strengths, knowledge and perspectives First Nations people bring and DEECA is committed to a culturally safe and respectful workplace.  If you need support to participate, please contact aboriginal.employment@deeca.vic.gov.au.

We support flexible working arrangements, including hybrid work, varied hours, part-time work and job sharing.  For more information about our recruitment processes, visit applying for a role with us.