Operational Officer Level 1

About the organisation

The NSW Rural Fire Service is the primary agency responsible for bush fire prevention, mitigation, and response across New South Wales. This position sits within the Operational Officer Program, which is designed to build a flexible and mobile workforce that can contribute across district, regional, and specialist functions while supporting community safety.

Role overview

This is a full-time ongoing Operational Officer Level 1 position based at the Bourke Fire Control Centre in Far West District. The role involves operational, administrative, and community-facing support that helps maintain readiness, strengthen risk reduction efforts, assist volunteers and members, and support incident coordination and district operations.

You will work in a collaborative environment with volunteers, emergency service partners, and local communities, contributing to outcomes that improve protection from bush fires and other emergencies. The position suits someone who is adaptable, organised, and comfortable working in a busy operational setting.

What the role offers

• Ongoing full-time employment
• 35-hour work week
• RFS Level 4/5 classification
• Annual salary of 88,378 to 96,767 AUD, plus 12% superannuation
• Base location in Bourke, Far West District
• Limited free on-site parking
• Potential eligibility for Remote Area Allowance
• Possible additional Western Zone leave entitlements

Key focus areas

The role supports operational readiness, community risk reduction, volunteer and member assistance, incident coordination, and a variety of district-level functions. It offers varied work with opportunities to contribute across several parts of the organisation.

Ideal candidate profile

The RFS is looking for a motivated team player who can manage a fast-paced workload and is committed to helping volunteers, members, and the wider community. Strong communication, customer service, initiative, attention to detail, and the ability to juggle competing priorities are important. A collaborative mindset, sound problem-solving ability, and an appreciation of volunteer-based emergency services are also essential.

Essential requirements

• RFS Advanced Firefighter qualification, or an accepted equivalent
• Certificate III in a relevant field, or equivalent practical expertise
• Current driver licence and willingness to travel when required
• Completion of an Operational Officer Medical Assessment confirming the required level of health and fitness for external applicants

Additional notes

Equivalent qualifications will be considered and assessed on a case-by-case basis. Depending on your current qualifications and experience, you may need to complete further professional development to meet role requirements. Candidates must satisfy the minimum essential criteria, otherwise their application may not progress to shortlist stage.

Benefits and support

• Operational uniform provided
• Access to 5 weeks of annual leave per year for Western Zone locations, plus other leave entitlements
• Member Assistance Program for RFS members and immediate family
• Salary packaging options
• One agreed absence leave day each calendar month
• Ongoing learning and professional development through RFS training programs
• Fitness Passport access for eligible staff and families
• Free access to the Welcome Experience support service for regional NSW moves

Application requirements

Applicants need to submit a PDF cover letter explaining how they meet the essential requirements, why they are suitable, and why they want the role. A PDF resume is also required, including details for two current or recent professional referees with email addresses and contact numbers. Candidates must also answer three targeted questions in the online application, each with a maximum of 500 words.

• Describe a time you worked with others toward a shared goal, including the strategies that led to success and the main lessons learned.
• Describe a time your communication skills helped deliver a successful workplace outcome and explain why it worked.
• Describe a situation where you handled a complaint or conflict, the steps you used to resolve it, and the result.

Recruitment process and other information

• A talent pool may be created for Western Area Command roles only, to fill future ongoing, temporary, casual, term, full-time, or part-time vacancies.
• Applicants who do not provide information about qualifications or equivalent expertise may be marked unsuccessful.
• External shortlisted candidates must complete a medical assessment, with the cost covered by RFS.
• Successful applicants will attend a paid 13-week induction course at the RFS State Training Academy in Dubbo.
• The organisation states a commitment to diversity and inclusion and aims to reflect the communities it serves.
• Adjustments can be requested during recruitment by including relevant details in the application or contacting the role expert.
• Selection may include a capability-based assessment, referee checks, and criminal history checks.

Contact for more information

For a confidential discussion about the role, candidates may contact Inspector Fiona Westcott on 0418 968 483 or [email protected].

Reference

Vacancy reference: R26-214.