Fire Management Officer (Identified Position)

Position Overview

This designated 'Identified' role emphasizes significant engagement with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities. The successful candidate must demonstrate an awareness of relevant cultural issues and communicate effectively and respectfully with Indigenous peoples.

About Us

We oversee Australia’s exceptional natural and cultural heritage, including unique landscapes, diverse flora and fauna, and some of the oldest continuing cultures worldwide. Parks Australia, a division of the Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water, supports the Director of National Parks who manages six national parks, the Australian National Botanic Gardens, 58 Australian Marine Parks, and the Heard Island and McDonald Islands Marine Reserve. Our mission is to preserve and promote these remarkable places, inspiring public engagement and care for their future.

Kakadu National Park, a World Heritage site celebrated for its natural and cultural significance, is one of three parks leased to the Director and co-managed with the Traditional Owners and Parks Australia. Our branch handles strategic priorities, including planning and major projects across these jointly managed parks.

Team and Responsibilities

The Biodiversity Conservation team safeguards the biodiversity and bio-cultural assets of Kakadu National Park. This includes offering strategic advice on fire management, executing extensive fire and conservation programs, facilitating research efforts, managing data and knowledge, and inclusive cross-cultural collaboration.

Under the guidance of the Fire Management Coordinator, the Fire Management Officer will execute fire management projects focused on biodiversity and cultural objectives throughout Kakadu National Park.

• Collaborate closely with Traditional Owners and Park staff to create, implement, and report on annual fire management and late dry season response plans.
• Coordinate and lead planned prescribed burns during the wet and early dry seasons, including both aerial and ground operations, aligning with the park's Fire Management Strategy.
• Utilize web-based tools such as NAFI to monitor late dry season fires.
• Participate in fire response and suppression activities across park districts, coordinating with senior personnel.
• Maintain fire management data utilizing GPS and ArcGIS technologies.
• Support annual monitoring and evaluation reports using GIS tools.
• Assist with fire-related research activities as needed.
• Contribute to park meetings focused on updating fire management strategies and supporting documentation.
• Supervise and mentor staff in a cross-cultural workspace, encouraging involvement of Traditional Owners and Aboriginal people in all fire management facets.
• Implement the Traditional Owners’ vision for the park’s future by facilitating knowledge exchange among Indigenous and non-Indigenous colleagues and the community.
• Train junior, seasonal staff, and Traditional Owners in practical firefighting skills, safe work practices, and efficient equipment use.
• Promote adherence to safety protocols as per the Work Health and Safety Act 2011 and departmental policies.
• Conduct all activities in compliance with the Park’s Lease Agreement, the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999, and the Management Plan.

Additional Information

The Department offers flexible working arrangements.