At a Glance
- Tasks: Join our team to manage forests, prevent fires, and respond to emergencies across Victoria.
- Company: DEECA - Department of Energy, Environment and Climate Action VIC.
- Benefits: Hands-on experience, outdoor work, and the chance to make a real impact.
- Other info: Inclusive workplace culture with flexible working arrangements and support for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander applicants.
- Why this job: Protect Victoria's natural beauty while building practical firefighting and land management skills.
- Qualifications: Enjoy outdoor work, be physically fit, and have a current manual driver's licence.
The predicted salary is between 58500 - 71500 $ per year.
Help protect Victoria's forests, parks and communities. DEECA is seeking motivated individuals to join our Forest and Fire Operations team. This hands-on role combines land management, fire prevention and emergency response activities across Victoria's public land estate.
In this role you will:
- Undertake road, track and culvert maintenance
- Assist with vegetation management, tree felling and fuel reduction works
- Operate equipment such as chainsaws, pumps and whipper snippers
- Support planned burning and bushfire response activities
- Work in remote outdoor environments as part of a dedicated team
About you:
- Enjoy working outdoors in all conditions
- Have a strong commitment to safety
- Are physically fit and capable of working in steep, remote terrain
- Work well in a team and are willing to learn
- Can be deployed across Victoria for up to 7 days during emergency response and planned burning operations
This is a rewarding opportunity to build practical skills while making a real contribution to the management and protection of Victoria's public land and communities.
Applicants must hold a current manual Drivers Licence (conditions A, I & V not acceptable for employment).
Specialist/Technical Expertise/Qualifications:
- Experience working in bushfire response or forest operations is desirable.
- Understanding of application of safe work practices including awareness of regulations and codes of practice and safety documentation systems is desirable.
This position is ongoing, available in the regional location of Lorne, Victoria. To be considered for this position, applicants are encouraged to submit a resume and cover letter (no longer than 2 pages) summarising their skills and relevant experience. Applications close 11.59pm on Thursday, 05 November 2026.
Other relevant information:
- Preferred candidates will be required to undertake pre-employment screening, including a Declaration and Consent form, a Nationally Coordinated Criminal History Check and meet the medical and fitness requirements outlined in the position description.
- Successful applicants will be required to successfully complete the DEECA General Firefighter accreditation.
- 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.
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 ***************@deeca.vic.gov.au.
We support flexible working arrangements, including hybrid work, varied hours, part-time work and job sharing.
Forest and Fire Operations Officer employer: Department of Energy, Environment and Climate Action VIC
The Department of Energy, Environment and Climate Action (DEECA) is an exceptional employer that prioritises inclusivity and flexibility, making it an ideal workplace for those passionate about driving Victoria's energy transition. With a strong commitment to employee growth, DEECA offers opportunities for professional development while fostering a collaborative environment where diverse perspectives are valued. Located in East Melbourne, the department supports hybrid work arrangements, ensuring a healthy work-life balance for its staff.
Contact Details:
Department of Energy, Environment and Climate Action VIC Recruitment Team
