OPERATIONAL OFFICER LEVEL 1
(SOUTHERN HIGHLANDS)
If you are interested in working for a highly regarded emergency service agency and supporting local communities, a role in our OpO Program could be for you!
The Rural Fire Service (RFS) is the lead agency for bush fire management and mitigation in NSW. Fighting fires and protecting the community from emergencies is what we do!
The Operational Officer (OpO) Program is a RFS initiative to create and encourage a mobile and agile workforce across the state. The program is a unique opportunity to gain experience in a wide range of RFS activities in district and regional roles, as well as other specialised sections across the organisation. The role provides a broad range of services in a team environment that lead to better protection of the community from bush fires and other emergencies.
This opportunity offers:
* Ongoing employment
* Full time role & 35 hour working week
* RFS Level 4/5
* Attractive annual salary $85,804 - $93,949 p.a. plus 12% superannuation
* Location: Picton, Southern Highlands District
* Limited free onsite car parking available
Looking for more information?
Why not reach out to our role expert, Superintendent Daniel Osborne, District Manager, for a confidential chat on 0409 368 282.
What you'll be doing:
Work as part of the Southern Highlands District team delivering high-quality administrative and operational support that helps protect the community from bush fires and other emergencies. The role supports members and communities to prepare for and respond to emergencies, maintains effective systems and service standards, and provides timely, customer-focused support in a dynamic volunteer-based environment.
To thrive in this role, you will:
* Have volunteer and/or emergency services experience and an understanding of risk management principles and safety systems
* Have an understanding and interest in fire mitigation and field operational experience
* Have the desire and ability to learn new skills and qualifications
* Have demonstrated commitment to understanding and delivering community safety information
* Have an understanding of agency statutory functions (e.g. Hazard Complaints)
* Have the ability to lead small teams and support incident coordination including support of other agencies
* Provide excellent customer service to our communities and highly valued volunteer members
To be considered for these opportunities, you will need to provide evidence of:
* RFS Advanced Firefighter (AF) qualification or equivalent
* Certificate III in a relevant discipline or equivalent expertise
* A current Driver Licence and the willingness and ability to travel
* Completion of an Operational Officer Medical Assessment certifying the required level of general health and fitness (external candidates)
Please note: Those with equivalent qualifications are encouraged to apply, the RFS will review and determine eligibility on a case-by-case basis.
You may be required to undertake further professional development depending on your existing qualifications and experience in accordance with the essential requirements of the role.
If you are interested in finding out more about this opportunity, please access the role description and our organisation structure
Note: As per the role description, candidates are required to meet minimum essential requirements. If you do not meet the essential requirements for this role, your application may not progress to shortlisting.
Why work for us?
* Operational uniform available
* Attractive leave entitlements including 4 weeks annual leave per year, plus more
* Free access to our Member Assistance Program (MAP) for all RFS members, and their immediate family
* Salary packaging options available
* One 'Agreed Absence' leave day per calendar month
* Ongoing learning and professional development programs (RFS is a Registered Training Organisation giving you access to various internal courses)
* Partnership with Fitness Passport for eligible RFS staff and their families to access more than 845 gyms and pools!
To embark on your RFS journey:
To be considered for this opportunity, you must submit your application by clicking 'Apply Now' through the relevant advertisement on RFS Careers, and attach:
* A cover letter in PDF format, addressing how you meet the essential requirements of the role, outlining your suitability and why you are interested in this opportunity;
* A resume in PDF format, including two current/recent professional referees (please include email address and contact number)
Candidates are encouraged to prepare their applications independently to ensure they accurately reflect their skills and experience. The Rural Fire Service values authentic, original responses that reflect individual perspectives and alignment with its values and priorities. Skills, knowledge, and capability will be assessed and verified through the capability assessment process.
Please submit your application no later than 11:55pm Wednesday 18 March 2026.
Important recruitment Information
* A recruitment (talent) pool may be created through this recruitment process to fill future ongoing, temporary, casual and term, full time or part time opportunities.
* We value a diverse and inclusive workplace and are committed to ensuring our employees represent the diversity of communities that we serve.
* If you require an adjustment during the recruitment process, please include any details that you are comfortable sharing during the application process, alternatively, you can reach out to the role expert to discuss.
* The recruitment process may involve a range of assessment activities to determine your capabilities for the role (aligning to the NSW PSC Capability Framework). The Capability application tool is designed to help job applicants understand and use the NSW Public Sector Capability Framework when applying for jobs with the NSW government. Additional checks for successful applicants will include referee checks and criminal history checks.
Learn more about how RFS members support communities across NSW below
Vacancy Reference: R26-082
This may not be the role for you, however you can check out other vacancies in the RFS here, or consider volunteering with your local Brigade.