Assistant Director Strategic Planning - Bushfire
Full-time Temporary with a Possibility of Permanency
Details: Are you ready to make a meaningful impact in one of the most critical areas of emergency management? Join the ACT Rural Fire Service (ACTRFS) as our Assistant Director Strategic Planning – Bushfire, where your work will directly contribute to safeguarding communities and strengthening resilience across the Territory.
The Assistant Director Strategic Planning – Bushfire plays a critical role in supporting the Director, Strategic Bushfire Management Plan (SBMP) in the development and delivery of strategic and operational plans, as well as capability development and assurance programs. This position is central to enabling operational leadership in delivering the SBMP under the ACT Emergency Plan, ensuring that bushfire preparedness and response arrangements are strategically aligned and effectively implemented.
In this role, you will contribute to the development of programs, policies, and administrative systems that underpin ACT Rural Fire Service (ACTRFS) operations. This includes supporting planning activities and strengthening incident response capability across the organisation. The position requires a strong focus on integrating strategic priorities with operational needs to enhance the effectiveness of bushfire management across the ACT.
Key tasks include:
* Lead the ACTRFS planning function, including development and governance of strategic and operational plans
* Develop and implement policies, procedures and programs to support bushfire management and emergency response
* Oversee risk reduction initiatives and contribute to national and cross jurisdictional projects, including the Australian Fire Danger Rating System
* Provide high level strategic advice and prepare complex briefings and reports
* Build and maintain strong relationships with volunteers, stakeholders and partner agencies
* Represent ACTRFS at local and national forums and working groups
* Contribute to operational responses in accordance with legislative responsibilities
The ideal candidate will be highly organised, detail-oriented, and capable of translating plans into action while ensuring compliance with relevant policies and procedures. They will be self-motivated, adaptable, and responsive to evolving business needs, demonstrating initiative and sound judgement in a dynamic and operationally focused environment.
We are committed to creating an inclusive environment where people with diverse thoughts, lived experience, and perspectives can thrive and contribute their unique talents to the ACTPS and ACT community. We encourage Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, people with disability, people with culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds, veterans, younger and older workers, and people with diverse genders, sexes and sexualities to apply.
Eligibility/Other requirements:
* An understanding of the emergency management environment, qualifications in planning, fire behaviour analyst (FBAN) or the Australasian Inter-service Incident Management System (AIIMS) are desirable.
* Background and Security clearance checks will be conducted including National Police Records Check.
* A minimum of a C class ACT Drivers' Licence is desirable.
* An annual fitness test will be required if participating in a fire ground role.
* To be eligible for permanent or temporary employment within the ACT Public Service (ACTPS) you must be an Australian citizen, a permanent resident or hold a valid work visa.
* If an officer no longer holds a visa that permits them to work in Australia, their employment with the ACT Public Service (ACTPS) will be terminated.
* Prior to commencing this role, a current registration issued under the Working with Vulnerable People (Background Checking) Act 2011 is required. For further information on Working with Vulnerable People registration refer to -Apply for or renew a WWVP registration - Access Canberra
Notes: This is a temporary position available from 01 July 2026 to 01 March 2027, with the possibility of extension up to 12 months and/or permanency. A Merit Pool will be established from this selection process and will be used to fill vacancies over the next 12 months. Selection may be based on application and referee reports only.
This position may be required to work after hours and at weekends, including attending meetings, local Unit visits through periods of operational response, and participation as Duty Officer may be required.
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