Manager Operational Response
This opportunity offers:
* Ongoing employment
* Full time role & 35 hour working week
* RFS Level 12/13
* Attractive annual salary $151,756 - $175,507 p.a. plus 12% superannuation
* In addition to salary, this role attracts an Annualised Conditions Allowance (ACA) up to 15%
* Location: Sydney Olympic Park, RFS State Headquarters (flexible working arrangements considered)
Looking for more information?
Why not reach out to our role expert, Viki Campbell, Director State Operations, for a confidential chat on 0428 959 *** or email *************@rfs.nsw.gov.au.
Join Our Team: Protect, Serve, and Make a Difference!
We are the Rural Fire Service (RFS), a dedicated community of volunteers providing fire and emergency services to approximately 95% of NSW. When you work with the RFS, you join a passionate team committed to protecting our neighbours, the wider community, and the environment from the threat of bushfires and other emergencies. With over 70,000 volunteer members and staff, we embody the spirit of mutual respect, support, friendship, and camaraderie. We are one team with many players, united by a single purpose. If you share our passion for community service and environmental protection, we want to hear from you! Become a part of our mission to safeguard lives and our cherished NSW landscapes.
What you’ll be doing:
The Manager, Operational Response provides strategic operational leadership for incident response within the RFS. They oversee a 24/7 state wide operational communications centre, coordinate key functions of the RFS State Operations Centre, determine strategic operational response doctrine, and work closely with ICT to ensure dispatch technology meets the operational needs of the RFS.
If you have experience leading 24/7 emergency dispatch teams in the fire and emergency management sector and a passion for supporting volunteers during incident responses, we would love to hear from you!
This role:
* Oversees the management of the RFS 24/7 Operational Communications Centre responsible for state wide incident dispatch and operation of the emergency alert messaging system.
* Coordinates the Bush Fire Information Line function including serge capabilities during peak operational periods.
* Collaborates closely with stakeholders to ensure systems, processes and staffing arrangements meets operational requirements.
* Engages collaboratively in a range of interagency, state and national level committees relating to emergency response arrangements.
* Develops and reviews all strategic operational response doctrine.
* Coordinates the series of multi agency pre-season briefings held across the state.
* Ensures the State Operations Centre is maintained in a state of operational readiness.
Our ideal candidate:
* A strong understanding of volunteer support within a community based organisation
* Experience in leading a 24/7 emergency call centre
* An understanding of Computer Aided Dispatch Systems
* Operational experience in the emergency sector, with Incident Management and NSW RFS qualifications highly regarded
* The ability to adapt to changing and emerging situations, with a positive, can do attitude
* A strategic thinker who can motivate and inspire a team
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!
You'll also get to enjoy:
* Easy access to Sydney Olympic Park Train Station, bus services and parking facilities
* Local eateries and childcare facilities
* Sydney Olympic Park Entertainment and Sports Precinct, including Accor Stadium, Qudos Bank Arena, Sydney Showgrounds, and Bicentennial Park
* Eligible staff are invited to join the local Sydney Olympic Park Connected Membership program, at an additional cost
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)
* Respond to two targeted questions within the online application process (maximum 500 words each):
o Can you describe a time where you had to balance a heavy workload in a fast-paced setting, whilst also leading a team. What strategies did you use to help you succeed?
o Tell us about your role in delivering a strategic initiative. What actions did you take, and what was the result?
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 Sunday 15 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: R26-071
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.