Description
We are currently recruiting for a permanent Senior Bushfire Mitigation Specialist to join our team. This role can be based anywhere within our operational footprint.
The Senior Bushfire Mitigation Specialist is responsible for taking a lead role in supporting management to achieve the objectives of Essential Energy's Bushfire Prevention Strategy, including its development and implementation. The role provides high‑level specialist expertise to uplift network resilience, support asset management strategy, and ensure effective management of fire risk across our energy network, while contributing to broader natural hazard resilience initiatives.
This position works closely with internal stakeholders across the Asset and Operations Division to support strategic planning, performance improvement, research and analysis, and cross‑functional collaboration. The role requires a strong understanding of asset management systems, risk management principles, and bushfire prevention programs.
A strong understanding of engineering principles, fire behaviour trends, network infrastructure, and risk‑based decision making is critical, along with the ability to operate across complex technical, operational and strategic environments.
Key Responsibilities
* Responsible for the development and maintenance of network policies, plans, and strategies relating to bushfire prevention and network risk management.
* Provide advanced data analytics and data‑driven insights to identify trends and develop initiatives including business cases, trial programs and improvement recommendations.
* Conduct comprehensive research to develop consistent and robust metrics—covering lead and lag indicators—to track the effectiveness of strategies, plans, and policies.
* Provide expert advice on asset management approaches aligned with industry best practice and support enhanced network resilience.
* Offer specialised technical support to stakeholders across the business, including mentoring team members and supporting business continuity activities.
* Lead and support investigations of fire starts, including technical analysis of asset failures, and contribute to reporting for internal governance and external bodies.
* Manage the historical fire event register and produce required reports including annual fire reporting and BRWG/BRAP contributions.
* Monitor emerging technologies, research, standards, legislation and regulatory requirements to ensure best‑practice fire risk management.
* Support cross‑business engagement and syndication to implement required change and uplift network resilience initiatives.
About You
* Demonstrated experience in a similar role within the Energy, Electrical or Utilities industry.
* Knowledge of bushfire prevention strategies, network risk programs and relevant asset management practices.
* Experience in fire incident analysis, investigation processes and assessment of network‑related asset failures.
* Understanding of infrastructure resilience relating to natural hazards and the electricity network environment.
* Extensive experience working with asset management systems and frameworks, including risk‑based planning and strategic reporting.
* Experience preparing high‑level reports and presentations for senior management, including interpretation of technical and risk information.
* Proven stakeholder engagement skills and the ability to influence outcomes across internal and external partners.
* Exposure to ENSMS, IPART audit and reporting requirements is desirable.
* Strong analytical, research and problem‑solving skills with the ability to think strategically and develop innovative recommendations.
* Excellent communication skills, with proficiency in data analysis, risk management tools, and digital business systems.
Required Qualifications
* Bachelor Degree in Engineering, Asset Management, or demonstrated equivalent capability through past experience and/or relevant qualifications.
Desirable Qualifications
* Qualifications in Resilience and/or Fire Risk
* Qualifications in fire science or related fields
* Electrical/ powerline design or construction qualifications
Why Essential Energy
Essential Energy provides employees with a broad range of benefits through our corporate partnerships with organisations such as Qantas, Optus, NIB and Mildura Health Fund. You will also gain access to our Health and Wellbeing programs including Fitness Passport. Visit our employee benefits page for more information.
We are proud to be recognised as a WORK180 Endorsed Employer for All Women.
An energy network doesn't just keep the lights on — it's a living system that must adapt to new and emerging technologies while continuing to meet customer needs. At Essential Energy, your expertise will help support the efficient operations that underpin a safer, more resilient network for communities across our footprint.
For further information, please contact Dene Ward on
Applications close on Monday 26 January 2026 at 11:55pm AEST.
Passionate people. Global thinking. Regional heart. Building a better energy future.
Essential Energy is committed to building a culturally diverse and inclusive workplace and strongly encourages applicants to apply regardless of gender, age, ethnicity, sexual orientation, or disability.
As an organisation, our aim is to champion inclusivity in the workplace and celebrate the difference in all our employees.
At Essential Energy, we are committed to supporting adjustments throughout the recruitment and selection process, as well as during employment. To discuss adjustment requirements, please contact or call us on