AREA COMMANDER
This opportunity offers:
* Ongoing employment
* Two full time roles available & 35 hour working week
* RFS Level 12/13 with an attractive annual salary $151,756- $175,507 p.a. plus 12% superannuation
* In addition to salary, an Annualised Conditions Allowance of up to 15% may apply
* Locations: Tamworth (Area Command North Western), Cowra (Area Western)
* Hybrid/flexible working arrangements considered
Looking for more information?
Why not reach out to our role expert, Jayson McKellar, Director Area Operations (Northern), for a confidential chat on or email
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 We're Looking For:
We're seeking a capable and confident leader who can guide people and operations through complexity and change. You'll manage diverse teams across multiple Districts, make sound decisions under pressure, coordinate effectively across teams and agencies, and maintain a clear focus on community safety. You demonstrate due diligence in all aspects of leadership, from safety and workplace to responsible financial stewardship.
You understand the realities of emergency management and the importance of supporting volunteers. You're practical, collaborative, and able to lead with both authority and respect, holding yourself and others to account. You know how to build trust, communicate clearly, and keep people focused, even in challenging situations.
You also understand the role of Area Commands in leading our Districts - ensuring a high level of consistency, standardisation, and coordinated service delivery, in a decentralised workplace. You'll work closely with District Managers to help them focus on prevention, mitigation, and response, while promoting positive volunteer participation and sustainable membership.
You'll bring:
* Solid experience in emergency services or public safety leadership.
* A strong understanding of volunteer-based organisations and how to support them effectively.
* The ability to manage resources, lead teams, and coordinate multi-agency operations.
* Experience working across districts or regions to deliver consistent outcomes.
* A clear commitment to due diligence, strong safety leadership, and responsible financial management.
* A commitment to excellence in service delivery to our customers and stakeholders.
* Relevant qualifications in emergency management, leadership, public safety, or another relevant discipline.
* A current Driver's Licence and willingness to travel frequently.
This role suits someone decisive, grounded, and committed to making a real difference in the safety, capability, and resilience of NSW communities.
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
Make the Move to Regional NSW
These roles are located in Regional NSW, which means you're eligible for The Welcome Experience The Welcome Experience is a FREE service to help essential workers and their families move to regional NSW with ease. From finding housing and childcare to helping your partner find employment and connecting with the local community, they offer personalised, concierge-like support tailored to your needs.
Discover what life is like in Regional NSW - explore The Welcome Experience and register today
To ignite your RFS journey:
To be considered for this opportunity, you must submit your application via
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)
Please submit your application no later than 11:55pm Monday 5 January 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: R25-347
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.