Area Commander
* Location: Coffs Harbour, Area Command North Eastern
* Salary: $151,756 - $175,507 p.a. + 12% superannuation
* Annualised Conditions Allowance up to 15%
* Full time, 35 hour working week
* Hybrid/flexible working arrangements considered
* RFS Level 12/13
Why Join Us
We are the Rural Fire Service (RFS), a dedicated community of volunteers and staff delivering fire and emergency services to approximately 95% of NSW. With over 70,000 members, we embody mutual respect, support, friendship, and camaraderie. If you share our passion for community service and environmental protection, we want to hear from you!
Contact
For more information, reach out to our role expert, Jayson McKellar, Director Area Operations (Northern), for a confidential chat on 0401 107 462 or email Jayson.McKellar@rfs.nsw.gov.au.
What We're Looking For
We're seeking a capable and confident leader who can guide people and operations through complexity and change. The role involves managing diverse teams across multiple districts, making sound decisions under pressure, coordinating effectively across teams and agencies, and maintaining a clear focus on community safety.
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.
As an Area Commander, you'll support and lead Districts to ensure consistency, standardisation, and coordinated service delivery in a decentralised workplace. You'll work closely with District Managers to help them focus on frontline, prevention, mitigation and response, while promoting positive volunteer participation and sustainable membership.
Skills & Experience
* Solid experience in emergency services or public safety leadership.
* 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.
* Commitment to excellence in service delivery to customers and stakeholders.
* Relevant qualifications in emergency management, leadership, public safety or another relevant discipline.
* Valid driver's licence and willingness to travel frequently.
Why Work For Us
* Operational uniform available
* Attractive leave entitlements, including 4 weeks annual leave per year and more
* Free access to our Member Assistance Program (MAP) for all RFS members and their immediate families
* Salary packaging options available
* One 'Agreed Absence' leave day per calendar month
* Ongoing learning and professional development programmes (RFS is a Registered Training Organisation)
* Partnership with Fitness Passport for eligible staff and their families to access over 845 gyms and pools!
Location & Move to Regional NSW
This role is located in Regional NSW, making you eligible for the Welcome Experience – a FREE service that assists essential workers and their families with housing, childcare, employment support, and community integration.
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, outlining your suitability and why you are interested.
* A resume in PDF format, including two current/recent professional referees (email address and contact number).
Please submit your application no later than 11:55pm Sunday 8 March 2026.
Important Recruitment Information
* A recruitment (talent) pool may be created through this process to fill future ongoing, temporary, casual and term opportunities.
* We value a diverse and inclusive workplace and are committed to ensuring our employees reflect the communities we serve.
* If you require an adjustment during the recruitment process, please include any details you are comfortable sharing.
* The recruitment process may involve assessment activities to determine your capabilities for the role, aligning to the NSW PSC Capability Framework. Additional checks for successful applicants will include referee checks and criminal history checks.
Vacancy Reference
R26-075
This may not be the role for you, but you can check out other vacancies in the RFS here or consider volunteering with your local Brigade.
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