OPERATIONAL OFFICER LEVEL 2
(RISK PLANNING OFFICER)
If you are interested in working for a highly regarded emergency service agency and supporting local communities, a role in our OpO Program could be for you!
The Rural Fire Service (RFS) is the lead agency for bush fire management and mitigation in NSW. Fighting fires and protecting the community from emergencies is what we do!
The Operational Officer (OpO) Program is a RFS initiative to create and encourage a mobile and agile workforce across the state. The program is a unique opportunity to gain experience in a wide range of RFS activities in district and regional roles, as well as other specialised sections across the organisation. The role provides a broad range of services in a team environment that lead to better protection of the community from bush fires and other emergencies.
This opportunity offers:
* Ongoing employment
* Full time role & 35 hour working week
* RFS Level 6/7
* Attractive annual salary $101,284 - $111,757 p.a. plus 12% superannuation
* Location: Albury, South Western Area Command (flexible working arrangements considered)
* Limited free onsite car parking available
Looking for more information?
Why not reach out to our role expert, Bradley Zerbes, Manager Community Risk, for a confidential chat on 0455 838 173 or via email on .
What you'll be doing:
The Operational Officer Level 2 role plays a key part in supporting the Rural Fire Service's mission to protect communities and the environment from bush fires and other emergencies. Working within a dynamic operational team, the role contributes to a wide range of activities that strengthen community preparedness, reduce risk, and support effective emergency response. The position provides high-level operational and organisational support across district, area, or state functions, ensuring members are well-equipped, trained, and prepared to respond to incidents. This role also contributes to the development of procedures, coordinates operational activities, maintains critical systems and information, and provides expert advice to support decision-making in a fast-paced emergency services environment. Through collaboration with volunteers, staff, and partner agencies, the Operational Officer Level 2 helps deliver outcomes that enhance community resilience and uphold the high standards of service expected of the Rural Fire Service.
Our ideal candidate:
The ideal candidate for the Operational Officer Level 2 role is a proactive and collaborative professional who is passionate about protecting communities and supporting a volunteer-based emergency service. They will demonstrate strong operational knowledge, sound decision-making skills, and the ability to interpret complex or incomplete information to develop practical solutions in dynamic environments. With a strong focus on community safety, the candidate will have experience coordinating field operations, applying risk management principles, and supporting emergency response activities. They will be a confident communicator who works effectively with volunteers, staff, and partner agencies, and who understands the unique challenges of operating within a volunteer-based organisation. The successful candidate will also display resilience, integrity, and accountability while maintaining high standards of service delivery and compliance with organisational policies and legislative requirements.
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!
This role is 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 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)
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 29 March 2026.
Important recruitment Information
* A recruitment (talent) pool for South Western Area Command roles (only) 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: R26-090
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.