NSW Rural Fire Service
Reference number 492696 Occupation Emergency Response, Emergency Services Support Work type Full-Time Location Cameron Park Salary Information Including salary ($101,284 - $111,757 pa) and employers contribution to superannuation. The commencing salary for the successful candidate will be considered in line with their skills and experience. Closing date 25 March 2026 at 11:55pm
OPERATIONAL OFFICER LEVEL 2 (FIRE TRAILS)
(CAMERON PARK)
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: Cameron Park
* Limited free onsite car parking available
Looking for more information? Why not reach out to our role expert, Paul Best, Manager Community Risk, for a confidential chat on 0427 298 477 or via email at .
What you’ll be doing: Operating within the Community Risk function and spanning the geographically diverse Hunter Area Command, the Operational Officer Level 2 (Fire Trails) role focuses on a critical component of bush fire mitigation: ensuring safe, reliable access for emergency services. Properly planned and maintained fire trails improve firefighter response times, support hazard reduction operations, and strengthen community preparedness and resilience.
In this role, you will provide strategic leadership to implement Fire Access Fire Trails (FAFT) plans by coordinating the inspection, maintenance, and upgrade of fire trails in line with NSW RFS Fire Trail Standards. You will also oversee the delivery of FAFT projects, monitor contractor performance, and use project management systems to track progress and communicate delays, and collaborate with Districts to ensure all trails listed in the FAFT plan are inspected and accurately reported.
Working with private landholders under fire trail agreements, assisting to address fire trail condition complaints, supporting stakeholders with funding applications and ensuring expenditure aligns with government policy mean strong stakeholder engagement skills are essential to your success in this role.
As a Fire Trails Officer, you will gain exposure to a wide range of mitigation and operational activities, work across multiple districts with multidisciplinary NSW RFS teams, and contribute directly to community safety and emergency response capability.
Key Responsibilities
As the OpO 2 Fire Trails Officer, you will:
* Oversee and coordinate the maintenance, upgrade and construction of fire access and management trails
* Plan and schedule annual and multi year fire trail programs
* Ensure all trails meet NSW RFS Fire Trail Standards
* Work closely with landowners, contractors, District staff, internal specialists, councils, and other government agencies
* Monitor contractor performance, on site work quality, safety compliance, and environmental considerations
* Conduct on-ground inspections, mapping, data validation and reporting to support project planning
* Contribute to district level mitigation strategies and broader community risk reduction initiatives
* Maintain accurate records in corporate systems, including trail data, project progress, and compliance reporting
To be successful in this role, you will have:
* Strong project coordination skills and the ability to manage multiple active worksites
* Excellent communication and relationship building capabilities
* Confidence working across varied terrain and participating in on ground fire trail activities
* The ability to engage respectfully and professionally with landowners and key stakeholders
* Strong administrative and record keeping skills, and an ability to navigate corporate systems
* An understanding of grant funding, cost management, or contractor procurement (advantageous)
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!
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 a targeted question within the online application process (maximum 500 words):
o Provide an example of how you have made a project process more efficient. What was the improvement, and how did you confirm it was effective?
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 Wednesday 25 March 2026.
Important recruitment Information
* A recruitment (talent) pool for Hunter 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: R26-089
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.