Forest and Fire Operations Officer - Field Team Leader

Want to lead a team that helps protect Victoria's forests, communities and public land?

As a Field Team Leader, you'll lead crews delivering on-ground forest, fire and land management programs that make a real difference across Victoria. From maintaining roads, recreation sites and forest assets to supporting planned burns and bushfire response operations, no two days are the same. Working within a highly skilled operational team, you'll coordinate field activities, mentor staff and help ensure projects are delivered safely, efficiently and to a high standard.

What you'll do

Lead and support field-based operational crews.

Coordinate forest, fire and public land management activities.

Contribute to bushfire preparedness, response and recovery operations.

Mentor team members and help build a positive team culture.

Work with local communities, contractors and partner agencies to deliver outcomes across public land.

About you

You're a practical leader who enjoys working outdoors, supporting people and solving real-world challenges.

Experience in land management, forestry, parks, agriculture, emergency management or a related operational field will be highly regarded.

Why join us?

Meaningful work with a direct impact on Victorian communities and the environment.

A diverse mix of field leadership, land management and emergency response.

Opportunities to develop specialist skills and gain recognised operational accreditations.

A supportive team culture built on safety, teamwork and continuous improvement.

Specialist/Technical Expertise/Qualifications

Demonstrated knowledge or experience and understanding in leading field work delivery teams is highly desirable.

Demonstrated knowledge or experience and understanding in natural resource management, preferably with good knowledge of forest management/forest operations.

Ability to achieve accreditation and maintain competencies in Crew Leader/Operations Officer Level 1.

If you're looking for a role where your leadership, practical skills and commitment to community can make a lasting impact, we'd love to hear from you.

This is an ongoing position. The work location for this position is Marysville.

To be considered for this position, applicants are encouraged to submit a resume and cover letter (no longer than 2 pages) summarising their skills and relevant experience.

Please refer to the Key Selection Criteria provided in the Position Description , including the mandatory requirements.

How to Apply:

If you are a current DEECA employee, please apply via DEECA Careers.

Applications close 11.59pm on Thursday, 23 July 2026.

All applications must be submitted through the online portal. We are unable to consider email or manual applications at this time.

Other relevant information:

Preferred candidates will be required to undertake pre-employment screening, including a Declaration and Consent form and a Nationally Coordinated Criminal History Check.

To be eligible for appointment to this role, applicants will possess corresponding work rights for the advertised employment period. Appointment to an ongoing position is only available to an Australian/New Zealand citizen or an Australian Permanent Resident.

An inclusive, culturally safe and flexible workplace

DEECA fosters an inclusive workplace culture and is committed to a fair, accessible, and equitable recruitment process.

We strongly encourage Aboriginal and or Torres Strait Islander people to apply. We recognise the strengths, knowledge and perspectives First Nations people bring and DEECA is committed to a culturally safe and respectful workplace. If you need support to participate, please contact aboriginal.employment@deeca.vic.gov.au .

We support flexible working arrangements, including hybrid work, varied hours, part-time work and job sharing. For more information about our recruitment processes, visit applying for a role with us .