Operational Officer Level 2 (Risk Planning Officer)

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 $104,323 - $115,110 p.a. plus 12% superannuation
• Location: Cameron Park, Hunter Area Command (hybrid/flexible working arrangements considered)
• Limited free onsite car parking is available

Please note: Multiple Operational Officer Level 2 roles are currently being advertised across the Hunter Area, located at East Maitland, Charmhaven and Cameron Park. Candidates interested in more than one opportunity should review each advertisement and submit a separate application for each role they wish to be considered for.

Looking for more information?

Why not reach out to our role expert, Leanne Bell, Acting Manager Community Risk, for a confidential chat on 0499 585 102 or via

Leanne.Bell@rfs.nsw.gov.au

What you’ll be doing:

The NSW Rural Fire Service is looking for an Operational Officer Level 2 to join the Area Command Community Risk team.

As the Community Risk Planning Officer, you will help communities reduce bush fire risk before emergencies occur. Working closely with volunteers, other government agencies, councils, land managers and local communities you will support bush fire risk planning, preparedness and mitigation activities.

Your experience in community risk, land use planning, environmental management, emergency management, hazard reduction or bush fire mitigation will help you succeed in this important role.

Some of your key responsibilities will include:

• Identifying and assessing bush fire risks across local communities, landscapes and assets
• Supporting the development and maintenance of Bush Fire Risk Management Plans
• Working with Bush Fire Management Committees and partner agencies to support risk management initiatives
• Supporting hazard reduction planning and community protection activities
• Providing advice on bush fire risk, planning requirements and mitigation options
• Coordinating projects, reporting and community risk outcomes
• Maintaining records and using RFS systems in line with policies and procedures

Our ideal candidate:

We’re looking for someone who is organised, confident communicating with a diverse range of stakeholders, and able to build strong working relationship. You have strong project management skills, experience preparing reports, and the ability to review complex information, identify risks and recommend practical actions.

For this role, we are especially interested in candidates with:

• Current HMO/CIO qualifications
• Experience using Guardian, Noggin, OCA or ServiceNow
• Experience handling hazard complaints
• Experience issuing hazard reduction certificates

This is a great opportunity to use your risk, planning and stakeholder skills to help communities prepare for and reduce the impact of bush fires and other emergencies.

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 two targeted questions within the online application process (maximum 500 words each):
  • Please outline how your skills, experience and capabilities align with the requirements of the Operational Officer Level 2 role. In your response, also describe what you consider to be your greatest professional strength and how it would contribute to your success in this position.
  • Share an example of how you have improved or simplified a process using technology. What changed, and how did you determine its effectiveness?

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 Monday 17 August 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.
• Failure to submit requested information relating to qualifications and equivalent expertise may result in your application being deemed unsuccessful.
• Shortlisted external applicants will be required to undergo a medical assessment (medical costs will be covered by RFS).
• Successful applicants will be supported to attend a paid Induction course over a 6 week period at the RFS State Training Academy located in Dubbo.
• 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: R26-235

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.