Chief Fire Officer (Executive Director, Forest and Fire Operations)

About Us

The Department of Energy, Environment and Climate Action, through the Bushfire and Forest Services portfolio (BFS) is the direct public land manager for 3.2 million hectares of state forest and leads the preparation for, and response to, fire and other emergencies across approximately 8 million hectares of public land. The Chief Fire Officer leads the Forest and Fire Operations Division (FFOD), reports to the Deputy Secretary BFS, and is accountable to the Secretary for fire prevention, preparedness, response and recovery under the Forests Act 1958.

This is a rare opportunity to lead one of the State's most consequential land and fire management portfolios. The role carries a high public and media profile, includes membership of Victoria's State Control Team, and involves regular travel and field engagement.

The Opportunity

• Lead integrated forest, fire and emergency management, including planned burning, roading, recreation, cultural heritage, and pest and weed management.
• Guide the full risk cycle – prevention, preparedness, response and recovery – with fuel management as central as bushfire response.
• Partner across the land management and emergency services ecosystem – and provide key custodianship to the strategic activities for effective land management and keeping Victorian communities safe.
• Advance Traditional Owner-led cultural burning and build a safety-first, high-performing culture across a large, dispersed and seasonal workforce.
• Serve as the public voice of DEECA's land and fire management, and provide trusted advice to the Minister, Secretary and Deputy Secretary.

What We're Looking For

• Experience in land, forest or park management, or transferable experience from another discipline.
• Experience in fire or other forms of emergency management, with an appreciation of fire activities as part of broader land management strategy.
• Proven leadership of large teams in complex, high-stakes operating environments.
• A sound understanding of public sector governance and accountability, and the ability to manage strategic and operational risk.
• Strong governance and political acumen, with an understanding of the levers of government.
• A genuinely participative, system-first approach to work in harmony with DEECA, Victorian Government and emergency management arrangements.
• Demonstrated success in building a strong safety culture.
• A confident, trusted public voice, at ease with the media, and highly capable of serving as a spokesperson during periods of crisis and response.

This is a fixed term position available for a period of up to 5 years. The work location for this position is flexible within Victoria with hybrid work arrangements available.

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.

For further information, please refer to the attached position description or call Dean Unkles, Managing Director, Peter William Partners on +61 433 822 718 or email dean.unkles@peterwilliampartners.com. Please note that for this vacancy, all applications will be screened by Peter William Partners.

Applications close at midnight on Wednesday, 18 November 2026.

Other relevant information:

Preferred candidates will be required to undertake pre-employment screening, including a Declaration and Consent form and a National Police Check.  

Preferred candidates will be required to:

• undertake pre-employment screening, including completion of a Declaration and Consent form and a National Police Check
• hav e their misconduct declarations validated, irrespective of whether misconduct has been declared or not
• provide at least two appropriate referees, including their current direct line manager or where relevant (i.e. because they are not employed) most recent direct line manager in accordance with the requirements set out in executive reference checks.
• provide evidence of their right to work in Australia

For more information about the pre-screening requirements for this position, please refer to the position description.

To be eligible for appointment to this role, applicants will possess corresponding work rights for the advertised employment period.

A Diverse, Inclusive 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.