Operational Officer Level 3 (RPC)

 

OPERATIONAL OFFICER LEVEL 3

(RISK PLANNING COORDINATOR)

 

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 Level8/9
• Attractive annual salary $118,562 - $131,233 p.a. plus 12% superannuation
• Location: Cameron Park (hybrid/flexible working arrangements considered)
• Limited free onsite car parking available

 

Looking for more information?

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

Leanne.Bell@rfs.nsw.gov.au

 or 0499 585 102.

 

What you’ll be doing:

Hunter Area Command has a rare opportunity for a strategic and community-focused risk planning and emergency management professional to join the team at Cameron Park.

As a Risk Planning Coordinator (Operational Officer Level 3), you will lead the delivery of Bush Fire Risk Management Plans and Fire Trail Plans across the diverse and dynamic Hunter region. Working closely with local councils, emergency services, government agencies and our dedicated volunteers, you will play a key role in reducing bush fire risk before emergencies occur.
Bridging the gap between strategic planning and on-the-ground mitigation activities, you will oversee and coordinate the work of Area Risk Planning and Fire Trails Officers, collaborate with Area Mitigation teams, and provide guidance and support to the broader team to ensure hazard reduction programs target the highest-risk areas and deliver meaningful community outcomes.

Community engagement is critical to this role. You will build and maintain strong relationships with a wide range of stakeholders, translating complex risk information into practical and accessible advice. Your ability to communicate effectively, influence outcomes and foster relationships grounded in trust and respect will contribute to safer and more resilient communities across the Hunter region.
This is an opportunity to make a tangible difference in community safety across one of NSW's most diverse regions. You'll work alongside passionate professionals and volunteers who are committed to reducing bush fire risk and building more resilient communities, while developing your own leadership and strategic planning skills within a respected emergency service organisation.

To thrive in this role, you will have:

• Strong communication skills, with the ability to translate complex technical information for diverse audiences.
• A proactive, adaptable and solutions-focused approach to planning and problem solving.
• A commitment to delivering high-quality customer service and building positive stakeholder relationships.
• Demonstrated experience in planning and implementing bush fire risk mitigation strategies, including complex hazard reduction planning and hazard complaint management.
• Proven ability to manage competing priorities, make sound decisions and effectively coordinate and delegate workloads.
• Demonstrated ability to lead, mentor, coach and support others to achieve results in a complex and evolving environment.
• Strong stakeholder engagement and collaboration skills, with experience working across organisations to achieve shared outcomes.
• Experience using systems such as Guardian, Noggin, OCA or ServiceNow, and current Hazard Management Officer (HMO) and/or Certificate Issuing Officer (CIO) qualifications, will be highly regarded.

To be considered for these opportunities, you will need to provide evidence of:

• RFS Group Leader qualification or the equivalent National Units of Competency (PUAOPE016 and PUAOPE023)
• Diploma in a relevant discipline (i.e. Emergency Management, Project Management, Leadership) or equivalent expertise
• Level 2 Principal IMT qualification in Planning, Operations or Logistics
• A current Driver Licence and the willingness and ability to travel
• Completion of an Operational Officer Medical Assessment certifying the required level of general health and fitness (external candidates)

Please note: Those with equivalent qualifications are encouraged to apply, the RFS will review and determine eligibility on a case-by-case basis. 

You may be required to undertake further professional development depending on your existing qualifications and experience in accordance with the essential requirements of the role.

 

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):
  • Tell us about resolving a complaint or conflict with a stakeholder or colleague. What was your approach to resolve matters?
  • What is your leadership style? Share an example where it led to team success.

 

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 30th September 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.

Vacancy Reference: R26-303

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.

 

Learn more about how RFS members support communities across NSW below