OPERATIONAL OFFICER LEVEL 2

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: Dareton (flexible working arrangements considered)

Looking for more information?

Why not reach out to our role expert, Stephen Walker, District Manager, for a confidential chat on 0428 598 376 or via Stephen.Walker@rfs.nsw.gov.au.

Join Our Team: Protect, Serve, and Make a Difference!

We are the Rural Fire Service (RFS), a dedicated community of volunteers providing fire and emergency services to approximately 95% of NSW. When you work with the RFS, you join a passionate team committed to protecting our neighbours, the wider community, and the environment from the threat of bushfires and other emergencies. With over 70,000 volunteer members and staff, we embody the spirit of mutual respect, support, friendship, and camaraderie. We are one team with many players, united by a single purpose. If you share our passion for community service and environmental protection, we want to hear from you! Become a part of our mission to safeguard lives and our cherished NSW landscapes.

What you’ll be doing:

Based in Dareton within the Lower Western District, this role offers a unique opportunity to make a tangible difference to some of the most diverse and expansive communities across New South Wales. Supporting operational readiness, emergency management activities and volunteer brigades, you will play a key role in helping the NSW Rural Fire Service deliver critical services that protect people, property and the environment.

Working closely with volunteers, staff, partner agencies and local communities, you'll contribute to a broad range of operational activities, from planning and coordination through to supporting emergency response capability and community resilience initiatives. This is an exciting opportunity for a motivated professional who enjoys variety, thrives in a collaborative environment and is passionate about supporting volunteers and making a positive impact in regional and remote communities.

Our ideal candidate:

• The ideal candidate is a proactive and adaptable operational professional who is passionate about supporting communities and volunteers in a fast-paced emergency services environment. 
• They possess strong communication and stakeholder engagement skills, demonstrate sound judgement and problem-solving ability and can effectively manage competing priorities while maintaining a high standard of service delivery.
• They are a collaborative team member with experience applying policies, procedures and risk management principles to achieve operational outcomes.
• Resilient, accountable and customer-focused, they can analyse information, make informed decisions and build positive relationships with volunteers, staff and external stakeholders.
• An appreciation of the volunteer-based nature of the Rural Fire Service and a commitment to continuous improvement will enable them to successfully contribute to community safety and operational excellence.

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

• RFS Crew Leader Supervision qualification
• RFS Level 2 Principal or Assistant IMT Qualification
• Certificate IV in a relevant discipline or equivalent expertise
• 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/Corporate 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!

Other Benefits: 

• Limited free onsite car parking available
• Remote Area Allowance may be applicable
• 5 weeks annual leave for Western Zone location may be applicable
• Annualised Conditions Allowance may apply 
  
  

Make the Move to Regional NSW!

This role is located in Regional NSW, which means you’re eligible for The Welcome Experience! The Welcome Experience is a FREE service to help essential workers and their families move to regional NSW with ease. From finding housing and childcare to helping your partner find employment and connecting with the local community, they offer personalised, concierge-like support tailored to your needs.

Discover what life is like in Regional NSW – explore The Welcome Experience and register today!

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):
  • Describe a time when you built and maintained effective relationships with a range of stakeholders, including volunteers, community members, or partner agencies. What was your approach, and what was the outcome?
  • This role requires balancing competing priorities in a dynamic operational environment. Provide an example of a situation where you had to manage multiple tasks or urgent demands simultaneously. How did you prioritise your work, and what results did you achieve?

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 Sunday 8 November 2026.

Important recruitment Information

• A recruitment (talent) pool for South Western 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 8 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: R26-359

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