Operational Communications Officer - Talent Pool

Join the Operational Communications Centre team at the Rural Fire Service Headquarters. The Centre operates 24/7 providing high-level communications support to our 44 Rural Fire Districts across NSW in the form of call receipt and dispatch. Additionally, the role assists our State Operations Centre with the administration and coordination of large campaigns or complex incidents throughout NSW. We are looking to create a recruitment (talent) pool through this process to fill potential upcoming future ongoing, temporary, and casual vacancies within the next 18 months.

This opportunity offers:

• Opportunities available to work full-time or casually on a varied or rotating roster
• RFS Level B
• Attractive annual salary $75,728 - $82,329 p.a. plus 12% superannuation
• In addition to salary, ongoing and temporary roles also attract a shift penalty allowance of 26.14%
• Limited free onsite parking is available
• Location: Sydney Olympic Park (RFS State Headquarters)

Looking for more information?
Check out our FAQ's, or reach out to Scott Deller, Manager Operational Response, for a confidential chat on 0477 649 927 or via email at scott.deller@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:
In the Operator role, you will be responsible for receiving, assessing, processing and dispatching resources to emergency and routine requests for assistance, including fire incidents, motor vehicle accidents and other hazards.

The team also processes the Bush Fire Information Line (BFIL) and AIDER program requests, while providing critical support functions within the State Operations Centre. The role requires the timely dissemination of accurate information, dispatch of appropriate resources, and ongoing monitoring of incidents through effective telephone and radio communications, alongside precise data entry and system management.

As our ideal candidate, you will demonstrate the ability to remain calm, adaptable and focused in a high-pressure, fast-paced environment. You will be confident managing multiple tasks simultaneously, prioritising competing demands and making sound decisions under time constraints.

Strong computer literacy, together with highly developed communication and customer service skills, will be essential to effectively coordinate information, support operational response activities and engage professionally with a broad range of stakeholders.

Operational Communications Centre
Our centre can accommodate a team of up to 25 operators and 5 senior operators, who work on a varied and rotating roster, which includes night shifts, weekends and public holidays.

Ongoing Operators
Ongoing operators work on a varied and rotating roster. A standard shift pattern is 12 hours and may start from:

• Day Shift: 6:00 AM to 6:00 PM
• Night Shift: 6:00PM to 6:00 AM

Casual Operators
Our casual operators have access to our rostering system app, where available shifts will be posted. Casual hourly salary range includes $41.47 - $45.08 per hour, plus 12% superannuation and casual loading.

Induction
Prior to commencing employment, successful candidates will be required to attend a paid induction program (2 weeks). Induction is scheduled upon activation of candidates from the Recruitment (Talent) Pool.

If you are interested in finding out more about this opportunity, please access the below role description:

• Operational Communications Officer

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!

You'll also get to enjoy: 

• Easy access to Sydney Olympic Park Train Station, bus services and parking facilities
• Local eateries and childcare facilities
• Sydney Olympic Park Entertainment and Sports Precinct, including Accor Stadium, Qudos Bank Arena, Sydney Showgrounds, and Bicentennial Park
• Eligible staff are invited to join the local Sydney Olympic Park Connected Membership program, at an additional cost
  
  

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 as listed in the attached role description, 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 one targeted question within the online application process (maximum 500 words):
  • Tell us about a time when sharing information with others was critical to achieving a good outcome. How did you ensure everyone involved had the information they needed?

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 19th July 2026.

Important recruitment Information

• A recruitment (talent) pool may be created through this recruitment process to fill future ongoing, temporary, casual and term, full time or part time opportunities.
• 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: R26-199

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.