The organisation
The NSW Rural Fire Service (RFS) is a frontline service delivery agency of significant standing, our focus is on the protection of our community and environment. We are the world’s largest volunteer firefighting service, with over 70,000 members, proudly built on a strong tradition of service, trust, resilience, respect, and teamwork. For over 100 years RFS have been a vital part of the community, working hard to protect life, property and the environment from bush fires and other emergencies.

When you join the RFS you know you are part of something special, where they are here for the community – with heart, humanity, and an enduring promise to serve.

The opportunity
The Director Aviation is a newly created executive leadership role responsible for leading the development of aviation and associated programs which will enhance the operational capabilities of the RFS, including fixed-wing, rotary-wing and ground-based functions. This role will involve developing and delivering training to support operational management, thus ensuring improved protection for the community from bush fires and other emergencies.

Reporting to the Deputy Commissioner, Operational Coordination and leading a team of two direct reports, the Director Aviation will drive the operational and strategic integration of specialist aviation capabilities across the organisation to ensure the effective support emergency operations. This role will manage the RFS-owned and contracted aviation resources, enhance safety practices and define and implement a future focused management strategy to optimise resource allocation and operational efficiency.

The Director, Aviation will work collaboratively to provide strategic expert advice whilst cultivating and strengthening relationships with key stakeholders, including operators, industry groups partner agencies and regulatory authorities.

Our ideal candidate
For this role we are seeking an adaptive and experienced senior leader with a proven track record in managing aviation operations, ideally within a firefighting or broader emergency services environment.

The ability to understand the nuances of aviation related support and how it is applicable to high risk, emergency management will be critical, and an understanding of volunteer-based community services is highly advantageous. Additionally, you will need to have had exposure to conducting media briefings and press conferences, whilst bringing a sound understanding of aviation industry regulations and contractual processes.

To be eligible for consideration for this role you must have:

• A Degree or Graduate Certificate in a relevant discipline
• Demonstrated track record within the aviation industry and an understanding of regulatory environment is advantageous.
• Significant experience in senior leadership and management of high performing teams.
• During periods of major fire activity, the incumbent may be required to support operational management activities consistent with their skills and background.

For a confidential discussion, please contact Jess Lewy or Simon Wybenga of The Orchard Talent Group via email [email protected] quoting job reference #03

To apply, please submit your current CV and a 1-2 page cover letter via email to [email protected] quoting job reference #03. Please note applicants must have a legal right to work in Australia.
Please submit your application no later than 11:59pm Wednesday 11th June 2025. Please note a concurrent executive search is underway through Orchard Talent Group.

Recruitment Information – NSW Rural Fire Service

• We value a diverse and inclusive workplace and actively promote the employment of women, people with a disability, Aboriginal people, LGBTIQA+ and people from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds.
• 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.
• A recruitment (talent) pool may be created through this recruitment process.

The Orchard Talent Group acknowledges the Traditional Custodians of the land on which we work. We pay our respect to their Elders past, present and emerging, for they hold the memories, traditions, culture and hopes of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.