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 Area Operations is responsible for leading the delivery of all NSW Rural Fire Service responsibilities across Areas and Districts to protect life, property and the environment from bush and other fires/emergencies. Within this, the Director will develop and deliver an engaged and capable community-centred fire and emergency service which will prevent, mitigate and suppress bush and other fires.

Reporting to the Deputy Commissioner, Field Operations and leading a team of six direct reports, the Director Area Operations will ensure the development of operational capability and capacity to prepare for and deliver effective coordinated bush firefighting when required. This role will ensure appropriate and compliant resource management, bush fire mitigation and capability building whilst they lead the development and execution of effective Bush Fire Risk Management Plans and ensure appropriate uptake throughout the organisation. In addition, this role will lead a continued focus on community-centred engagement and resilience building to better support communities.

The Director Area Operations will work collaboratively with the broader Executive team and internal stakeholders and be accountable for critical and complex decision making related to operations, strategic and business management.

This role requires flexibility to work across both Glendenning and Sydney Olympic Park (HQ) locations.

Our ideal candidate
For this role we are seeking a proven senior leader with a thorough understanding of fire and emergency arrangements and extensive multi-agency operational management experience.

You will need to be able to work collaboratively to continually uplift the capability of staff and empower the broader team. It is a requirement to be able to work holistically across the NSW RFS and engage all stakeholders appropriately to improve operational efficiency. Additionally, a genuine appreciation and understanding of a volunteer workforce is highly advantageous.

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

• A Degree in a relevant discipline (e.g. Emergency Management, Management).
• Significant emergency management leadership experience at a senior level.
• Proven track record of developing high performing and engaged 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 #05

To apply, please submit your current CV and a 1-2 page cover letter via email to [email protected] quoting job reference #05. 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.