Bush Fire Management Officer

Term Contract - Full-time – 12 months

Make a real difference in managing bush fire risk and protecting our community while conserving our unique natural landscapes

Greater workplace flexibility including hybrid working arrangements, 4-day condensed work week trial and 9-day fortnight

Enjoy a role that combines outdoor fieldwork with community-focused outcomes

Be part of a supportive and professional team committed to protecting our natural environment

LET’S EXPLORE THE JOB

Our Natural Assets team has an exciting opportunity for a Bush Fire Management Officer to join Council. In this role, you will play a key part in implementing and coordinating bush fire risk management activities across our city.

You will apply your knowledge of bush fire science, vegetation management, and natural resource management to help deliver effective hazard reduction programs, ensure compliance with legislation, and contribute to the long-term safety and resilience of our community and environment.

You will also, play a key role in educating our community on bushfire protection and mitigation, and partner with key stakeholders including the NSW Rural Fire Service to plan hazard reduction burns.

Your other key focus areas are;

Plan, implement and monitor bush fire management programs and hazard reduction works in line with Council and state requirements.

Conduct flora and fauna assessments and provide technical advice to support fire management planning and environmental conservation.

Work collaboratively with landholders, agencies, and the community to promote awareness of bush fire management practices.

Ensure compliance with relevant legislation, codes of practice and environmental management standards.

Contribute to fire trail and asset protection zone maintenance to support safe and effective hazard reduction activities.

Read the position statement and learn more about this exciting opportunity.

LET’S HEAR ABOUT YOU

You are a motivated and knowledgeable professional who is passionate about bush fire management and natural resource conservation. You will bring practical skills in vegetation management, environmental assessment, and fire science, along with the ability to collaborate with diverse stakeholders.

Specifically, you will have:

Relevant qualifications or demonstrated equivalent ability in natural resource management, horticulture, conservation, and land management or a similar with experience in flora and fauna identification, vegetation management and knowledge of bush fire science.

Demonstrated experience in assessing significant bush fire risk across the landscape with the ability to identify factors that increase fire behaviour and fire intensity.

Demonstrated knowledge and understanding of the application of the Rural Fires Act 1979 and regulations, the Bush Fire Environmental Assessment Code, Planning for Bush Fire Protection guidelines and other relevant codes and standards.

Demonstrated ability to identify regional fauna and flora species and vegetation communities and develop and implement solutions in accordance with environmental approvals to protect species and communities that are identified as threatened or regionally significant.

Demonstrated ability to apply technology such as databases, GIS and GPS applications, to record, interpret, analyse and disseminate bushfire mitigation data

Desirable: Experience using the NSW RFS Guardian system for planning, recording, and reporting Bushfire Mitigation Works, including the preparation of grant applications.

LET’S REVEAL THE PERKS

Salary from $1663,38 - $1933.14 a week plus 12% Superannuation

35 hour working week with hybrid work model and flexible working hours

50:50 in field to office-based position

We value your health and wellbeing and offer generous discounted gym memberships through our corporate fitness program, connect with colleagues through our social club, be inspired by regular wellbeing initiatives, annual flu vaccinations, and confidential support via our employee assistance program (EAP).

We are committed to being an employer of choice. We will do all we can to help you develop your skills, and make a difference, right from the start. We have a flexible workplace and focus on all aspects of your physical and mental health and safety. We want you to be with us for the long term, so providing you with rich career experiences and ongoing development is our priority.

You will have access to a wide variety of projects that directly contribute to the safety, functionality, and resilience of the local community.

Work in one of the most picturesque regions of NSW, with the natural beauty of Lake Macquarie right on your doorstep.

Along with many other perks that come from choosing Lake Mac!

CHOOSE THE LAKE MAC WAY

We know it is our people that will shape the future of our city. That’s why we’re passionate about providing a workplace that empowers our staff to be creative, innovative and bold. When you join the team at Lake Macquarie City Council, you join a group of people with a commitment to make our city even better. We’re proud of our city and the work we do, and we know you will be too.

We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive workforce. We believe that a diverse network of employees, which truly reflects the people it serves and represents, is best equipped to understand and meet the needs of our community. We welcome and encourage applications from all ages and genders, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, people from culturally diverse backgrounds, the LGBTIQ+ community, refugees and people with disabilities. We understand the skills and attributes veterans can bring to our Council.

LET’S START

If this job sounds like you, we would love to hear from you! Send your application in by midnight, Sunday 5 October 2025

For more information on the position, please contact Dominic Edmonds, Natural Assets Coordinator, on 02 4921 0447 or via email [email protected]

If you require assistance/adjustment with submitting your application, or have any questions regarding the recruitment process please contact Georgina Green, Talent Acquisition Advisor, on 02 4921 0495 or via email [email protected]

To view the capability Framework – Role Profile relevant to this role, please click here.

To complete your online application, you will be asked to upload a copy of your resume and provide responses to questions which are based on the criteria listed in the Position Statement.

Please note that as part of Lake Macquarie City Council’s recruitment process, prior to an offer of employment being made, recommended candidates may be subject to a medical assessment which may include alcohol and other drugs testing.