Staff Officer

This opportunity offers:

• Temporary employment up to 12 months with potential for ongoing employment
• Full time role & 35 hour working week
• RFS Level 12/13
• Attractive annual salary $151,756 - $175,507 p.a. plus 12% superannuation
• Location: Sydney Olympic Park

Looking for more information?

Why not reach out to our role expert, Renee Armstrong, Director Communications & Strategic Engagement (Chief Of Staff), for a confidential chat on 0448 893 219.

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:

We are seeking an experienced leader to provide high-level strategic and operational support to the Commissioner of the RFS. In this pivotal role, you will deliver expert advice on emerging operational, policy, and reputational matters, undertake critical research and analysis, and evaluate priorities and proposals of significance to the Service. You will also represent the Commissioner in fostering strong relationships with the Minister’s Office, government agencies, emergency services, and the community, helping to advance the interests of the RFS and its volunteer base.

To thrive in this role, you will:

• Demonstrate exceptional ability to navigate sensitive and high-profile issues with discretion, integrity, and sound judgement.
• Bring proven experience providing strategic operational advice at the executive level, with the capability to anticipate emerging issues and assist in driving organisational and government priorities.
• Possess deep knowledge of government processes, interagency roles and relationships, and public sector governance.
• Have significant operational leadership experience in fire or emergency management, coupled with the qualifications and standing to hold the rank of Chief Superintendent within the RFS.

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!

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 ignite your RFS journey:

To be considered for this opportunity, you must submit your application via 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)

Please submit your application no later than 11:55pm Sunday 2nd November 2025.

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: R25-265

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.