Senior Forest and Fire Operations Officer - Cultural Operations; Macalister District

Senior Forest & Fire Operations Officer – Cultural Operations Location and Reference

• Occupation:
  Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander services
• Location:
  
  Gippsland – Wellington
• Reference: 1230

Are you passionate about protecting cultural heritage whilst managing forest and fire operations? This skilled field‑based role will contribute to district‑wide field operations delivery and works planning, and undertake Aboriginal heritage value assessment and protection when required. Working closely with district and regional teams, you will assist with works delivery planning to deliver fuel management and forest management programs. The position will also involve identification, assessment and protection of cultural heritage sites and values for the delivery of operational activities in State Forest and National Parks.

Through contribution to workcentre programs you will undertake supervision of contractors, deliver site assessments, ensure program delivery standards across locations, provide progress reporting and support field marking to support the protection of cultural heritage values and assets. You will also be responsible for delivering values protection standards across the operational works programme and working closely with other staff to maintain protection standards and supervise field staff, heavy plant operations and contractors.

At the direction of the District Operations Manager, the role may include deployment to the delivery of regular field‑based duties to support operational crews and maintain technical skills required for the role.

You will actively contribute to the recruitment, development and support of Aboriginal field staff as required by district operational managers, and participate in cultural heritage programmes, departmental networks and engage external partner groups such as First Peoples and Traditional Owner communities.

• Demonstrated skills, experience and knowledge of Aboriginal Culture and contemporary issues affecting Aboriginal Victorians today to deliver culturally informed government programmes and services.
• Demonstrated experience and understanding of cultural heritage values and works planning required for the delivery of programmes including forest management, road management, fuel management & emergency preparedness and response.
• Demonstrated experience in field‑based identification, protection and management of Aboriginal cultural heritage values in the delivery of forest and fire management activities.
• Cert IV Aboriginal Cultural Heritage Management or equivalent.

Applicants must hold a current manual Drivers Licence (conditions A, I & V not acceptable for employment).

This position is ongoing, available in the regional location of the Macalister District, Victoria. You’ll earn a competitive salary ranging from $75,361 to $82,298 per annum plus superannuation.

Your salary will reflect your skills and experience, rewarding your commitment to our mission.

To be considered, submit a resume and cover letter (no longer than 2 pages) summarising your skills and relevant experience. Applications close 11:59 pm on Thursday, 5 March 2026. All applications must be submitted through the online portal; we cannot consider email or manual applications.

If you are a current DEECA employee, please apply via DEECA Careers and click the ‘Apply’ button to be redirected to a new platform and create an account.

Preferred candidates will be required to undertake pre‑employment screening, including a Declaration and Consent form, a Nationally Coordinated Criminal History Check and meet the medical and fitness requirements outlined in the position description.

To be eligible for appointment, applicants must possess corresponding work rights for the advertised employment period. Appointment to an ongoing position is only available to an Australian/New Zealand citizen or an Australian Permanent Resident.

DEECA welcomes applicants from a diverse range of backgrounds and focuses on the essential requirements of the job. We understand that a balanced life is important and offer flexible options such as working some days from home, starting early or late, part‑time, job sharing or accessing paid or unpaid leave. For more information visit applying for a role with us.

This position is classified as an “identified position” to increase employment opportunities for Australian Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander People. Australian Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander people are encouraged to apply. We are committed to creating a culturally safe environment where individuals feel safe, valued and able to celebrate their culture and spiritual beliefs.