Forest and Fire Operations Officer - Technical Lead (Castlemaine)

About the role

**Overview**

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**Work Type:** Ongoing \- Full\-time**Salary:** $66,265 \- $74,200 **Grade:** FS3**Occupation:** Environment**Location:** Loddon Mallee \- Central Goldfields**Reference:** 1917 Have you ever wanted to spend your work days in the bush as part of a dynamic, hard working, supportive and community focussed team? If so, this might be your opportunity, so read on! As a Forest and Fire Operations Officer \- Technical Lead you'll help deliver a wide range of operational tasks such as fire prevention works and forest management activities in Victoria’s state forests and other public land. The Technical Lead role has a focus on the use and maintenance of plant, machinery and other equipment to support the delivery of our priority programs. You'll work as part of supportive team and receive training in line with the requirements of the role such as fire and 4WD training amongst others. This role has an emergency response focus and may require deployment across Victoria for fire suppression and planned burning, so a high level of fitness is essential. If you've read this far, you're still interested, so why not apply?**Specialist/Technical Expertise/Qualifications*** Demonstrated knowledge or experience working in bushfire response or forest operations is highly desirable. * Demonstrated knowledge and experience and understanding in natural resource management, preferably with good knowledge of forest management and forest operations.

**This is an ongoing position. The work location for this position is Castlemaine.** To be considered for this position, applicants are encouraged to submit a resume and cover letter (no longer than 2 pages) summarising their skills and relevant experience. Please refer to the Key Selection Criteria provided in the **Position Description**, including the mandatory requirements.**How to Apply:****If you are a current DEECA employee, please apply via DEECA Careers.** Click the **‘Apply’** button and you'll be redirected to a new platform and create an account. Applications close **11\.59pm on Tuesday, 14 July 2026\.** All applications must be submitted through the online portal. We are unable to consider email or manual applications at this time.**Other relevant information:** Preferred candidates will be required to undertake pre\-employment screening, including a Declaration and Consent form and a Nationally Coordinated Criminal History Check. To be eligible for appointment to this role, applicants will 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.**An inclusive, culturally safe and flexible workplace** DEECA fosters an inclusive workplace culture and is committed to a fair, accessible, and equitable recruitment process. We strongly encourage Aboriginal and or Torres Strait Islander people to apply. We recognise the strengths, knowledge and perspectives First Nations people bring and DEECA is committed to a culturally safe and respectful workplace. If you need support to participate, please contact aboriginal.employment@deeca.vic.gov.au. We support flexible working arrangements, including hybrid work, varied hours, part\-time work and job sharing. For more information about our recruitment processes, visit **applying for a role with us**. Applications close Tuesday 14 July 2026 at 11\.59pm Posted 1 July 2026