Job Description
OPERATIONAL OFFICER (OPO) LEVEL 3
If you are interested in working for a highly regarded emergency service agency and supporting local communities, a role in our Operational Officer Program could be for you!
The Rural Fire Service (RFS) is the lead agency for bush fire management and mitigation in NSW. Fighting fires and protecting the community from emergencies is what we do!
The Operational Officer (OpO) Program is an RFS initiative to create and encourage a mobile and agile workforce across the state. The program is a unique opportunity to gain experience in a wide range of RFS activities in district and regional roles, as well as other specialised sections across the organisation. The role provides a broad range of services in a team environment that leads to better protection of the community from bushfires and other emergencies.
We have a number of opportunities available at locations near you – check them out here. In addition to the available opportunities, additional vacancies may be added during the process and we will also create a State-wide Recruitment (Talent) Pool.
These opportunities offer:
Full-time ongoing employment
35 hour working week and generous entitlements
Attractive annual salary - $107,458 - $118,+42 p.a. plus 11.5% superannuation and allowances
State-wide rotational opportunities. Check out our Area Map.
You will be engaged in a number of challenging and rewarding activities in these roles, and our ideal candidate will:
Have volunteer and/or emergency services experience and an understanding of risk management principles and safety systems
Have an understanding and interest in fire mitigation and field operational experience
Have the ability to lead teams and support incident coordination
Have the desire and ability to learn new skills and qualifications
Have demonstrated commitment to delivering and providing guidance on community safety information
Have an understanding of agency statutory functions and an ability to monitor compliance of these functions
Provide excellent customer service to our communities and highly valued volunteer members
To be considered for these opportunities, you’ll need:
Group Leader (or relevant equivalent qualification or experience aligned to PUA Control Level 2 Incident)
Diploma in a relevant discipline (i.e. Emergency Management, Project Management, Leadership)
Level 2 Principal IMT qualification in Planning, Operations or Logistics
Current Driver Licence
Certification of good general health and fitness (medical to be completed during the process)
You may be required to undertake further professional development depending on your existing qualifications and experience in accordance with the essential requirements of the role.
Click here to view the role description and detailed list of essential requirements.
Why work for us?
Operational 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 within the Operational Officer Program (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!
How do I apply?
To apply, please visit I Work for NSW and provide in PDF Format:
A cover letter (maximum two pages) that addresses the essential requirements of the role (including any equivalent expertise) and why you believe you are suited to the role
A resume outlining your skills, experience, and qualifications and two professional referees
A copy of your qualifications as per the essential requirements of the role
Applications close 11:5+pm Sunday 22 September 2026.
Looking for more information?
Please review the OpO Candidate Information Guide here.
Have questions about the recruitment process? Why not reach out to our friendly OpO Recruitment team via [email protected].
If you have questions about the roles or the OpO Program contact Rachel Harris, OpO Program Coordinator, on 045+ +01 112.
Additional Information
The assessments for this recruitment process will be conducted in person at the RFS Headquarters in Sydney Olympic Park. Please refer below for key dates:
Assessment Centres (Located in Sydney Olympic Park): Week commencing 14 October
Offers: Mid November
Role commencement: To be determined in consultation with the relevant line manager
Mandatory Induction: Commences 17 February 2026 (first week in District location, four weeks at Dubbo State Training Academy)
Failure to submit requested information relating to qualifications and equivalent expertise may result in your application being deemed unsuccessful.
Shortlisted external applicants will be required to undergo a medical assessment (medical costs will be covered by RFS – refer to FAQ’s).
We value a diverse and inclusive workplace and actively promote the employment of women, people with a disability, Aboriginal people, LGBTQIA+ and people from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds.
A recruitment (talent) pool may be created through this recruitment process. To learn more about recruitment (talent) pools, please click here.
Learn more about how RFS members support communities across NSW below
Vacancy Reference: R24/025
Keep up to date with the RFS on our socials
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.
Company profile
Company Logo for NSW Rural Fire Service
NSW Rural Fire Service
3.6
·
28 reviews
Government & Defence
1,001-5,000 employees
At the NSW Rural Fire Service (RFS) we’re committed to a diverse, inclusive and flexible workforce which reflects our communities across NSW.
We offer a range of challenging and rewarding work across a number of disciplines where we thrive in a culture centred on mutual respect, development and flexibility.
Serve the communities of NSW with us!
At the NSW Rural Fire Service (RFS) we’re committed to a diverse, inclusive and flexible workforce which reflects our communities across NSW.
We offer a range of challenging and rewarding work across a number of disciplines where we thrive in a culture centred on mutual respect, development and flexibility.
Serve the communities of NSW with us!
Show more
Perks and benefits
One Agreed Absence day per month
Discover your operational capabilities
4 Weeks recreation leave p/a
Salary Packaging available
Professional Development Programs
Competitive salary
Report this job advert
Be careful
Don’t provide your bank or credit card details when applying for jobs.
Learn how to protect yourself
salary teaser image
What can I earn as an Operations Officer
If you are interested in working for a highly regarded emergency service agency and supporting local communities, a role in our Operational Officer Program could be for you!
The Rural Fire Service (RFS) is the lead agency for bush fire management and mitigation in NSW. Fighting fires and protecting the community from emergencies is what we do!
The Operational Officer (OpO) Program is an RFS initiative to create and encourage a mobile and agile workforce across the state. The program is a unique opportunity to gain experience in a wide range of RFS activities in district and regional roles, as well as other specialised sections across the organisation. The role provides a broad range of services in a team environment that leads to better protection of the community from bushfires and other emergencies.
We have a number of opportunities available at locations near you – check them out here. In addition to the available opportunities, additional vacancies may be added during the process and we will also create a State-wide Recruitment (Talent) Pool.
These opportunities offer:
Full-time ongoing employment
35 hour working week and generous entitlements
Attractive annual salary - $107,458 - $118,+42 p.a. plus 11.5% superannuation and allowances
State-wide rotational opportunities. Check out our Area Map.
You will be engaged in a number of challenging and rewarding activities in these roles, and our ideal candidate will:
Have volunteer and/or emergency services experience and an understanding of risk management principles and safety systems
Have an understanding and interest in fire mitigation and field operational experience
Have the ability to lead teams and support incident coordination
Have the desire and ability to learn new skills and qualifications
Have demonstrated commitment to delivering and providing guidance on community safety information
Have an understanding of agency statutory functions and an ability to monitor compliance of these functions
Provide excellent customer service to our communities and highly valued volunteer members
To be considered for these opportunities, you’ll need:
Group Leader (or relevant equivalent qualification or experience aligned to PUA Control Level 2 Incident)
Diploma in a relevant discipline (i.e. Emergency Management, Project Management, Leadership)
Level 2 Principal IMT qualification in Planning, Operations or Logistics
Current Driver Licence
Certification of good general health and fitness (medical to be completed during the process)
You may be required to undertake further professional development depending on your existing qualifications and experience in accordance with the essential requirements of the role.
Click here to view the role description and detailed list of essential requirements.
Why work for us?
Operational 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 within the Operational Officer Program (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!
How do I apply?
To apply, please visit I Work for NSW and provide in PDF Format:
A cover letter (maximum two pages) that addresses the essential requirements of the role (including any equivalent expertise) and why you believe you are suited to the role
A resume outlining your skills, experience, and qualifications and two professional referees
A copy of your qualifications as per the essential requirements of the role
Applications close 11:5+pm Sunday 22 September 2026.
Looking for more information?
Please review the OpO Candidate Information Guide here.
Have questions about the recruitment process? Why not reach out to our friendly OpO Recruitment team via [email protected].
If you have questions about the roles or the OpO Program contact Rachel Harris, OpO Program Coordinator, on 045+ +01 112.
Additional Information
The assessments for this recruitment process will be conducted in person at the RFS Headquarters in Sydney Olympic Park. Please refer below for key dates:
Assessment Centres (Located in Sydney Olympic Park): Week commencing 14 October
Offers: Mid November
Role commencement: To be determined in consultation with the relevant line manager
Mandatory Induction: Commences 17 February 2026 (first week in District location, four weeks at Dubbo State Training Academy)
Failure to submit requested information relating to qualifications and equivalent expertise may result in your application being deemed unsuccessful.
Shortlisted external applicants will be required to undergo a medical assessment (medical costs will be covered by RFS – refer to FAQ’s).
We value a diverse and inclusive workplace and actively promote the employment of women, people with a disability, Aboriginal people, LGBTQIA+ and people from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds.
A recruitment (talent) pool may be created through this recruitment process. To learn more about recruitment (talent) pools, please click here.
Learn more about how RFS members support communities across NSW below
Vacancy Reference: R24/025
Keep up to date with the RFS on our socials
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.
Company profile
Company Logo for NSW Rural Fire Service
NSW Rural Fire Service
3.6
·
28 reviews
Government & Defence
1,001-5,000 employees
At the NSW Rural Fire Service (RFS) we’re committed to a diverse, inclusive and flexible workforce which reflects our communities across NSW.
We offer a range of challenging and rewarding work across a number of disciplines where we thrive in a culture centred on mutual respect, development and flexibility.
Serve the communities of NSW with us!
At the NSW Rural Fire Service (RFS) we’re committed to a diverse, inclusive and flexible workforce which reflects our communities across NSW.
We offer a range of challenging and rewarding work across a number of disciplines where we thrive in a culture centred on mutual respect, development and flexibility.
Serve the communities of NSW with us!
Show more
Perks and benefits
One Agreed Absence day per month
Discover your operational capabilities
4 Weeks recreation leave p/a
Salary Packaging available
Professional Development Programs
Competitive salary
Report this job advert
Be careful
Don’t provide your bank or credit card details when applying for jobs.
Learn how to protect yourself
salary teaser image
What can I earn as an Operations Officer
💡 Quick Summary
Seeking a career-building opportunity? The Operational Officer Level 3 position is now open for candidates interested in the Government Job Alert sector. This role in Coonabarabran offers a professional environment and growth potential.
Requirement Snapshot: Candidates should possess basic communication skills, a proactive attitude, and the ability to work in a team. Experience in Government Job Alert is a plus.
