Officer Bushfire Management

• A varied and challenging role, the succesful applicant will assess risk and coordinate fire mitigation actions on Council-managed land, including management of contractors and consultants.
• Competitive annual salary commencing at $96,888, plus up to 14% superannuation
• Great range of additional benefits, including health & wellness programs, salary sacrifice options, salary packaging arrangements and a fortnightly RDO.

About the Region

Gympie is at the heart of a rapidly expanding region which stretches from rural valleys in our western reaches to the Cooloola Coast.  Bordering Noosa and Fraser Coast Local Government areas, we are uniquely positioned to grow whilst still retaining our country charm.  Our borders with North and South Burnett, and the Somerset Local Government areas link with our rural lifestyle, where you can enjoy our picturesque smaller townships, or our abundant local history.  Our local festivals such as the Gympie Music Muster are renowned both nationally and internationally. 

For someone seeking a high quality of life, with pristine natural areas and spectacular beaches, all within reach of Noosa, the Sunshine Coast and Brisbane, we are offering this unique opportunity.

Officer Bushfire Management

Remuneration: Annual salary commencing at $96,888, plus up to 14% superannuation

Closing Date: Sunday 19th April 2026 at 11.00pm AEST

No late applications will be accepted.  Only applications received via Council's online application system will be considered. Unsolicited applications from agencies will not be considered. 

Role Overview

To coordinate and implement the actions of the Gympie Bushfire Hazard Risk Mitigation Strategy and provide leadership across the organisation (e.g. capital works programming, operational schedules, GIS mapping) in establishing the support systems for effective and sustainable fire management across Council managed land in the region.

To assess risk and coordinate fire mitigation actions on Council-managed land, including management of contractors and consultants, and the planning and implementation of prescribed burns and fine fuel reduction programs.

To respond to community concerns about bushfire risk related to Council-managed bushland, within Council’s existing policy framework.

To provide technical support and expertise in the bushfire assessment of high-risk development applications and/or council land property development enquiries 

Essential Knowledge & Skills: 

• A relevant degree in Environmental Science, Natural Resource Management or equivalent, along with experience in the implementation and delivery of natural resource management programs.
• Substantial knowledge and understanding of fire management as it relates to bushland ecology and mitigation of risk to property.
• Extensive experience in bushfire risk evaluation and the tools available for this, and the ability to identify and prioritise appropriate mitigation programs.
• Proven experience in planning, implementation and evaluation of bushfire management activities, including prescribed burns, fire access trails and fuel reduction zones.
• Highly developed interpersonal and communication skills with particular emphasis in the areas of building effective relationships, consultation, negotiation and conflict resolution.
• Well-developed time management and organisation skills to manage multiple competing priorities, and a variety of stakeholder expectations.
• Ability to work alone (at times in remote areas) safely and efficiently.
• Demonstrated ability to work cooperatively as part of a multifaceted team with an understanding of organisational objectives and priorities
• Queensland ‘C’ Class driver’s licence that is current and maintained.

Essential Requirements: 

• To implement the actions of the Gympie Bushfire Hazard Risk Mitigation Strategy.
• Provide leadership across the organisation (e.g. capital works programming, operational schedules, GIS mapping) in establishing the support systems for fire management.
• Plan and schedule-controlled burns and fuel hazard reduction programs across Council managed land in accordance with the Bushfire Hazard Risk Mitigation Strategy.
• Prepare and lodge applications and plans for scheduled burns including communication plans
• Provide/engage specialist ecological advice as required prior to planning burns and fine fuel reduction in ecologically sensitive areas.
• Plan and work with key stakeholders across the organisation to deliver the annual prioritised hazard reduction and ecological prescribed burn program, the planning, construction and maintenance of fire access trails and fuel reduction zones.
• Undertake fire risk assessments, develop site-specific reserve fire management plans, and maintain active monitoring programs that contribute to managing bushfire hazards on Council-managed lands.
• Respond to customer requests regarding fire management issues and coordinate and implement appropriate responses and actions in accordance with Council’s policy settings.
• Ensure capacity to deliver Council’s hazard reduction program is maintained and enhanced, through Council staff development and training programs, development of partnerships with key agencies and landholders (including Queensland Fire & Emergency Services, Queensland Parks & Wildlife Service, Department of Resources, SEQ Water, HQ Plantations), and through engagement and management of contractors.
• Participate in community engagement activities and coordinate media responses as they relate to fire management of Council-managed land.
• Develop, manage and monitor maintenance regimes for Councils fire management infrastructure and equipment.
• Determine ongoing resourcing and maintenance requirements to deliver the Gympie Bushfire Hazard Risk Mitigation Strategy.
• Prepare budget submissions and manage the recurrent expenditure for fire management activities using the various financial monitoring tools to achieve management objectives.
• Such other relevant duties as required from time to time would generally fall within the scope of this position.

Desirable Requirements: 

Accredited Planned Burn Supervisor competencies: -

• PUAFIR413 – Develop simple prescribed burn plans
• PUAFIR412 – Conduct simple prescribed burns
• PUAFIR513 – Develop complex prescribed burn plans
• PUAFIR511 – Conduct complex prescribed burn

Sound knowledge and/or experience in ecological burn practices.

Position Description

For a full position description containing essential and desirable criteria, please click here. 

Who to Contact

For information regarding the requirements of this role, please contact Council's Coordinator Environment Services, Dan Morgan on 07 5481 0816 or email dan.morgan@gympie.qld.gov.au

For assistance lodging your application using Council's online system, please contact Council's Officer Recruitment, Sue Rossi on 07-5481 0971 or email sue.rossi@gympie.qld.gov.au

What we offer?

• Nine day fortnight
• Access to employee health and well-being programs
• Fitness Passport: work out at over 25 local gyms for you and your family at a subsidised rate
• Long service leave after seven years
• Generous superannuation scheme of up to 14 per cent
• Access to salary sacrificing and salary packaging arrangements
• Employee assistance program offering free confidential counselling services for employees and their families.

Our Values

• Accountability
• Communication
• Customer Service Focused
• Integrity
• Teamwork and Collaboration

For a full explanation of our values please click here.  You will be assessed on your understanding of these values and how you have applied values such as these in your previous employment.

Our Process

Successful applicants will be required to undertake various checks such as skills, qualifications, reference, medical and national police.

Keen to apply? -  Simply follow the instructions below:

1) Download and review the position description above
2) Complete the information below as requested using your personal email. 
3) Click 'APPLY'
4) Attach your resume, covering letter and a single document containing copies of your qualifications, licences or tickets as applicable.
5) Click 'NEXT' and 'CONFIRM'

Please note before continuing: It is advisable that you prepare your responses in a separate word or text document, saving your work as you go and that you then copy and paste this prepared information in the form before completing the application process. Please keep your responses to a maximum 300 words for each question.

Applications close on Sunday 19th April 2026 at 11.00pm AEST. No late applications will be accepted. Only applications received via Council's online application system will be considered.

Gympie Regional Council is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer, and our people represent the community which we service. We invite all suitably qualified applicants to apply, including First Nations People, and people from diverse social, cultural and gender backgrounds.