Director Area Operations (Southern)

This opportunity offers:

• Ongoing employment

• Full time role

• PSSE Band 1

• Total Remuneration Package: $248,905 - $274,599 per annum

• Location: Sydney Olympic Park, RFS State Headquarters

• The role includes a motor vehicle package and free on-site car parking

The Director Area Operations (Southern) is responsible for:

• Greater Sydney Area Command

• Southeast Area Command

• Southwest Area Command

• Area Planning and Business Team

• Fire Trails Team

• Workplace Complaints Team

The role requires significant engagement across the organisation and frequent travel to maintain strong relationships with Area Commands, Districts, Brigades and community stakeholders.

Our Ideal Candidate

The NSW Rural Fire Service is seeking an accomplished and respected leader to fill the role of Director Area Operations (Southern). This position requires a highly capable executive who can inspire performance, lead complex operations and foster strong relationships across staff, volunteers, government agencies and communities.

The ideal candidate will bring extensive experience in emergency management, operational leadership and bush fire risk management. They will have a proven ability to lead geographically dispersed teams, translate strategic priorities into measurable outcomes and drive organisational performance through periods of change and complexity. The successful applicant will be equally comfortable operating in executive forums, engaging with frontline personnel and representing the organisation with confidence and credibility.

A strong commitment to community outcomes is essential. The role requires a leader who understands the importance of preparedness, prevention, response and recovery, and who can balance operational demands with long-term capability development. The successful candidate will demonstrate sound judgement under pressure, strategic thinking, political acumen and a collaborative leadership style that builds trust and engagement across the organisation.

The preferred candidate will be recognised for their ability to:

• Lead and influence high-performing teams.

• Build strong partnerships and collaborate effectively across organisational and stakeholder boundaries.

• Drive accountability, continuous improvement and organisational capability.

• Provide clear, confident and evidence-based advice to executive leadership.

• Foster a culture of respect, inclusion, safety and service excellence.

• Balance strategic priorities with operational responsiveness to achieve outstanding outcomes for communities.

Most importantly, the successful candidate will embody the values of the NSW RFS, demonstrating authentic leadership, integrity and a commitment to supporting volunteers, staff and communities in delivering a world-class fire and emergency service.

If you are interested in finding out more about this opportunity, please access the Role Description and our organisation structure .

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

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

and attach:

• A

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

• A

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

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