Air Operations Officer (RFSO2) Air Operations relief pool

Purpose of specific work area and position

The State Operations Directorate has a broad role across Queensland Fire Department (QFD) emergency management operations ensuring that the department maintains a state of operational readiness to fulfil its responsibilities as described in the Disaster Management Act 2003 Fire Services Act 1990 and the State Disaster Management Plan.

Rural Fire Service Queensland (RFSQ) Specialist Services is dedicated to ensuring the delivery of incident preparedness management and training development for QFD. The branch works collaboratively with QFR and undertakes critical work around the dissemination of public information and warnings to keep our communities informed; aviation capability coordination and management to support QFD ground operations; and the development of incident management capabilities through training exercises and resources supporting RFSQ and FRS personnel the Regional Fire Control Centres and the State Fire Control Centre.

The Air Operations Unit facilitates air support to ground crews during bushfire or other emergency events through the provision of safe aircraft trained personnel and assists with the management coordination and dispatch of aviation resources. The team is also responsible for developing and maintaining a range of training products for aviation specialist roles including foundation training for non-specialist personnel across all services of the department.

Reporting to the Manager you will be a key member of the team providing assistance and support to develop implement and review programs systems and processes that ensure the operational readiness required to provide the safe effective and efficient deployment of air operations resources supporting firefighting operations. You will also be required to assist in the development delivery and assessment of competency based accredited and non-accredited air operations training programs that align with national and industry standards and organisational requirements to improve operational capability to better respond to community impact during emergency events.

Mandatory requirements

• Must meet the mandatory requirements and attributes as outlined in the generic RFSQ Rural Officer Two (RFSO2) role description.

Highly desirable requirements

• Demonstrated knowledge and experience of safety management and contemporary rural fire management practices in an aviation context.
• Can demonstrate an ability to communicate effectively with a wide range of stakeholders from rural and near rural communities.
• Manual Medium Rigid (MR) drivers licence as recognised by the Queensland Department of Transport and Main Roads.

Primary duties

This RFSQ Role Specification Statement appends to the generic RFSQ RFSO2 role description (key accountabilities and capabilities) and provides clarity on the duties of this role and will see you lead by example and model QFD values and behaviours in the delivery of the responsibilities of the role which includes:

• Contribute to the development implementation and review of programs systems and controls that ensure the level of operational readiness and meet industry standards for aerial firefighting.
• Assist in the development delivery and assessment of air operations training programs and the competency maintenance of the statewide network of air operations practitioners.
• Assist with the maintenance and review of aircraft contracts selection of airbases and the delivery of operational response services through the State Air Desk.
• Contribute to the development delivery and review of the risk management and air operations safety programs to support regional airbases and operations response services.
• Assist in the development and delivery of comprehensive operational planning at state regional and area levels to ensure the effective delivery of air operations services.
• Research and identify new and emerging standards practices and technologies that will support the continuous improvement of operational activities and capability.
• Actively participate and represent the department at local state and national forums relating to aerial firefighting.
• Respond to operational incidents as required.

Additional information

• Who can apply:
  • Hold the substantive RFSQ rank of RFSO2 or Rural Fire Service One (RFSO1) are encouraged to apply.
  • Volunteers and external parties with appropriate skills are highly encouraged to apply noting that they may be asked to provide additional information to satisfy internal policies.
• Knowledge and experience in developing training resources and/or operational procedures and policy.
• Extensive knowledge of incident management principles and/or coordination centre management principles.
• Knowledge of or experience working with volunteers and/or within a volunteer organisation.
• Capacity to participate out of hours (i.e. night or weekends) shift roster during disaster operations.
• Incumbents will be required to travel and work within the area of responsibility and may also be required to undertake intrastate interstate deployment travel as required.
• This is a day work position and depending on regional requirements may require flexible hours of work to meet functional demands including working at night on weekends as part of the role.
• Officers appointed to this position will participate in a personal professional development programme developed in conjunction with their supervisor.
• This RFSQ Role Specification Statementis linked to the generic role description that provides the key accountabilities and capabilities to be addressed by the applicant. Applicants are strongly encouraged to review this role specification statementin conjunction with the role description and consider the requirements when preparing their application.

Note: Where there is a conflict between the Role Description and the Role Specification Statement the Role Description will prevail.

• More information on how to apply is provided in the relevant QFD Application Guide.