Permanent Vacancy
R2021/101
This selection process may be used to fill other similar (permanent, fixed term, full-time or part-time) vacancies that arise in DFES within six (6) months. Applicants deemed suitable but not recommended may be considered for those roles.
As part of our strategy to increase the diversity of our workforce, Aboriginal Australian people are strongly encouraged to apply for this job and applications will be primarily considered in accordance with Section 51 of the Equal Opportunity Act 1984.
ABOUT US
As Western Australia’s leading hazard management agency, the Department of Fire and Emergency Services performs a critical role coordinating emergency services for a range of natural disasters and emergency incidents threatening life and property.
Our volunteers are the biggest workforce of our organisation and play an important role in keeping our community safe. DFES recognises the critical role our volunteers play and the positive impact they make to the community.
Supported by this extensive network of volunteers and career workers, DFES works together with the community and government to prevent, prepare for, respond to and recover from a diverse range of emergencies.
ABOUT THE LOCATION
The Shire of Murray is one of the fastest growing districts in Australia and is located under an hour from Perth. Boasting enviable natural assets and delivering a unique lifestyle for its community, the Shire of Murray continues to experience rapid growth, as new residents flock to a rural lifestyle with all the benefits of city living.
The Bushfire Centre of Excellence facility is located off Lakes Road, Nambeelup, in the Shire of Murray’s up-and-coming Peel Business Park, which is set to become an innovative business hub.
ABOUT THE ROLE
Do you have experience as a bushfire practitioner?
Would you like to influence the bushfire management sector in WA?
Do you have a passion for the use and application of cultural fire?
The Bushfire Centre of Excellence is seeking a Bushfire Knowledge and Practice Manager to lead the Traditional Fire Program and experiential learning portfolios. The position will draw on practical experience and knowledge of bushfire, and identify, develop and apply this knowledge to help develop products and services for the Bushfire Centre of Excellence stakeholders.
We are looking for someone who:
- Who can use their practical bushfire knowledge and experience to help shape products and services developed by the Bushfire Centre of Excellence
- Has a strong strategic mind-set that can grasp high-level recommendations and translate into accessible messages
- Has excellent people development and management skills, and a collaborative and inclusive approach to achieving key outcomes
- Can influence change by applying an adaptive management approach
As the Bushfire Knowledge and Practice Manager you will support the Traditional Fire Program by identifying knowledge and best practice from Traditional Custodians that can be shared across the bushfire sector. You will also collect and analyse lessons identified and learnt by stakeholders across the bushfire sector, and maintain strong and productive relationships with bushfire volunteers, local communities and stakeholder groups. As a key member of the Bushfire Centre of Excellence, you will model and foster a culture that is inclusive of the diverse range of stakeholders represented by the Bushfire Centre of Excellence.
ESSENTIAL PREREQUISITES
- Possession of a bushfire and/or land management qualification (minimum Certificate IV)
ESSENTIAL CRITERIA
- Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, and demonstrated ability to work collaboratively, influence and negotiate with a wide variety of stakeholders, including in the volunteer sector, for mutual benefit.
- Excellent human resource management and leadership skills in managing diverse teams to deliver against strategic plans
- Demonstrated practical experience in bushfire management, and a contemporary understanding of the bushfire sector in Western Australia
- Demonstrated experience in leading the development, implementation and coordination of projects, applying a best practice and lessons management philosophy within a large and complex sector.
- Well-developed analytical and conceptual skills, including demonstrated ability to quickly assimilate new concepts and information, and distill and communicate key messages in written form.
DESIRABLE
- Experience in effectively and sensitively communicating with Aboriginal Australians and/or diverse customer groups.
The successful applicant will be able to fulfil the essential prerequisites and criteria as defined in the Bushfire Knowledge and Practice Manager Job Description Form.
FURTHER INFORMATION
We encourage you to contact Bec Pianta, Executive Manager Bushfire Knowledge and Research, Bushfire Centre of Excellence for additional information about the job by telephone on 0418 467 254 or by email bec.pianta@dfes.wa.gov.au.
APPLICATION INSTRUCTIONS
All applications are to be submitted online. Simply select 'Apply for Job', located at either the top or bottom of this screen and follow the instructions. Your application must include the following:
- A letter up to three (3) pages, outlining why you’re the right person for this job, with reference to the criteria in the Job Description Form and role outline contained in this advert.
- A one (1) page statement outlining your vision for the continued development of the Traditional Fire Program, and the establishment of the experiential learning framework at the Bushfire Centre of Excellence, and the strategy that you’d implement to get us there.
- A copy of your Resume that describes your work history, education, qualifications, skills, knowledge and abilities relevant to this position.
- The names of two referees who can attest to your suitability for this role, including one from your current organisation.
- Evidence of your prerequisite qualifications.
Please note:
- Do not leave your application until the last moment as lodgement is system generated and any submission on or after 4:00pm (WST) will be rejected.
- Referees may be contacted at any stage during the process.
- Any contact with DFES during the selection process may form part of the applicant assessment.
SELECTION PROCESS
Applicants short listed for further consideration will be required to participate in an interview and possible written or verbal presentation or exercise to further assess their skills and experience.
EMPLOYMENT CONDITIONS AND ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
DFES is an emergency services organisation and all employees may be required to work business hours or outside of normal business hours to assist with emergencies.
ELIGIBILITY TO APPLY
You must be an Australian Citizen or hold permanent residency.
NATIONAL POLICE CLEARANCE
A condition of employment for new employees of DFES is that a current National Police Certificate (less than 3 months old) is provided prior to commencement.
SUBSTANTIVE EQUALITY STATEMENT
DFES values workforce diversity and inclusion. We are committed to building an equitable and diverse workforce, by increasing the representation of people from different backgrounds.
We encourage applications from people with disability, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, people from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds, people of diverse sexualities and genders, women and youth.
DFES is proud to be an equal opportunity employer and we will make reasonable adjustments to provide a positive, barrier-free recruitment process and supportive workplace.
If you have access needs that require adjustments to allow you to fully participate in the application and interview process, please contact jobs@dfes.wa.gov.au
