FUEL YOUR CAREER WITH PURPOSE

Senior Project Officer (AFDRS)

This opportunity offers:

• Temporary employment up to 30 June 2027
• Full time role & 35 hour working week
• RFS Level 10/11
• Attractive annual salary $131,213 - $144,591 p.a. plus 12% superannuation
• Location: Sydney Olympic Park (flexible working arrangements considered)

Looking for more information?

Why not reach out to our role expert, Meaghan Jenkins, Manager AFDRS, for a confidential chat on 02 8741 5430 or email Meaghan.jenkins@rfs.nsw.gov.au. 

Join Our Team: Protect, Serve, and Make a Difference!

We are the Rural Fire Service (RFS), a dedicated community of volunteers providing fire and emergency services to approximately 95% of NSW. When you work with the RFS, you join a passionate team committed to protecting our neighbours, the wider community, and the environment from the threat of bushfires and other emergencies. With over 70,000 volunteer members and staff, we embody the spirit of mutual respect, support, friendship, and camaraderie. We are one team with many players, united by a single purpose. If you share our passion for community service and environmental protection, we want to hear from you! Become a part of our mission to safeguard lives and our cherished NSW landscapes.

What you’ll be doing:

The role develops and implements a broad range of science and technology projects/programs, and interprets data, policy, and processes to support and improve service delivery of the Australian Fire Danger Rating System.

To thrive in this role, you will have:

• A degree in a relevant field such as fire science, environmental science, natural resources, or geospatial science, as well as demonstrated research experience.
• Proven experience in collecting, analysing, and interpreting large datasets, preferably in the context of bush fire, climate science or environmental research.
• Strong proficiency in data management and statistical analysis tools (e.g., Python, R, GIS software).
• An ability to understand the objectives and needs of those who use or interpret fire danger ratings.
• Excellent communication skills with the ability to translate complex scientific findings into actionable insights.
• Demonstrated ability to work collaboratively in a multidisciplinary team, promoting diversity and inclusion.

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

Note: 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 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 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 Connected Membership program, at an additional cost
  

To embark on your RFS journey:

To be considered for this opportunity, you must submit your application by clicking 'Apply Now' through the relevant advertisement on RFS Careers, and attach:

• A cover letter 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 resume in PDF format, including two current/recent professional referees (please include email address and contact number)
• Respond to two targeted questions within the online application process (maximum 500 words each):

  • Tell us about a time you managed multiple tasks at once. How did you prioritise and handle competing demands?

  • Describe learning and implementing a new system or software. What steps did you take to achieve a successful outcome?

Candidates are encouraged to prepare their applications independently to ensure they accurately reflect their skills and experience. The Rural Fire Service values authentic, original responses that reflect individual perspectives and alignment with its values and priorities. Skills, knowledge, and capability will be assessed and verified through the capability assessment process.

Please submit your application no later than 11:55pm Sunday 17th May 2026.

Important recruitment Information

• A recruitment (talent) pool 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 adjustment 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 NSW PSC Capability Framework). The Capability application tool is designed to help job applicants understand and use the NSW Public Sector Capability Framework when applying for jobs with the NSW government. Additional checks for successful applicants will include referee checks and criminal history checks.

Learn more about how RFS members support communities across NSW below

Vacancy Reference: R26-145

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.