Chief Officer

About this role

About the Position

Lead one of the world's largest volunteer-based emergency service organisations and help shape the future of fire and emergency management in Victoria.

Country Fire Authority (CFA) is seeking an exceptional executive leader to serve as Chief Officer.

Reporting to the Chief Executive Officer and accountable to the CFA Authority, the Chief Officer provides strategic and operational leadership across CFA's statewide emergency service responsibilities. The role carries significant statutory authority and is responsible for ensuring CFA remains capable, contemporary and ready to meet the current and future needs of Victorian communities.

As a State Response Controller, the Chief Officer plays a critical leadership role during major emergencies, leading and coordinating operational response at the state level and working across government and emergency management agencies to protect Victorian communities.

As a member of CFA's Executive Leadership Team, the Chief Officer will help shape the future direction of CFA, strengthening organisational capability and ensuring the organisation continues to evolve in response to changing risk, community expectations and the broader emergency management environment.

Equally important will be the leadership of CFA's culture. The Chief Officer will shape an inclusive, respectful and high-performing environment where volunteers and employees feel valued, connected and able to contribute their best. This includes strengthening participation and creating opportunities for women, young adults and people from under-represented groups across CFA.

Central to success will be exceptional leadership within CFA's unique volunteer and community-based environment. The Chief Officer will build trust and connection across CFA's volunteers and employees, while honouring CFA's proud traditions and embracing diverse perspectives, new ideas and contemporary leadership practices.

The Chief Officer will also represent CFA with credibility and influence across government, emergency service partners, communities and the media.

About You

You will be a highly accomplished executive and operational leader who brings:

• Significant senior leadership experience within emergency services, government or a large-scale operational environment.
• Extensive command and control experience across major emergencies, particularly fire operations.
• A strong understanding of contemporary fire and emergency management and the evolving risks facing communities.
• Demonstrated ability to lead, engage and build capability within a substantial volunteer or community-based workforce.
• A strong track record of shaping positive organisational culture, leading change and creating inclusive environments where diverse people and perspectives can thrive.
• The judgement, influence and political acumen to advise and engage effectively with Boards, Ministers, government and senior stakeholders.
• Strong public and media leadership capability, particularly during major emergencies.

Relevant tertiary qualifications and firefighting and emergency management qualifications sufficient to meet the legislative requirements of the role are essential.

This is a significant opportunity to help shape CFA's next chapter – honouring its proud history and volunteer foundations while building a contemporary, inclusive and high-performing organisation ready to meet the future needs of Victorian communities.

Your Application

Please submit your resume and a cover letter outlining your interest in the role and your suitability to lead CFA's operational and volunteer-based emergency service responsibilities.

Pre-employment Checks

The successful candidate will be required to satisfactorily complete CFA's pre-employment requirements, including any relevant background and probity checks.

Applications close: 11:59pm 6 September 2026

CFA is committed to creating and maintaining a diverse, inclusive, and safe volunteer and work environment. Our aim is to have a volunteer and paid workforce that reflects the community it serves.  First Nations people, women, people of all ages, with disabilities and culturally and linguistically diverse people are encouraged to apply. 

If at any stage of the recruitment and selection process you require an alternative format to the application material or reasonable adjustment to the interview arrangements, please don't hesitate to contact the person listed on the ad or alternatively, email recruitment@cfa.vic.gov.au

The Country Fire Authority (CFA) values your privacy. We will use the information you provide when you are applying for employment with us for the purpose of recruitment, selection, evaluation and appointment and to report on anonymised key metrics (e.g. diversity). The information we collect will be handled in accordance with privacy laws, including the Privacy and Data Protection Act 2014. You can view our Privacy Statement here. For access and correction of the information we have collected, contact recruitment@cfa.vic.gov.au