ABORIGINAL PROGRAMS OFFICER

(ABORIGINAL & TORRES STRAIT ISLANDER TARGETED)

This opportunity offers:

- Temporary employment up to 30 June 2027, with the possibility of extension
- Three full time roles available, with 35 hour working week
- RFS Level 4/5
- Attractive annual salary $88,378 - $96,767 p.a. plus 12% superannuation
- Various Locations: Sydney and Regional NSW will be considered (flexible working arrangements considered)

Looking for more information? Why not reach out to our role expert, Inspector Jamie Bertram, Aboriginal Programs Coordinator, for a confidential chat on 0408 839 523.

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

As an integral part of the Area Operations team, you will champion and deliver vital Aboriginal Programs and emergency initiatives. Working hand-in-hand with the Aboriginal Programs Coordinator, your mission is to partner directly with Aboriginal Communities across the state. Together, you will co-design and implement practical strategies that boost disaster preparedness, protect culturally significant sites, and ensure communities are strong, ready, and resilient against bush fires and other emergencies.

Our Ideal Candidate

You bring a proven track record in community safety and culturally respectful fire risk mitigation, combined with experience in Indigenous liaison and volunteer services. You also excel at building trusted, respectful relationships directly with Aboriginal communities while honouring local customs, and possess the practical expertise to lead hands-on hazard reduction techniques tailored to protect these environments.

Whilst this position is open to all individuals,



it is targeted to Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander people under section 21 of the Anti-Discrimination Act 1977. Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander people are encouraged to apply and consideration will be given to suitable Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander applicants to promote equal or improved access.

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 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!

Make the Move to Regional NSW! Roles in Dubbo or Tamworth (Regional NSW) may be eligible for The Welcome Experience! The Welcome Experience is a FREE service to help essential workers and their families move to regional NSW with ease. From finding housing and childcare to helping your partner find employment and connecting with the local community, they offer personalised, concierge-like support tailored to your needs.

Discover what life is like in Regional NSW – explore The Welcome Experience and register today!

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 skilled referees (please include email address and contact number)
- Respond to one targeted question within the online application process (maximum 500 words):
- Provide an example of when you have used your technical or Cultural knowledge to deliver a task or project. What challenges did you face and overcome?

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 Monday 5 October 2026.

Important recruitment Information

- The advertised positions are targeted to the employment of an Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander person in accordance with GSE Rule 26. Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander people are encouraged to apply.

- 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.

Vacancy Reference: R26-288

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.

Learn more about how RFS members support communities across NSW below

📌 Aboriginal Programs Officer (Sydney)
🏢 Nsw Rfs
📍 Sydney