Queensland Fire Department (QFD) and Rural Fire Service Queensland (RFSQ) sit at the heart of community safety across one of Australia’s most hazard-exposed jurisdictions. With more than 27,500 volunteers operating through 1,400 brigades, RFSQ is one of the largest and most community-embedded emergency services in the nation. Its strength lies in deep local connections, strong volunteer leadership and a shared commitment to protecting Queensland communities.
Following significant reform, RFSQ is entering a new phase focused on strengthening capability, trust, governance and service delivery.
The opportunity
The Deputy Chief Officer (Northern Region) is a senior executive leadership role responsible for the governance, operational effectiveness and service delivery of rural fire services across Northern Queensland. Recently elevated as part of organisational reform, this role offers the opportunity to further shape how the region operates and how volunteers are supported.
Reporting to the Chief Officer, you will provide visible, credible leadership across a diverse and high-risk environment, balancing operational leadership with strong stakeholder relationships and strategic oversight. The region encompasses diverse geographic, climatic and community contexts, requiring adaptive leadership and strong local engagement.
This role requires a leader who can operate with integrity, transparency and strong ethical judgement, with an understanding of the unique nature of volunteer service, and the ability to balance timely delivery with collaborative engagement. You will be a visible and engaged leader, comfortable spending time on the ground with volunteers and regional stakeholders. The role will require regular travel across Queensland.
Key responsibilities include:
- Leading regional operations, governance and service delivery outcomes
- Commanding and coordinating major bushfire and disaster responses
- Building strong, trust-based relationships with volunteers and brigades
- Strengthening partnerships with government, councils and agencies
- Uplifting regional capability, succession planning and leadership
- Contributing to enterprise-wide strategy and executive decision making
About you
You are a highly credible operational leader with experience in rural fire, emergency management or complex service delivery environments. You understand volunteers and the communities they serve, and you lead with integrity, accountability and respect.
You bring strong stakeholder management, sound judgement under pressure and the ability to navigate scrutiny while maintaining confidence and trust. Experience working with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities and in regional or remote contexts will be highly regarded.
What’s on Offer
- A senior regional leadership role with real influence over how Rural Fire Service Queensland operates and evolves in Northern Queensland.
- Opportunity to build trust, uplift capability and strengthen partnerships with volunteers, communities and government.
How to Apply
For a confidential discussion or role related questions, please contact Adam Dent or Sarah Curran of The Orchard Talent Group on qfd@orchardtalent.com.au. To apply please submit your current CV and a statement of suitability via the link.
Please refer to the QFD Senior Officer Application Guide for further information on how to apply for this role: https://www.fire.qld.gov.au/sites/default/files/2024-07/Application-Guide-Public-Service-All-PS-Class-Streams-and-Senior-Officer.pdf
The nominated applicant will be required to disclose any serious disciplinary action taken against them in the Queensland public sector.
Please note applicants must have a legal right to work in Australia.
Applications close 25 February 2026.
The Orchard Talent Group acknowledges the Traditional Custodians of the land on which we work. We pay our respect to their Elders past, present and emerging, for they hold the memories, traditions, culture and hopes of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.