Closes: Apr 26, 2026
Area Officer - Great Southern Rural
We currently have one (1) permanent full-time position available for immediate filling.
This selection process may be used to fill other similar at level vacancies that arise within twelve (12) months. Applicants deemed suitable but not recommended may be considered for those roles.
About Us
As Western Australia’s leading hazard management agency, DFES performs a critical role coordinating emergency services for a range of natural disasters and emergency incidents threatening life and property.
By empowering our people, we create a diverse and capable organisation where we are united and supportive allowing us to work better together. It’s crucial that as a collective, our employees, volunteers and the general public have all the tools they need to safely and effectively manage emergency events.
To learn more about the Department and what we have to offer, please visit our website here or follow us on LinkedIn here.
About the Role
The Area Officer (Rural) Great Southern is an operational position based in Albany at the Great Southern Regional Office. The role reports to the District Officer (Rural) Great Southern. The Area Officer is the responsible manager for Hopetoun, Jerramungup, Bremer Bay and Tambellup Volunteer Fire and Emergency Services Units.
Other responsibilities include the effective management of human, physical, financial and information resources to achieve prevention, preparedness, response and recovery outcomes to aid and benefit the community of WA.
The position will additionally be required to work in an advisory capacity to volunteers and Local Government in policy, financial, operational and mitigation matters; as well as providing training and assessment in relation to emergency service volunteers such as Bushfire Brigades and Volunteer Fire & Emergency Services Units across the region.
The successful applicant will be required to reside within 50km of the Albany Regional Office.
Pre-Requisites:
- Station Officer, CESM or equivalent.
- Accredited Level 1 Incident Controller or Endorsed DFES Level 1 Incident Controller in hazards relevant to fire.
- Possession of a Western Australian Heavy Rigid Drivers License.
Leadership Behaviours are applicable to this role, and you are expected to demonstrate the relevant behaviours aligned to the context of Leading Others. Additional details on expected behaviours are attached.
Sounds like you and want to know more? Then download the attached Job Description Form (JDF) or contact Diarmuid Kinsella, Superintendent Great Southern Region on 0427 024 127 or by email [email protected]
Employment Conditions and Additional Information
DFES is an emergency services organisation and all employees may be required to work or travel outside of normal business hours to assist with emergencies, form part of an on-call roster and additional allowances may apply.
If you don’t want to miss out on this great opportunity, Apply Now!
All applications must be submitted online, simply click 'Apply for Job', located at either the top or bottom of this screen and follow the instructions.
To apply for this position, please submit the following:
- Evidence of meeting pre-requisites.
- A maximum two (2) page statement addressing essential criteria one (1), three (3), four (4), and five (5) contained in the attached job description form and in the context of the specific position responsibilities.
- A current comprehensive CV that clearly demonstrates your relevant competencies and experiences, including the names of two referees who can attest to your suitability to this role.
To assist with your application and provide you with more detail about the application process, please click on the attached Applicant Information Pack.
Please do not send your application to Diarmuid Kinsella or seek their assistance with lodging your application.
If you have any support or access requirements, we encourage you to advise us at the time of application and throughout the recruitment process. All information provided is private and confidential and will only be used to provide reasonable adjustments. Please contact us at [email protected].
Please Note:
- All Essential Criteria listed in the Job Description Form will be assessed during recruitment and selection process.
- Referees may be contacted at any stage during the process.
- files only) or PDF format and have allowed plenty of time to submit your application online before 4:00pm (WST).
- Any late, emailed or proforma applications submitted will be rejected.
- An executive search may be undertaken as part of the recruitment to this role.
Benefits of Working With DFES
As well as a great salary and being a part of something rewarding with key networking opportunities, our employees also enjoy an amazing range of benefits which may include:
- Opportunities to assist during statewide emergency incidents.
- Great work/life balance through flexible working and leave arrangements.
- Long service leave after 10 years.
- Paid parental leave as well as other attractive leave options.
- Access to salary packaging options.
- Professional Career Development Opportunities.
Eligibility To Apply
You must be an Australian Citizen or hold permanent residency.
National Police Certificate
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.
Choice of Super
The Fire and Emergency Services (Superannuation Fund) Regulations 1986, prevents DFES from offering choice of super for permanent appointments. Those appointed permanently, only have the following two options:
- Remain with their existing GESB Superannuation account; or
- Join the Fire and Emergency Services Superannuation Fund (Click here for more information).
Those appointed on a fixed term contract do have choice of super, however if converted to permanent, employees will need to choose one on the two options listed above.
DFES Supports Diversity and Inclusion
DFES supports inclusion and diversity and advocates the value of inclusiveness where all DFES personnel are encouraged to contribute fully and are recognised and valued for their differences in an environment that is free from discrimination and the negative effects of bias, both conscious and unconscious.
People from culturally diverse backgrounds, Aboriginal Australians and people with a disability are encouraged to apply. DFES may prioritise recruitment decisions based on the Equal Opportunity Act 1984 (WA).