Operational Communications Officer and Senior Operational Communications Officer

Operational Communications Officer and Senior Operational Communications Officer at NSW Rural Fire Service

Join the Operational Communications Centre team at the Rural Fire Service Headquarters. The Centre operates 24/7, providing high-level communications support to our 44 Rural Fire Districts across NSW in the form of call receipt and dispatch. Additionally, the role assists our State Operations Centre with the administration and coordination of large campaigns or complex incidents throughout NSW. We are looking to create a recruitment (talent) pool through this process to fill potential upcoming future ongoing, temporary, and casual vacancies within the next 18 months.

This opportunity offers:

• Opportunities available to work full-time or casually on a varied or rotating roster
• Attractive annual salary:
  • RFS B Operational Communications Officer: $75,728 - $82,329 p.a. plus 12% superannuation
  • RFS C Senior Operational Communications Officer: $84,659 - $92,701 p.a. plus 12% superannuation
• In addition to salary, ongoing and temporary roles also attract a shift penalty allowance of 26.14%
• Location: Sydney Olympic Park (RFS State Headquarters)
• Limited free onsite parking is available
• A recruitment (talent) pool may be created for future ongoing, temporary and casual roles

In the Operator role, you will be responsible for:

• Receiving, assessing, processing and dispatching resources to emergency and routine requests for assistance, including fire incidents, motor vehicle accidents and other hazards.
• Processing Bush Fire Information Line (BFIL) and AIDER program requests.
• Providing critical support functions within the State Operations Centre.
• Timely dissemination of accurate information, dispatch of appropriate resources, and ongoing monitoring of incidents through effective telephone and radio communications, alongside precise data entry and system management.

In the Senior role, you will:

• Provide leadership, guidance and oversight to Operators across all of the above functions, while also performing the duties of an Operator.
• Actively monitor dispatch processes and maintain effective communication with team members and partner agencies.
• Ensure operational risks are identified, mitigated and appropriately reported.
• Oversee and monitor key operational systems, including CAD and ICON.
• Provide guidance and mentoring to Communications Operators.
• Contribute to continuous improvement initiatives that strengthen both operational and administrative capability.
• Report directly to and provide operational support to the Response Coordinator, ensuring alignment of priorities, situational awareness and a coordinated response environment.

Operational Communications Centre

Our centre can accommodate a team of up to 25 operators and 5 senior operators, who work on a varied and rotating roster, which includes night shifts, weekends and public holidays.

• Ongoing Operators: Work on a varied and rotating roster. A standard shift pattern is 12 hours and may start from: Day Shift: 6:00 AM to 6:00 PM; Night Shift: 6:00 PM to 6:00 AM.
• Casual Operators: Have access to our rostering system app, where available shifts will be posted. Casual hourly salary range includes $41.47 - $45.08 per hour, plus 12% superannuation and casual loading.

Induction

Prior to commencing employment, successful candidates will be required to attend a paid induction program (2 weeks), scheduled upon activation of candidates from the Recruitment (Talent) Pool.

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
• Limited free onsite car parking available
• 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 the targeted question within the online application process (maximum 500 words): Describe a time when you were required to remain calm, professional and effective in a high-pressure or rapidly changing environment.

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 1 March 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.

Key skills/competency

• Emergency response
• Radio communication
• Incident management
• Dispatch operations
• Calm under pressure
• Decision-making
• Computer literacy
• Customer service
• Leadership skills
• Team supervision