There are several potential careers within a bushfires role. Volunteer brigades are actively on the front line fighting bushfires and working to contain them. They often work in teams and may use equipment such as hoses, pumps, and water tanks to extinguish the flames.
Sustainable fire management is an important feature of managing and protecting the Territory landscape, including conserving our parks, cultural assets, both environmental and non-environmental assets and our flora and fauna. It also supports economic development across a range of Territory industries such as carbon abatement schemes, agriculture and farming.
A diverse range of careers are available in fire management for individuals who are passionate about protecting the environment, working with our volunteer network and supporting landholders to prepare for, and manage bushfire on their land. These careers offer the opportunity to work in high-pressure situations, provide critical assistance to communities and can include:
- Fire Management Officers which are front line and work in partnership with Volunteer Bushfire Brigades, landholders and other stakeholders to plan and implement mitigation strategies and to respond to bushfires. Various full-time and seasonal positions encompass a range of responsibilities, including land and aerial mitigation burning, delivering accredited training, and engaging with the community.
- Seasonal Incident Management roles support communities prepare for and respond to bushfires and other environmental emergencies/disasters. They develop emergency response plans, coordinate with local agencies and organisations, and provide guidance to individuals and communities during and after an event under the principals of Australasian Inter-service Incident Management System.
- Environmental Scientists analyse the impact of bushfires on the environment, both the immediate aftermath and the long-term recovery and the effect on plant and animal species and eco-systems to develop plans for habitat restoration. This also informs sustainable mitigation programs.
- Conservation and Compliance Officers enforce environmental laws and regulations. They work to prevent fires by educating the public on safe fire practices and enforcing fire restrictions. They also investigate the causes of fires and work with other agencies to determine the appropriate response.
- Risk Planners lead the development and implementation of strategic bushfire risk management planning across the Northern Territory and provide credible advice on emerging fire risks across the Territory.
- Engagement roles support communities to understand bushfire risk and to plan, prepare and respond to bushfires. Engagement roles also promote and provide education to landholders on compliance with fire breaks and managing grassy weeds on their property.
- Administrative roles to provide administrative, financial and program support to the five Fire Management Zones across the Northern Territory to improve the strategic effectiveness of Bushfires NT and Volunteer Bushfire Brigades.
- Volunteering with a local volunteer bushfire brigade to engage with the community to understand bushfire risks and actively participate in mitigation and suppression activities in collaboration with Bushfires NT. Volunteering allows members to acquire nationally accredited training, develop new life skills, and contribute actively to the community.
You can view our current vacancies below, or you can see what's available in other areas with us by viewing all vacancies.