Assistant Chief Officer (ACO) – Bushfire Resilience and Operational Support (BROS) Queensland Fire Department  

Windsor Group has been appointed by Queensland Fire Department to manage this executive search. As a profit–for–purpose organisation, we support our clients through ethical, values aligned recruitment across the nonprofit, government and commercial sectors. 

The Queensland Fire Department (QFD) is a Queensland Government department responsible for delivering fire and emergency services to the community. QFD’s selection and appointment processes are governed by legislation and standards common to Queensland Government, with suitability assessed against the accountabilities and attributes in the role description and relevant public sector legislation. 

QFD is committed to inclusive and diverse recruitment practices and to supporting applicants through reasonable adjustments. The department values flexible work arrangements where operationally feasible and promotes a workplace culture aligned to its stated values.  

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BROS is a state-level portfolio recognised as large, diverse and historically high-pressure, underpinning bushfire mitigation, preparedness and operational capability across Queensland. The portfolio carries significant visibility and frequent time-critical requirements, including a high volume of briefings and urgent requests. 

The role is positioned to strengthen statewide capability through disciplined governance, effective stakeholder engagement, and the delivery of long-horizon uplift programs (including fleet and infrastructure planning) while remaining responsive to operational and ministerial priorities.

This role operates within the Office of the Deputy Chief Officer, State Capability, and provides senior leadership across multiple functions that support bushfire resilience and operational readiness statewide. It requires strategic oversight, political awareness, and the ability to prioritise effectively in a fast-paced environment. 

Key portfolio responsibilities include: 

• Bushfire Mitigation & Environmental Management – oversight of mitigation programs, environmental compliance, land-use planning interfaces, and contribution to the State Bushfire Plan and related strategic documents. 

• Infrastructure, Fleet & Asset Management – leadership of station, fleet and asset oversight, including a major fleet uplift program (approximately 1,500 vehicles) and development of 10-year infrastructure and fleet pipelines. 

• Policy, Reporting & Governance – oversight of a high-volume policy and governance portfolio, including preparation of cabinet submissions, ministerial briefs and high-level reporting. 

• Stakeholder & Government Engagement – regular engagement with local government, cross-agency partners (e.g., parks, forestry, land and fire management agencies), and statewide committees and forums. 

The role participates in a rotational on-call structure (approximately 1 in 4) coordinated through the State Fire Control Centre. The position is based at Kedron, with a transition underway to Albion, and may offer hybrid work flexibility in line with operational requirements. 

Leadership & People 

Proven senior leadership in complex, operationally-oriented environments; ability to lead across diverse teams and stakeholders, support volunteers, and remain people-centred while managing competing priorities. 

Strategy & Planning 

Demonstrated capability to set direction for large portfolios, translate strategy into practical delivery plans, and maintain oversight of long-term uplift programs while responding to urgent and emerging issues. 

Operational / Technical Expertise 

Strong understanding of rural fire/bushfire settings and the operational realities of statewide capability and preparedness. Backgrounds may include fire services, parks/forestry/land management (with bushfire expertise), emergency management policy, or senior government roles with relevant exposure. 

Stakeholder Engagement & Influence 

High-level stakeholder engagement skills, including demonstrated political astuteness and experience navigating government processes, ministerial workflows, and cross-agency dynamics. Ability to build and maintain interagency relationships and influence outcomes at state and regional levels. 

Values, Integrity & Cultural Alignment 

Commitment to public service values and ethical conduct, with a strong focus on safety, service and integrity. Demonstrated respect for volunteer contribution and the ability to create fit-for-purpose environments that support volunteer capability. 

Download the Position Description (PD)

Download the RFS-Chief-Superintendent-Statement-of-Suitability

Download the Application-Guide-Operational-Officer-Statewide-Recruitment-Process

This role is ranked at Chief Superintendent. Please find attached the generic role description for this rank for your reference. Download the Chief-Superintendent FSCSI Rural Fire Service Queensland

The ideal candidate is a seasoned, agile and politically astute leader who thrives in complex, high-pressure portfolios. They will bring strong judgement, attention to detail and the ability to prioritise at pace, balancing strategic oversight with operational responsiveness. They will understand (or be able to quickly learn) Queensland’s rural fire and bushfire management context and will be confident engaging with local government, state-level committees and cross-agency partners. 

They will also bring a service mindset, supporting volunteers and communities through strong governance, clear communication and disciplined delivery across infrastructure, fleet, policy and capability priorities. 

QFD recruitment is merit-based and suitability-focused. Shortlisted applicants may be invited to participate in assessment activities prior to interview, which may include cognitive and work-behaviour assessments and, where required, psychological assessment. Referee reports and integrity checks may also be undertaken during the process. 

Applicants should plan to allow time for any mandatory pre-employment checks (including medical and screening requirements) as part of QFD’s appointment process. 

Indicative dates will be confirmed in the advertisement and communicated to shortlisted candidates as the process progresses. Windsor Group will review applications as they are received and early applications are encouraged. 

Applications must be submitted online via the QFD Careers portal (external applicants) or via Nexus (internal applicants), as outlined in the role advertisement. 

To apply, please provide: 

• A current resume (maximum 6 pages) detailing your skills and experience relevant to the role, including contact details for 2–3 referees. 

• A statement of suitability submitted on the required QFD template, addressing the capabilities outlined in the role description (font no smaller than Arial 10). 

• When requested, a summary of training records (do not attach full LMS records). 

Please ensure you upload all required documents to your application before submitting. Late applications may only be considered in exceptional circumstances and at the discretion of the selection panel. 

For enquiries about this search, please contact: Kym Cheatham, 07 3211 0001 

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