Assistant Chief Officer (ACO) – District Coordination (Toowoomba) 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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The District Coordination role covers a broad geographic footprint including Toowoomba, Warwick (Southern Downs), Dalby (Western Downs) and Goondiwindi. The region manages 950+ volunteers across 41 brigades in Toowoomba, 1,200 volunteers in Warwick (54 brigades), and 1,470 volunteers in Dalby (87 brigades). 

QFD is navigating a significant uplift phase following years of attrition, limited development opportunities during COVID, increasing operational tempo and a nationwide shortage of experienced senior fire leaders. The ACO District role is pivotal to strengthening governance, operational readiness, volunteer capability, and culture across the region. 

Reporting directly to the Deputy Chief Officer (DCO), the ACO District leader oversees all bushfire operations, mitigation activities, workforce management and governance across the district. The role ensures decision-ready information is escalated quickly, with high attention to detail, accuracy and operational insight. 

Key responsibilities include: 

• High-level operational oversight including risk mitigation, resource management and operational readiness. 

• Governance and assurance: validating complex information, producing concise briefs, and ensuring accuracy in decision-making. 

• People leadership: mentoring junior staff, supporting capability uplift, and fostering a safe, positive and accountable culture. 

• Volunteer engagement: presence at brigade events, community visits, medal ceremonies and training. 

• Stakeholder engagement: coordination with local councils across Toowoomba, Southern Downs, Western Downs and Goondiwindi, and collaboration with regional and state-level leadership. 

Leadership & People 

Visible, values-led leadership with high EQ; ability to build trust, uplift capability and support a dispersed workforce. 

Strategy & Planning 

Capability to analyse information, distil priorities, and deliver decision-ready advice in high-pressure environments. 

Operational or Technical Expertise 

Strong background in bushfire/vegetation fire management; ability to interpret awards, policies, WHS requirements and operational frameworks. 

Stakeholder Engagement & Influence 

Experience engaging with councils, community stakeholders, volunteers and interagency partners. 

Values, Integrity & Cultural Alignment 

Commitment to psychological safety, respectful leadership, and QFD’s values of service and accountability. 

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 an experienced operational bushfire leader with strong judgement, exceptional communication skills, and the ability to quickly filter and synthesise complex information. They will be grounded in rural fire practice, experienced in volunteer-led environments, and confident managing district-level operations across large geographic regions. 

They will be authentic, people-first leaders who can foster a cohesive and motivated team, strengthen relationships with brigades and councils, and maintain a calm, strategic presence during high-pressure and politically visible situations. 

Toowoomba is Queensland’s largest inland city, known for its liveability, affordability and strong community. It offers short commute times, extensive parks and green spaces, quality schools, a thriving café and cultural scene, and excellent housing affordability compared with major cities. Median house prices range from $620,000 to $921,000 depending on suburb, with rental prices typically between $530–$550 per week. The region provides a high standard of living, four-season climate, strong education choices including UniSQ, and excellent connectivity via the Toowoomba Bypass and Wellcamp Airport. 

Click here to download further information.

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 quoting reference KCCSTW 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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