Work Type: Ongoing - Full-time
Salary: $166,939 - $191,084
Grade: VPS 6.2
Occupation: Emergency management
Location: Melbourne - CBD and Inner Metro suburbs
Reference: VG/ACOOTSD1940758
• $166,939 to $191,084 + 12% Superannuation (+ potential operational 15% allowance)
• Full time, ongoing
ROLE SUMMARY:
The Assistant Chief Officer (ACO) – Operational Training Strategy & Development (OTS&D) is a senior leadership role that provides authoritative advice and expertise in shaping and influencing effective delivery of operational learning and development initiatives that enable our strategic objectives.
The ACO OTS&D will undertake a lead role on behalf of DCOC in the implementation of a multi-year COO Operational Training Roadmap that supports future investment in operational training that develops safe and effective field response members. The role will ensure the roadmap remains aligned with the VICSES L&D Framework.
The ACO OTS&D is accountable for leading policy and supporting the regional ACOs L&D to ensure consistency of offerings. This leadership role supports the ACOs L&D in their team efforts to ensuring the Regions develop and maintain the required standard of operational readiness and can respond effectively to emergencies when they arise.
The ACO OTS&D also has a functional accountability to the Deputy Chief Officer Capability to lead and support the ACOs L&D in the Operational Training Needs Analysis, as well as manage the delivery of projects identified under various State level funding sources.
You will support operational training leaders in developing synchronised and supportive environments, applying astute judgement, strategic leadership, exercising high levels of delegations, working in a matrix model for building a flexible and agile workforce, driving a culture of high performance and interoperability. This role has accountability for making Readiness and Response decisions on behalf of VICSES within a Victorian Emergency Management Region and may undertake operational command and control functions during specific local, regional and/or statewide operations. The role may perform senior multi-agency Incident or Regional Controller or Agency Command functions.
WHO WE ARE:
VICSES is a volunteer-based emergency service. Our highly skilled and equipped Volunteers are trained comprehensively in a wide range of emergency environments. To minimise the impact of emergencies when they occur and strengthen the community's capacity to recover swiftly and safely, VICSES focuses on working with communities and partners in building resilience to achieve more aware, informed and prepared communities. We support them to understand their risk and the relevance of taking action before, during and after emergency events.
As the largest road rescue network in Australia we have specialist teams that provide a 24/7 response to road accident and trauma incidents. We assist Victoria Police in search and rescue operations, and play an important role in supporting the CFA, FRV, Parks Victoria and DEECA during major bushfire and emergency incidents
TO APPLY:
Please view the Position Description and submit an application via careers.vic.gov.au Applications should include a cover letter detailing your relevant skills and experience, along with a current CV
For further information about the role, please contact David Baker via [email protected]
Applications close 11:59pm, Monday 24 August 2026
VICSES is an equal opportunity employer committed to safeguarding children and vulnerable people, upholding the highest standards of integrity and community trust, and leading gender equality in the emergency management sector. All applicants are required to complete the relevant screening processes prior to appointment. VICSES also supports flexible working arrangements, subject to operational and business requirements. For more information on our values, benefits, and recruitment process, please visit ses.vic.gov.au/join-us/careers