Work Type: Fixed-term - Full-time
Salary: Salary not specified
Grade: Grade in advertisement
Occupation: Other
Location: Melbourne - Eastern suburbs
Reference: VG/1919457
CFA is an emergency service that places the community at the centre of everything we do. We work to protect lives and property across Victoria, every hour of the day.
Our organisation is made up of employees working alongside more than 51,000 volunteers. We value the different skills, experience and viewpoints that people bring, because they strengthen how we operate and support the services Victorians rely on.
We aim to be a workplace where people feel supported to do meaningful work, develop professionally and contribute to outcomes that matter to the people and places we serve.
To learn more about who we are and the work we do, visit our About Us page.
About the Role
The Head of Research, Innovation and Predictive Capability is a newly created executive leadership role reporting to the Deputy Chief Officer, Fire Risk Research and Community Preparedness. This position provides strategic leadership across CFA, government and the broader sector to strengthen bushfire management practices in Victoria and reduce the impacts of bushfires on people, the environment and the economy.
The role leads key functions including the CFA research program, sector innovation initiatives, the joint-agency Predictive Services Program and bushfire risk analysis. This includes guiding research priorities, driving innovation and the adoption of new technologies, strengthening predictive capability and supporting evidence-based decision making through data, field risk assessments and risk modelling.
As a member of the senior leadership team, you will influence research and innovation across the sector, build strong partnerships with government, agencies and research organisations and provide strategic advice to support CFA's bushfire risk management responsibilities. The role also contributes to the broader strategic direction of the organisation while fostering collaboration and leading with professionalism, integrity and accountability.
About you
You are a highly experienced and strategic manager with strong expertise in natural resource management, fire-related research or a related field. A tertiary qualification in a relevant discipline is essential, with a PhD or management qualification highly regarded.
You bring extensive experience leading the development and delivery of complex programs and initiatives, with a proven ability to translate strategy into outcomes that support organisational goals. Established networks in research, innovation and predictive services are essential, with connections in the fire and emergency services sector highly desirable.
You are a skilled leader, capable of building and guiding high-performing teams and have a strong track record in developing effective partnerships, networks and community-centred initiatives. Your exceptional communication and interpersonal skills enable you to navigate complex matters and influence internal and external stakeholders with credibility and impact.
Why choose CFA
Your Application
Click the ‘Apply' button to access our online application portal. You will be prompted to provide your personal and contact details and to respond to employment-related questions. When applying for a position with CFA, please include a cover letter and resume that clearly demonstrate your qualifications, experien ce and the key attributes and skills relevant to the role.
Pre-employment Checks
Offers of employment will only be made to candidates who are able to successfully complete a Nationally Coordinated Criminal History Check, Working Rights Check and hold a valid Working with Children Check. You will also be required to provide at least two professional references.
Applications close: 11:59pm 3 May 2026
CFA is committed to creating and maintaining a diverse, inclusive, and safe volunteer and work environment. Our aim is to have a volunteer and paid workforce that reflects the community it serves. First Nations people, women, people of all ages, with disabilities and culturally and linguistically diverse people are encouraged to apply.
If at any stage of the recruitment and selection process you require an alternative format to the application material or reasonable adjustment to the interview arrangements, please don't hesitate to contact the person listed on the ad or alternatively, email [email protected]
The Country Fire Authority (CFA) values your privacy. We will use the information you provide when you are applying for employment with us for the purpose of recruitment, selection, evaluation and appointment and to report on anonymised key metrics (e.g. diversity). The information we collect will be handled in accordance with privacy laws, including the Privacy and Data Protection Act 2014. You can view our Privacy Statement here. For access and correction of the information we have collected, contact [email protected]