Welcome
State Bushfire Mitigation sits within the Rural Fire Division which is a Command of the Department of Fire and Emergency Services (DFES)
The Rural Fire Division consists of five specialist teams who work closely with local governments, state agencies, organisations, industry, volunteers and other key stakeholders to assist in carrying out their roles in bushfire management. It’s these strong relationships which help us tackle bushfire risk more effectively in our State.
Get to Know Us
State Bushfire Mitigation (SBM) works alongside land managers, local governments and state agencies to deliver targeted and impactful mitigation work across Western Australia. We are responsible for the management of vegetation on Unallocated Crown Land (UCL) and Unmanaged Reserves (UMR) within townsites across the state. This position plays a key role in reducing the risk and impact of bushfires on communities.
Local Governments can apply for funding for bushfire mitigation activities through the Mitigation Activity Fund Grants Program (MAFGP) which enables them to implement critical hazard reduction projects. We support the development and implementation of Bushfire Risk Management Plans (BRMP), providing a strategic framework for managing bushfire hazards and safeguarding communities statewide.
SBM collaborates with key partners to reduce bushfire risk statewide. Working closely with the Department of Education (DoE), SBM ensures public schools are prepared for bushfire threats through fuel management, building improvements, and fire drills. In partnership with the Department of Justice (DoJ), mitigation activities such as pruning, mowing, and spraying are carried out by Section 95 prison teams, supporting both community safety and prisoner rehabilitation.
SBM is currently advancing the first phase of building and expanding its bushfire mitigation capability by procuring new machinery and recruiting Indigenous Crew Members. This is an excellent opportunity for an individual seeking a rewarding and meaningful role contributing directly to the reduction of fuel loads and improving community safety across the state. Mitigation positions will be required to work away from home for multiple periods of time each not exceeding two weeks. This aligns with seasonal demands and operational needs across the State.
Recruitment
1
Mitigation Crew Leader (50d)
This position offers the opportunity to work in a diverse and inclusive environment and to travel to various locations across the state.
The role is responsible for:
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the day-to-day management and leadership of a team of up to six Mitigation Crew members.
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overseeing and participating in a range of vegetation management and fuel reduction activities, including machine mulching, slashing, line trimming, and chainsaw/pole saw operations.
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ensuring that work is carried out safely, efficiently, and in alignment with environmental and cultural considerations.
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operating a modern fleet of vehicles, machinery, and equipment to support mitigation objectives.
The role requires the ability to:
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work both independently and collaboratively, often in remote regional areas
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demonstrate initiative and sound judgment
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demonstrate a commitment to safety in all aspects of work.
Leadership Behaviours are applicable to this role, and you are expected to demonstrate the relevant behaviours aligned to the context of Leading Others.
2
Mitigation Crew (50d)
This position supports the reduction of bushfire risks and participates in a range of activities relating to on-ground mitigation works, bushfire suppression, chemical spraying, planned burning, and the operation of associated machinery.
The role is responsible for:
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Use various tools, machines and equipment to remove or modify vegetation, such as firebreak construction and maintenance work, erecting signage and maintenance of water points.
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Use chemical spraying techniques to manage vegetation growth.
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Under supervision, participate in planned burning and wildfire suppression.
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Maintain fire equipment as required
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Participate in safety initiatives including team meetings, workplace inspection, hazard identification and control and accident investigations.
The role requires the ability to:
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work both independently and collaboratively, often in remote regional areas
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Understand and undertake basic quality control and recognise basic quality faults.
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demonstrate a commitment to safety in all aspects of work.
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Maintain relevant qualifications and undertake training to meet organisational requirements.
Leadership Behaviours are applicable to this role, and you are expected to demonstrate the relevant behaviours aligned to the context of Leading Others.
3
Plant Operators
This position offers the opportunity to work in a diverse and inclusive environment and to travel to various locations across the state.
The position involves a variety of operational tasks including:
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forestry mulching, slashing, cutting and maintaining firebreaks
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the potential to assist with fire line construction and containment during bushfire events.
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operating a modern fleet of machinery and equipment to support the team’s objectives in managing fuel loads and improving fire resilience across the state.
Requirements
Successful applicants must have the following prerequisites:
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Possession of a current Australian Heavy Rigid licence and an ability to attain a Multi Combination licence which must be valid for the duration of employment.
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Possession of a current ticket to operate Heavy Mobile Machinery such as Compact Track Loader or Front-End Loader which must be valid for the duration of employment.
The role requires the ability to:
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work both independently and collaboratively, often in remote regional areas
-
demonstrate initiative and sound judgment,
-
demonstrate a commitment to safety in all aspects of work.