Purpose of specific work area and position

The Technical Rescue Unit (TRU) is responsible for the development, implementation, planning and management of Technical Rescue within the state. The TRU provides response, advice and support to regions and manages the preparedness and response of the QFES Disaster Assistance Response Team Queensland Australia (AUS-1) and is responsible for managing the following disciplines for the state:

• Swiftwater Floodwater Rescue (SFR)
• Vertical Rescue (VR)
• Confined Space and Trench Rescue (CS&TR)
• Urban Search and Rescue (USAR)
• Motorised Swiftwater Rescue Craft (MSRC)
• Mountain Rescue (MR)
• State Deployment Centre (SDC) Deployment capability.

Reporting to the Manager, you will be responsible for ensuring the day-to-day functions of the unit are met and assist with the planning, evaluation, review, development and implementation of training resources, including coordination and delivery of training and exercises as required. You will assist in various project initiatives to ensure compliance, timely response and deliverables are achieved. You will also be required to liaise and manage high level communications and agreements with external agencies, i.e. Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade, Emergency Management Australia and/or RAAF Amberley to ensure preparedness and response support in times of emergency events.

We are seeking Expressions of Interest from Fire and Rescue Service operational staff in conjunction with the current generic Station Officer role description (see additional information below).

Special requirements

• Continue to fulful the operations management duties/responsibilities of this rank.
• Demonstrated ability to manage competing priorities and provide good organisational and planning skills.

Primary duties

In addition to the generic Station Officer, Fire and Rescue Service role description, the purpose of the Project Officer includes but is not limited to:

• Provide technical rescue risk profiling and advice for placement of specialist staff, equipment and vehicles to ensure adequate technical rescue support and response for the state.
• Coordinate Level II technical rescue training, including major exercises, enrolment, and practical delivery of learning and assessment to meet operational capability.
• Assist in the development and review of technical rescue training materials, guidelines and procedures to ensure they meet relevant legislation standards and maintenance for accreditations (e.g. INSARAG).
• Coordinate and manage the provision of technical rescue and specialist equipment, including procurement processes and supply to regions to meet operational capability.
• Manage deployment equipment and schedules of specialist technician to intrastate, interstate and/or international incidents to ensure service delivery outcomes are met.
• Research, develop and implement advances in technical rescue capability to improve business and future operations of the unit.
• Liaise with other recognised disaster assistance reponse agencies, including volunteers (i.e. doctors, engineers and canine handlers) as required, to support operations during times of emergencies.
• Provide advice and high level communications, information or agreements with internal and external clients relating to technical rescue to ensure agreed outcomes meet organisational requirements.

Additional information

• This position is open to substantive Station Officers, however Leading Firefighters and Senior Firefighters are encouraged to apply.
• The tenure of the position will be 18 months, with extension on completion possible by mutual agreement of all parties.
• Have successfully completed and qualified as a Level II Technical Rescue Technician.
• Incumbent’s may be required to travel and work within the area of responsibility e.g. Brisbane Employment Location and may also be required to undertake intrastate and interstate travel.
• This is a day work position, yet may require flexible hours of work to meet functional demands and operational requirements.
• Officers appointed to this position will participate in a personal professional development programme developed in conjunction with their supervisor.
• Have a proven commitment to maintaining competencies and operating in a team environment.
• This Role Specification Statement (RSS) is linked to the generic role description, that provides the ‘key accountabilities’ and ‘capabilities’ to be addressed by the applicant. Applicants are strongly encouraged to review this RSS in conjunction with the role description and consider the requirements when preparing their application.