Fire Rescue Victoria - Lateral Entry Opportunities for Commanders (CMDR)

Fire Rescue Victoria (FRV) is a modern fire and rescue service that meets the needs of twenty-first century Victoria. Established on 1 July 2020 as part of Victoria's Fire Services Reform, FRV serves and protects communities across Melbourne and Victoria's major regional centres from 85 FRV fire and rescue stations across the state.

Its career firefighters operate 47 fire stations in metropolitan Melbourne and 38 regional stations, most of which are co-located with Country Fire Authority (CFA) volunteer brigades. FRV proudly continues to work alongside the CFA, which is a community-based volunteer fire service.

FRV also provides senior operational staff to CFA through a secondment arrangement which provides the critical roles of Assistant Chief Fire Officers and Commander to CFA who operate under the direction and control of the CFA Chief Officer.

South-West Region District 4 (Casterton), District 5 (Hamilton), District 6 (Colac), District 7 (North Geelong).
West Region District 15 (Ballarat/Wendouree), District 16 (Ararat), District 17 (Horsham).
North-West Region District 2 (Bendigo/Kangaroo Flat), District 14 (Melton), District 18 (Swan Hill) District 20 (Kerang).
North-East Region District 12 (Seymour), District 13 (Chirnside Park), District 22 (Shepparton), District 23 (Wangaratta), District 24 (Wodonga).
South-East District 8 (Dandenong), District 9 (Warragul), District 27 (Morwell), District 10 (Sale), District 11 (Bairnsdale).
CFA Headquarters (Burwood East).
These roles are permanent full-time Commander positions within the FRV workforce. These FRV positions are seconded into the Country Fire Authority (CFA) via the FRV/CFA Secondment Agreement. Each of these positions is deemed to be a tenured position for an initial placement of no less than three (3) year period from the date of commencement in the role. At the end of three (3) years at this location, personnel will be able to remain in place, transfer to another CFA District or successful obtain a vacancy within FRV in line with processes at the time.
During this tenure period, successful applicants will be able to apply for higher duties opportunities within their appointed region only. There is no ability to apply for at rank opportunities during this period.
Any Commander role in FRV or CFA has the inherent requirement to participate in after-hours availability arrangements to support the 24/7 operating environment.
The role of a Commander working in the CFA is to operate within the appointed district and provide direct support to CFA personnel, Brigades and Groups. The role is critical to support CFA’s service delivery to the community directly through response or in support of CFA volunteer members through a range of planning, preparedness, response and recovery activities.
The role is diverse and involves working as part of a small team within the allocated District to support CFA operations both locally and across the state including the possibility of interstate and overseas deployments.
The key role functions are detailed as follows.
- Support the Assistant Chief Fire Officer (ACFO) in ensuring CFA statutory requirements and Standing Operating Procedures are met.
- Report to and advise the ACFO on service delivery and future implications relating to issues and trends within the relevant CFA District.
- Undertake other duties as directed by the ACFO, CFA Chief Officer and/or Deputy Chief Officer
- Respond to and exercise command and control of major fires and emergencies in accordance with the Australasian Inter-service Incident Management System (AIIMS) and legislative responsibilities
- Undertake the role of media liaison and represent CFA conducted within policy guidelines as required
Commander Damien Scott
After a career in aviation firefighting with Airservices Australia, Commander Damien Scott was looking for a new challenge. One that would broaden his operational experience and allow him to lead in a more diverse emergency environment. Joining FRV through a lateral pathway in 2022, Damien brought with him a strong background in high-risk, high-consequence incident response.
“In aviation firefighting, you’re trained to operate in critical situations where time and decisions really matter,” Damien says. “That foundation translates well, but moving into FRV has expanded the scope of what I’m involved in.”
For Damien, the transition into a broader emergency services role has been both challenging and rewarding.
“You’re dealing with a wider range of incidents, different communities, and working closely with volunteer brigades,” he says. “It adds a new dimension to leadership - you’re not just responding, you’re supporting capability across an entire district.”
One of the standout aspects for Damien has been the collaborative environment.
“The integration between agencies is a real strength,” he says. “You’re working alongside highly capable people, and there’s a strong focus on shared outcomes for the community.”
Now operating as a Commander within FRV, Damien values the variety and impact of the role.
“It’s a role where your experience counts, but you’re also constantly learning,” he says. “If you’re coming from a background like aviation firefighting and looking to broaden your leadership, this is a great place to do it.”

Commander Chris Manuel
After building his career in the Northern Territory, Commander Chris Manuel was ready to take on a new challenge - bringing his experience with the Northern Territory Fire and Rescue Service into FRV.
Chris had already developed strong operational leadership in a demanding and often remote environment, but the opportunity to work within Victoria’s complementary fire service model offered a new level of scale and complexity.
“In the Territory, you’re used to working in dynamic conditions with limited resources,” Chris says. “That experience prepares you well, but coming to FRV exposes you to a much broader operational landscape.”
Since joining FRV, Chris has embraced the diversity of the role and the opportunity to work across both metropolitan and regional settings.
“You’re dealing with different risk profiles, higher population density and a strong volunteer network through CFA,” he says. “It really challenges you to adapt your leadership and think differently.”
For Chris, one of the most rewarding aspects has been the ability to influence outcomes beyond individual incidents.
“You’re not just responding - you’re helping shape capability, supporting brigades, and contributing to how the system operates as a whole,” he says.
Now established within FRV, Chris sees the move as a natural progression for experienced fire service leaders.
“If you’re already operating at that level and want to test yourself in a larger, more complex environment, this is a great opportunity.”

To be eligible to apply for lateral entry to FRV at the rank of Commander, applicants must be currently employed in a recognised Fire Service and hold the rank of Commander and have completed a Career Firefighter Recruit Course with a recognised Fire Service.
To be eligible to apply you must provide a certified record of completion of the following qualification: PUA50519 Diploma of Public Safety (Firefighting Management) or equivalent.
To be eligible to work within the Victorian Public Service you need to be an Australian or New Zealand citizen, permanent resident or hold an eligible work permit.
In making an application, eligible candidates should present appropriate evidence of their:
- Ability to manage and lead staff and volunteers;
- Ability to work in a team environment;
- Effective interpersonal, written, verbal and communication skills;
- Ability to work with internal and external stakeholders; and
- Willingness to contribute to a positive and constructive workplace environment;
- Achievement in a range of roles;
- Management skills in the development, implementation and review of policy and operational plans;
- Ability to implement operational policies and procedures;
- Knowledge of legislative accountabilities;
- Application of organisational ethics and values
The following selection process will apply:
1. Assessment of application (cover letter, resume, list of qualifications and document addressing the key selection criteria)
2. Assessment of skills profile and work history by the Victorian Professional Career Firefighters Registration Board
3. Assessment Centre (Command and control paper and a report paper)
4. Panel Interview
5. Pre-employment checks, including
  1. Nationally coordinated criminal history check
  2. Working with children check
  3. Driving history check
  4. Employment reference checks
  5. Pre-employment medical assessment
6. Offer of employment
Commander – Level 1 $155,160.21 gross per annum + superannuation
Commander – Level 2 $158,280.65 gross per annum + superannuation
Commander – Level 3 $158,280.65 gross per annum + superannuation
Commander – Level 4 $164,141.87 gross per annum + superannuation
- Access to flexible work arrangements;
- Uniquely rewarding work in the service of the Victorian community;
- Support for education, career and professional development;
- Novated lease options;
- Defined Benefit Superannuation;
- An unrivalled suite of physical and mental health and wellbeing support services;
- Annual sports voucher;
- Income Protection;
- Free gym access.

Express your interest via FRV’s Promotions Team Expression of interest: FRV Commander Lateral Entry – Fill out form

This expression of interest allows you to:

Signal your interest in future Lateral Entry Commander opportunities.
Request further information on the Lateral Entry program and discuss your eligibility.
Stay informed about upcoming recruitment processes.

All enquiries are treated with the strictest of confidence.

Future vacancies and opportunities to apply

When opportunities arise, FRV will undertake a formal recruitment and selection process and the positions will be advertised on https://www.seek.com.au/Fire-Rescue-Victoria-jobs

Families & communities

Updated 24 August 2026