From university student to protecting Victoria's forests

She was finishing university, needed a job and thought she'd give it a shot.

She'd never even heard of the role before.

Ten years later, Brooke's a Forest and Fire Operations Officer – Field Team Leader, helping protect communities, manage forests and mentor the next generation of firefighters.

Originally from Melbourne, she spent weekends exploring Victoria's forests with his family. While studying Conservation and Land Management, she worked on bush crews carrying out revegetation, weed control and ecological burns. When a friend mentioned seasonal firefighter jobs, she applied without knowing it would change her life.

Her first bushfire experience came not long after completing General Firefighter training.

"You spend a week learning so much that you wonder if you'll remember any of it. But as soon as I got to my first fire, everything just clicked,” she said.

A seasonal job quickly became something bigger.

Brooke spent six years as a Project Firefighter, taking every opportunity to learn new skills and build experience. She took on short-term roles, learnt office-based planning and even moved across Victoria for a year before returning to the Murray Goldfields in Central Victoria for a permanent role.

Looking back, one moment stands out above the rest – attending her first fire on Christmas Eve.

"Being there to help protect people's properties on one of the hardest days of their lives made all the long hours and hard work worthwhile."

That willingness to say yes to new opportunities helped shape the career she has today.

“Stay open to new opportunities, even if they mean moving to a different town or trying something outside your comfort zone.”

Now Brooke’s days are anything but ordinary. One day she might be maintaining forest tracks, reducing bushfire risk, mentoring seasonal staff and in summer, responding to bushfires that threaten communities and the environment.

Her advice for anyone thinking about applying?

"You don't need to know everything before you start. If you enjoy working outdoors, care about the environment and your community and you're willing to learn, this job can take you places you never expected."

Forest Fire Management Victoria is recruiting ongoing and seasonal forest firefighter roles for the 2026/27 season from 2-26 July 2026.

Visit seasonal firefighting