How to Apply for Supervisor Fire Investigation and Compliance at NSW Rural Fire Service

Dear Hiring Manager,

I am writing to express my strong interest in the position of Supervisor Fire Investigation and Compliance with the NSW Rural Fire Service. With over a decade of experience in WHS, compliance, and incident management roles across high-risk industries, I bring a deep understanding of investigation processes, emergency response coordination, and regulatory compliance. I am confident that my skills, leadership experience, and commitment to safety align closely with the expectations of this role. I have also provided detailed responses to the two targeted questions as part of my application.

Conducting investigations and the provision of a high standard of reports and statements has been a core responsibility across several roles I’ve held. As WHS Manager at a major infrastructure firm, I led an investigation into a near-miss fire event triggered by contractor non-compliance during high-temperature operations. I immediately coordinated an internal incident response, conducted site inspections, and interviewed witnesses and contractors to establish a clear sequence of events. I then compiled a comprehensive investigation report including root cause analysis, photographic evidence, and corrective actions, which was reviewed by executive leadership and used as the basis for a new contractor management procedure. This experience strengthened my skills in delivering concise, factual reporting that supports operational learning and mitigates future risk.

Managing compliance and legal processes, including an understanding of the court and Coronial processes in NSW, is something I have direct experience with. While working as Compliance Lead for a national logistics provider, I managed our response to a vehicle fire involving hazardous materials. As the internal lead, I liaised directly with SafeWork NSW, external investigators, and legal counsel. I compiled documentation and evidence, including site records and training logs, and prepared witness statements for two of our employees. When the incident progressed to the Coronial process, I worked closely with legal representatives to ensure our internal investigation and documentation aligned with evidentiary requirements. This experience gave me a solid working knowledge of the legal sensitivities and procedural requirements involved in compliance investigations, especially where serious harm or public risk is involved.

Leading and managing people in an Emergency Management environment is a responsibility I’ve taken on during some of the most critical moments in my career. During the 2019–2020 bushfire season, I led our organisation’s Emergency Operations response for a major regional distribution centre that was directly threatened by an approaching fire front. The site was a critical logistics hub, housing hazardous materials and supporting essential supply chains across the state. I coordinated a site-wide emergency response, including evacuation planning, asset protection strategies, and liaison with RFS and local emergency services. I oversaw the preparation of daily situation reports, implemented real-time communication protocols, and ensured that all safety officers and essential staff were briefed and supported. I also led a rapid risk assessment to determine when it was safe to return, balancing operational continuity with staff welfare. Managing this high-pressure incident required decisive leadership, calm coordination under stress, and clear, confident communication to keep everyone safe and informed throughout the event.

I am passionate about delivering high-quality outcomes, especially when it comes to protecting lives, assets, and communities. I pride myself on being calm under pressure, practical in complex situations, and proactive in driving systemic improvements. My experience leading cross-functional teams, navigating regulatory environments, and managing detailed investigations makes me well-suited to the responsibilities of this role.

I am enthusiastic about the opportunity to contribute to the vital work of the NSW Rural Fire Service and would welcome the chance to discuss how I can support your goals. Please don’t hesitate to contact me if further information is required.

Thank you for considering my application.

Yours sincerely,
Laura

Question 1: Provide an example of a complex or contentious investigation you have led. What were the key challenges you encountered, and how did you manage them to ensure a fair and appropriate outcome?

In my previous role as WHS Manager for a major infrastructure company, I led a complex and high-risk investigation into a serious electrical fire that occurred on one of our regional construction sites. The incident involved significant damage to plant and infrastructure, and there were conflicting accounts from contractors and subcontractors, each with potential liability. What made the investigation particularly contentious was the involvement of multiple external stakeholders, including the client, insurers, and SafeWork NSW, as well as pressure from internal executives for quick answers.

The first challenge was preserving the integrity of the scene and ensuring that all evidence was collected in a timely and systematic way. I immediately initiated a formal incident response, including securing the site, issuing a stop-work directive, and notifying relevant authorities. I also appointed an internal investigation team and ensured that all personnel involved were briefed on their roles, timelines, and the importance of objectivity.

Another challenge was managing the differing versions of events. To ensure fairness, I conducted structured interviews with all staff and contractors present on-site at the time of the incident. I also reviewed site access logs, work permits, and compliance documentation related to electrical works. Where discrepancies arose, I triangulated evidence from different sources, including CCTV footage, to establish a clear timeline and root cause.

To ensure transparency and procedural fairness, I kept the investigation process visible to senior leadership while maintaining independence from commercial pressures. I also provided regular updates to the client and external regulators, setting clear expectations about timelines and findings. The final report included a detailed root cause analysis, contributing factors, and a corrective action plan that was endorsed by the executive team and accepted by SafeWork NSW with no further enforcement action required.

This experience reinforced the importance of thorough documentation, stakeholder communication, and the need for impartiality in investigations—especially when there are reputational and legal risks involved. It also strengthened my capability to manage complex and sensitive matters to resolution, ensuring accountability without compromising fairness.

Question 2: Describe how you would lead a team responsible for multiple complex investigations or projects. How do you manage shifting priorities and high workloads while maintaining a strong focus on internal and external customer service?

Leading a team responsible for concurrent investigations or high-stakes projects requires a balance of structure, flexibility, and a strong service mindset. In my current leadership role, I oversee a team responsible for WHS audits, compliance reviews, and incident investigations across multiple operational sites, each with unique risk profiles and stakeholder needs.

The first step in managing this workload is establishing a clear prioritisation framework. I work with the team to assess each task against risk, urgency, regulatory requirements, and stakeholder impact. We use a shared incident management system to assign priorities, track status, and flag interdependencies. This allows us to allocate resources effectively, avoid duplication, and ensure the most critical issues are addressed first.

Communication is key to maintaining customer service standards. I schedule regular check-ins with both internal teams and external partners to manage expectations, provide updates, and identify emerging concerns early. When necessary, I reassign workload or bring in surge capacity to prevent burnout and maintain quality.

To keep the team focused and motivated, I foster a culture of shared ownership and accountability. I encourage collaborative planning, peer reviews of reports, and joint decision-making where appropriate. I also ensure that team members have access to the right tools, training, and support to manage their caseloads effectively.

Maintaining a service focus means always considering the needs of those impacted by our investigations—whether it’s staff, clients, or the community. I ensure that communications are respectful, timely, and transparent, even in difficult circumstances. I also track feedback to identify where we can improve our processes or responsiveness.

Ultimately, my leadership approach combines operational discipline with empathy, clear communication, and a focus on delivering outcomes that are both timely and fair. This ensures investigations are completed to a high standard while maintaining the trust of stakeholders and supporting the development and wellbeing of the team.