DEAN BROWN
Zilzie
Summary
As an experienced Emergency Services Professional with 17+ years of service across the mining, oil & gas, industrial, aviation, and public sectors, I have led diverse teams in high-pressure, high-risk environments. I have been responsible for the coordination and execution of firefighting and rescue operations — ensuring the safety of personnel, assets, and the broader community. My background includes significant leadership roles, emergency training instruction, and operational management in geographically challenging and remote areas. I have contributed to both private industry and public sector emergency services, including regional fire and rescue coordination, community engagement, and inter-agency collaboration. I am highly competent in strategic decision-making under pressure, stakeholder communication, and leading multidisciplinary response teams. I pride myself on my high attention to detail, strong work ethic, and ability to engage effectively with individuals from diverse backgrounds.
Overview
19
19
years of professional experience
Work History
Emergency Services Operations Manager
Fire & Safety Australia
01.2023 - Current
- Company Overview: Oversee emergency services operations across multiple major industrial and resource sector projects, including the Santos Cooper Basin Project — a vast and remote region comparable in size to Tasmania
- Responsible for the coordination and strategic delivery of emergency management systems, operational readiness, and personnel deployment across oil & gas, infrastructure, aviation, and remote area projects
- Manage geographically dispersed response teams and ensure the consistent application of emergency procedures, AIIMS command structures, and incident escalation protocols
- Lead client engagement, risk assessments, and emergency planning tailored to each project's unique risk profile and regulatory requirements
- Projects include: Santos Cooper Basin Project (Oil & Gas – remote operations), Nyrstar Hobart (Major Hazard Facility), BMA IMT (Incident Management Team) – Lead Consultant, ARFF (Aviation Rescue Firefighting) Operations – managing aviation emergency readiness, training, and compliance at regional aerodromes and logistics hubs
- Coordinate resourcing, logistics, and the development of Emergency Response Plans (ERPs) across sites
- Champion continuous improvement through structured debriefs, capability reviews, and high-impact training programs
- Oversee emergency services operations across multiple major industrial and resource sector projects, including the Santos Cooper Basin Project — a vast and remote region comparable in size to Tasmania
Emergency Response Technical Instructor
Fire and Safety Australia
01.2021 - 01.2023
- Delivered nationally accredited training in emergency response and rescue disciplines
- Instructor in: Certificate III in Emergency Response and Rescue, Certificate III in Public Safety (Firefighting Operations), Technical Rope Rescue, Road Crash Rescue, First Aid & Advanced Resuscitation
- AIIMS-endorsed instructor for emergency incident command and control
- Acted as Lead Adjudicator for national competitions in both Firefighting and Rope Rescue across Tasmania and South Australia
- Supported public and private sector clients with tailored emergency response training
Fire, Rescue and Ambulance Technician
South 32 GEMCO
01.2017 - 01.2021
- Responded to emergency incidents including fire, rescue, and vehicle extrication
- Managed return-to-work programs and worked closely with occupational health teams
- Led site COVID-19 isolation responses and supported rapid operational adjustments during the pandemic
Fire & Rescue Lead
Rio Tinto
01.2015 - 01.2017
- Managed all emergency services operations for the Weipa township and nearby communities
- Led a professional team of 11 full-time responders and coordinated 40+ volunteers
- Developed and executed ERPs, conducted hazard identification and community safety campaigns
- Managed operational budgets and agency collaboration
- Worked closely with local government and emergency service departments on regional response strategies
Emergency Response & Safety Specialist
Wesfarmers Curragh Coal Mine
01.2013 - 01.2015
- Led Emergency Services teams in surface operations
- Conducted internal safety audits, high-potential incident reviews, and TapRoot investigations
- Delivered ER training, site inductions, and competency assessments
- Supported the implementation of site safety management systems (SMS)
Emergency Services Officer
BHP Billiton
01.2011 - 01.2013
- Part of a full-time emergency response team delivering fire suppression, rescue, and high-risk safety coverage
- Participated in regular drills, rescue training, and critical response readiness reviews
Industrial Fire & Rescue Officer
Nyrstar
01.2006 - 01.2011
- Delivered Fire & Rescue services in a major smelting and processing facility
- Conducted confined space rescue, Vertical rescue, industrial firefighting, and plant evacuation exercises
- Supported shutdown and turnaround safety operations
Education
Diploma of Emergency Management -
Diploma of Firefighting Management -
Graduate -
Institute of Fire Engineers
Certificate IV in Training and Assessment -
Certificate IV in Emergency Medical Technician -
Certificate III in Mine Emergency Response & Rescue -
AFAC AIIMS Endorsed Instructor -
Skills
- Emergency Management & Crisis Response
- Firefighting & Rescue Operations
- Incident Command (AIIMS)
- Remote & Industrial Emergency Operations
- ARFF Aviation Firefighting Operations
- Safety Compliance & Risk Management
- Training & Competency Development
- Project and Budget Management
- Root Cause Investigations & Audits
- High-Risk Work Environments (Oil & Gas, Mining, Aviation, Public Infrastructure)
Education And Qualifications
- Diploma of Emergency Management
- Diploma of Firefighting Management
- Graduate – Institute of Fire Engineers (GIFireE)
- Certificate IV in Training and Assessment
- Certificate IV in Emergency Medical Technician
- Certificate III in Mine Emergency Response & Rescue
- AFAC AIIMS Endorsed Instructor
- High-Risk Work Licences and additional qualifications available on request
Timeline
Emergency Services Operations Manager
Fire & Safety Australia
01.2023 - Current
Emergency Response Technical Instructor
Fire and Safety Australia
01.2021 - 01.2023
Fire, Rescue and Ambulance Technician
South 32 GEMCO
01.2017 - 01.2021
Fire & Rescue Lead
Rio Tinto
01.2015 - 01.2017
Emergency Response & Safety Specialist
Wesfarmers Curragh Coal Mine
01.2013 - 01.2015
Emergency Services Officer
BHP Billiton
01.2011 - 01.2013
Industrial Fire & Rescue Officer
Nyrstar
01.2006 - 01.2011
Diploma of Firefighting Management -
Graduate -
Institute of Fire Engineers
Certificate IV in Training and Assessment -
Certificate IV in Emergency Medical Technician -
Certificate III in Mine Emergency Response & Rescue -
AFAC AIIMS Endorsed Instructor -
Diploma of Emergency Management -
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