JASON FOTHERGILL
Wondunna
Summary
Highly accomplished and results-driven Manager with over 20 years of leadership experience within Queensland Fire Department. Recognized for exceptional operational management, strategic planning, and a strong commitment to fostering a culture of excellence and teamwork. Proven expertise in managing large-scale fire and emergency operations, disaster preparedness, and community safety programs across Queensland’s urban, rural, and remote regions. Passionate about leading people to achieve excellence, driving innovation, and upholding the highest standards in fire and emergency services. Committed to protecting lives, property, and Queensland’s natural environment through proactive leadership and a people-first approach.
Overview
17
17
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
MANAGER, OPERATIONS MANAGEMENT & BUSINESS SUPPORT
QLD FIRE DEPARTMENT
03.2025 - Current
- Analyse performance data to identify trends, develop strategies for improvement, and monitor progress toward regional goals.
- Oversaw the preparation of monthly financial statements, ensuring accuracy and timely reporting to stakeholders and the regional finance officer.
- Optimized fleet utilization by implementing a dynamic scheduling system that maximized vehicle availability during emergency operations and disasters.
- Reduced expenditures by overseeing equipment acquisition to attain best value and price negotiation.
- Conducted regular audits of fleet assets, identifying opportunities for asset optimization and cost reduction.
- Implemented data-driven approaches for analyzing individual vehicle performance metrics which led to targeted maintenance schedules.
- Cooperated with regional leadership and collaborated on projects of mutual interest to multiple levels of organizational leadership.
- Managed multi-site facilities operations while coordinating activities across Central Region fire stations.
- Participated in strategic planning through evaluation of needs and support of steps necessary for completion of projects.
- Assessed building design and accessibility to inform others of updates to existing infrastructure while maintaining compliance.
- Negotiate and liaise with Q Build management for maintenance in Region, including contract negotiations and management.
AREA COMMANDER, MARYBOROUGH COMMAND
QLD Fire & Emergency Services
06.2023 - 09.2023
- Prioritized daily workload based on project schedules and deadlines given by management.
- Always approached and solved problems with initiative and sound judgment to improve outcomes and staff satisfaction.
- Delivered exceptional customer service to bolster strong relationships and build positive experiences with local stakeholders and staff.
- Successfully managed over 120 Fire Fighters over 5 stations.
- Monitored and reported on HR metrics to inform business decisions and strategies, including preparation for upcoming 2023 budget and fiscal management.
- Reviewed financial statements and activity reports to measure productivity and goal achievement.
- Streamlined onboarding procedures to enhance employee integration and retention of Auxiliary Fire Fighters.
- Reduced workplace injuries by enforcing strict adherence to WHS policies and procedures, including regular inspections of facilities and equipment.
- Supervised incident command operations, ensuring proper coordination among on-scene personnel and effective communication with external agencies.
- Evaluated team performance and implemented strategies to close gaps in skills or knowledge.
MANAGER PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT
QLD FIRE & EMERGENCY SERVICES
03.2021 - 12.2021
- Conduct comprehensive data management and analysis of fire fighter training and requirements for North Coast Region
- Supervise, manage, allocate and co-ordinate fiscal management of training budget
- Adhere to strict timeframes and training schedules to meet deadlines to achieve desired outcomes
- Management of North Coast Region training officers to ensure efficient and consistent delivery of training programs
- Established clear performance metrics and tracking systems to assess the impact of ongoing training efforts consistently.
- Cultivated a culture of continuous learning across multiple office locations, encouraging employees to pursue professional development opportunities actively.
- Implemented a comprehensive train-the-trainer program, further expanding the departments expertise and capabilities.
- Improved staff retention rates by creating engaging and informative training sessions.
- Ensured compliance with industry standards and regulations by incorporating relevant content into all training modules.
- Communicated all learning and performance objectives, schedules, and training assessments to upper management.
- Selected and assigned instructors to conduct specific training programs to improve training outcomes.
STATION OFFICER
FIRE AND RESCUE
01.2016 - 03.2025
- Front line management, incident command & control
- Co-ordinate, manage & supervise Fire Fighters, and personnel
- Responsible for the training, welfare, safety, co-ordination, development & efficiency of all fire station staff
- Responsible for the day-to-day operations of a fire station
- Implement, develop, and maintain accuracy of incident analysis and data collection
- Maintain utmost discretion when dealing with sensitive topics
- Write, manage, monitor & evaluate Fire Fighter training and competencies
- Manage, evaluate & report on Fire Fighter performance and development
- Ensure organizational targets & key performance indicators are met in line with the strategic plan
- Enhanced employee performance by providing ongoing training, coaching, and feedback.
- Enhanced firefighting strategies for better efficiency in extinguishing fires and reducing property damage.
- Assigned firefighters to jobs at strategic locations to facilitate rescue of persons and maximize application of extinguishing agents.
PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT OFFICER
QLD FIRE AND RESCUE
07.2017 - 06.2018
- Develop, implement, co-ordinate, assess and instruct ARTEP courses and training packages
- Develop and monitor ARTEP training schedule and courses
- Organize, manage, monitor & provide feedback to course instructors and presenters
- Implement a new training schedule to improve course efficiency and to meet timeframes
- Ensure the safety of all course participants by implementing adequate control measures to mitigate hazards on the training ground
- Ensure mental wellbeing of all course participants through consultation, one on one meetings, evaluations & providing support
- Ensure strict timeframes were met to ensure all course content is covered and understood
- Manage course presenters and ensure content is relevant
- Provide feedback, constructive comments & encouragement to all participants
LEADING FIRE FIGHTER
QLD Fire & Rescue Service
01.2014 - 01.2016
- Maintained strong knowledge of firefighting principles and suppression methods, which enabled proper decision-making in emergency situations.
- Mentored new firefighters by sharing knowledge and experience, fostering a supportive learning environment for professional development.
- Increased firefighter skill levels by providing ongoing training sessions on new equipment use, rescue techniques, and hazardous materials handling.
- Saved lives and protected property by swiftly executing firefighting techniques during numerous incidents.
- Maintained optimal fire station conditions by overseeing daily equipment checks, facility repairs, and inventory management tasks.
- Enhanced teamwork among crew members through regular training exercises and collaboration in high-pressure situations.
- Promoted a culture of safety within the fire department by adhering to established protocols in both routine activities and emergency situations.
FIREFIGHTER
QLD Fire & Rescue Service
01.2008 - 01.2012
- Critical thinking during emergency calls
- Participate as a team member in a fire crew
- Driver/Operator of all fire appliances
- Operate aerial appliance and work at elevated positions
- Disaster response and management
- Manage the timely response and readiness of all equipment and appliances
- Test equipment in line with organizational procedures and policy
- Adhere to strict WHS policy and procedures
- Lead, instruct and mentor Fire Fighters
- Assist Station Officer in management of large-scale incident
Education
DIP- FIRE AND RESCUE OPERATIONS -
DIP- PUBLIC SAFETY -
CERTIFICATE IV – PUBLIC SAFETY - Firefighting Supervision
CERTIFICATE III – PUBLIC SAFETY - Firefighting and Emergency operations
WORKPLACE TRAINER & ASSESSOR -
Skills
- Analytical thinking & planning
- Clear and concise communication skills
- Accuracy and attention to detail
- Organization and prioritization
- Effective problem resolution
- Strong leadership
- Incident command & control
- Disaster management
- Mentoring
- Financial forecasting
- Building capability and resilience
- Community Resilience & Education
Operations Management
- Highly experienced and results-driven professional with a strong background in operations management, emergency response coordination, and leadership, making me well-suited for the role of Inspector with the Department. Over my 20 years, across 2 fire services, I have honed my ability to oversee complex operations, ensure team readiness, and manage resources effectively to protect lives, property and the environment.
Community Safety
- Experienced in promoting public safety through fire prevention, risk assessments, and community engagement. Skilled in conducting fire inspections, delivering safety education programs, and collaborating with local organizations to mitigate risks. Proficient in implementing data-driven strategies to identify high-risk areas and allocate resources effectively. Committed to fostering preparedness through public campaigns, community initiatives, and safety checks, ensuring the protection of lives and property.
Professional Development
- Experienced in fostering continuous learning and career growth within the fire service. Skilled in designing and delivering training programs, leadership development, and mentorship initiatives to build operational excellence and prepare future leaders. Proficient in promoting certifications, higher education, and cross-training to address emerging challenges and career advancement. Committed to enhancing team performance through knowledge sharing, modern technology adoption, and clear career pathways.
Operations Business Management
- Skilled in optimizing business processes, managing resources, and improving operational efficiency to drive profitability and align with strategic goals. Experienced in supply chain management, cost control, capacity planning, and quality assurance. Proficient in implementing process improvements, overseeing project execution, and utilizing key performance indicators (KPIs) to enhance productivity. Strong leadership abilities with a focus on team development and fostering a culture of continuous improvement. Adept at making data-driven decisions to streamline operations and maximize business performance.
Additional Skills & Qualifications
- RPAS Pilot
- AIIMS Level 2 Logistics Officer
- AIIMS Level 2 PIO Officer
- AIIMS Level 2 Operations Officer
- OFOT Instructor & Assessor
- BA Technician
- Aerial Appliance Operator (27M)
- Cat 'A' Trainer & Assessor
- Lead ARTEP Instructor
- Level 2 Procurement Officer
- Grade to Grade Assessor
- Regional Assessment Assessor
- SCOTT BA TECHNICIAN
- Operate Elevated work platform
Certification
- DIP- FIRE AND RESCUE OPERATIONS 30391QLD
- DIP- PUBLIC SAFETY PUA50513
- CERTIFICATE IV – PUBLIC SAFETY Firefighting Supervision PUA40301
- CERTIFICATE III – PUBLIC SAFETY Firefighting and Emergency operations PUA30601
Employment Profile
- March 2025 - Current Acting Inspector, OMBS, Maryborough Division
- June-Sep 2023- Acting Inspector, Area Commander, Maryborough Command
- March-Dec 2021- Acting Inspector, Manager Professional Development, NCR
- 2016-2025- Station Officer, Maryborough Command
- 2017-2018- Professional Development Officer, North Coast Region
- 2014-2016 -Leading Fire Fighter/Acting Station Officer, Rockhampton Command
- 2012-2014 -Senior Fire Fighter, Rockhampton Command
- 2008-2011 -Fire Fighter, Rockhampton Command
- 2008 -Recruit Fire Fighter, QCESA
Honours & Awards
- National Medal for Fire Service
- Queensland Fire and Emergency Services medal
- Queensland Flood and Cyclone Citation
- Volunteerism Award, Victorian Government
Licenses
- Open drivers license
- Heavy Rigid drivers license.
- License to perform high risk work
- Elevated work platform
- Excavator
- Front-End Loader & Forklift truck
- Grader & Back-Hoe
Professional References
- Mr. Bernard Massingham, Duty Manager Operations, 0417 009 544, Bernard.Massingham@qfes.qld.gov.au
- Mr. Cameron Corneal, Superintendent – Maryborough Division, 0414 225 517, Cameron.Corneal@qfes.qld.gov.au
Timeline
MANAGER, OPERATIONS MANAGEMENT & BUSINESS SUPPORT
QLD FIRE DEPARTMENT
03.2025 - Current
AREA COMMANDER, MARYBOROUGH COMMAND
QLD Fire & Emergency Services
06.2023 - 09.2023
MANAGER PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT
QLD FIRE & EMERGENCY SERVICES
03.2021 - 12.2021
PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT OFFICER
QLD FIRE AND RESCUE
07.2017 - 06.2018
STATION OFFICER
FIRE AND RESCUE
01.2016 - 03.2025
LEADING FIRE FIGHTER
QLD Fire & Rescue Service
01.2014 - 01.2016
FIREFIGHTER
QLD Fire & Rescue Service
01.2008 - 01.2012
DIP- PUBLIC SAFETY -
CERTIFICATE IV – PUBLIC SAFETY - Firefighting Supervision
CERTIFICATE III – PUBLIC SAFETY - Firefighting and Emergency operations
WORKPLACE TRAINER & ASSESSOR -
DIP- FIRE AND RESCUE OPERATIONS -
Similar Profiles
Santisouk NouaphaySantisouk Nouaphay
Electrical Fire Technician at ARA Fire QLDElectrical Fire Technician at ARA Fire QLD
Adam BrettAdam Brett
Volunteer Firefighter at Rural Fire Service QLDVolunteer Firefighter at Rural Fire Service QLD
Catherine McLeodCatherine McLeod
Teacher Aide at Department Of Education QldTeacher Aide at Department Of Education Qld