Chris Nicholson
Newtown,VIC
Summary
With over 15 years of extensive experience in emergency management, property valuation, and land administration, the individual has cultivated a diverse skill set, underpinned by a solid educational foundation highlighted by a Bachelor of Property and Real Estate with Distinction, and a Graduate Certificate in Emergency & Disaster Management. This career is distinguished by a demonstrated capability to spearhead complex operations, leveraging expert analytical skills, legislative proficiency, and strategic leadership. Honoured with the National Emergency Medal for efforts during the Victorian Black Saturday bushfires, the individual excels in dynamic, high-pressure environments where operational agility and effective decision-making are paramount.
Overview
19
19
years of professional experience
Work History
LEAD AVIATION FIREFIGHTER
Aviation Rescue Firefighting Service
09.2014 - Current
- Assist in evacuating people using high-performance vehicles and watercraft during life-threatening situations
- Fight fires using various equipment like hoses, foam branches, and monitors, protecting properties at risk
- Conduct regular drills for fire control, rescue operations, and first aid provision, ensuring team readiness
- Oversee arrangement of staff accommodation and travel logistics, ensuring welfare and operational efficiency
- Perform administrative tasks including scheduling, resource allocation, and maintenance oversight
- Manage the Fire Control Centre at airports, playing a pivotal role in both safety oversight and administrative coordination
- Conduct fire safety checks and monitor fire alarm systems, maintaining strict adherence to safety protocols
- Maintain and test fire vehicles and equipment, ensuring operational integrity and readiness
- Mentor and coach team members, contributing to skill development and professional growth within the department
- Lead administrative efforts to coordinate training sessions, manage personnel records, and support departmental logistics.
PROJECTS OFFICER
The Office of the Chief
03.2019 - 04.2021
- Led cost-benefit analyses for FIFO operations within ARFFS, evaluating financial and operational impacts of staff deployment across Australia
- Key tasks included flight cost analysis, staffing level assessments, and efficiency evaluations, leading to strategic recommendations for senior management
- Developed a comprehensive COVID-19 plan for the Northern Territory Government, ensuring ARFFS team's operational continuity and securing travel exemptions during the Northern Territory Government, ensuring ARFFS team's operational continuity and securing travel exemptions during the pandemic
- Reviewed and updated SOPs and Aviation Firefighting Manuals, aligning operational practices with current safety and efficiency standards
- Identified and recommended equipment replacements, enhancing safety and performance of frontline responders
- Audited station asset registries to ensure accurate maintenance and preparedness of firefighting resources
- Created a Call-Out Contingency Excel Spreadsheet with macros, optimising emergency response coordination across 27 airports.
PROPERTY VALUER
Westlink Consulting
09.2013 - 09.2014
- Analysed lease documents to assess economic value and implications for all classes of properties, ensuring valuations reflected current market conditions and lease attributes
- Conducted thorough research to support property sales analysis, underpinning accurate market valuations
- Managed residential objections and public space valuations, maintaining rigorous standards and transparent processes
- Kept abreast of market shifts to aid in determining values for residential, commercial, and industrial properties, enhancing the organisation's strategic planning
- Coordinated and completed building inspections, integrating lease conditions to ensure precise property ratings.
SENIOR PROJECT OFFICER
Department Transport and Planning
02.2009 - 09.2013
- Played a pivotal role in the rollout of SPEAR, focusing on its adoption within the surveying industry and by council bodies
- Provided integral support in system optimization and workflow enhancement to enable digital permit processing
- Conducted comprehensive investigations and compiled detailed reports to inform strategic decision-making
- Developed and distributed educational and promotional materials, significantly improving stakeholder understanding and buy-in for SPEAR
- Organized and led informative seminars and practical onsite training sessions, advancing the skill sets of industry professionals and council staff
- Temporarily held the positions of Stakeholder Engagement Manager and SPEAR Coordinator (VPS 5), demonstrating leadership capabilities and the trust of the organisation
- Fostered strong relationships and maintained open communication channels with stakeholders to ensure a collaborative approach to project challenges.
SENIOR PLAN REGISTRATION OFFICER
Department Transport and Planning
04.2005 - 02.2009
- Interpreted and applied key property legislation, including the Transfer of Land Act 1958, Subdivision Act 1988, Land Act 1958, and the Land Acquisition and Compensation Act 1986, to inform accurate processing of land title transactions
- Handled a range of complex property dealings with precision, including the subdivision of buildings, development of stage plans, and the management of adverse possession applications and discontinued road dealings
- Provided expert advice on intricate land registration matters, translating complex legal concepts into understandable terms for staff, clients, and cross-departmental teams
- Worked closely with various government departments to ensure a cohesive approach to land registration services and to assist in applications by acquiring authorities
- Communicated effectively across all levels of the department, ensuring clear understanding and adherence to the policies and legislation governing land registration.
Education
GRADUATE CERTIFICATE IN EMERGENCY & DISASTER MANAGEMENT - Emergency Management
Queensland University of Technology
Brisbane, QLD04.2024
CERTIFICATE III IN PUBLIC SAFETY FIRE FIGHTING & EMERGENCY OPERATIONS RESPONSE -
Airservices Australia
Melbourne, VIC12.2015
BACHELOR OF PROPERTY & REAL ESTATE WITH DISTINCTION (SUSTAINABILITY) - Real Estate
Deakin University
Burwood, VIC12.2013
CERTIFICATE III OF SURVEYING & SPATIAL INFORMATION SERVICES -
RMIT University
Melbourne, VIC12.2006
Skills
- Crisis & Emergency Response Planning
- Strategic Planning & Implementation
- Logistics & Supply Chain Management
- Stakeholder Engagement
- Cultural Sensitivity
- Sustainability & Environmental Management
- Financial Oversight
- Team Leadership & Development
- Innovation & Problem Solving
- Communication & Negotiation
Accomplishments
- Attained a Graduate Certificate in Emergency Management and Disaster Response while maintaining full-time employment, showcasing a strong commitment to professional growth and excellence in the field of emergency services.
- Successfully completed an intensive 15-week Aviation Rescue Firefighting course, enhancing my skills in emergency response and aerodrome safety at the Airservices Learning Academy.
- Received the National Emergency Medal in recognition of dedicated service and contributions during the critical 2009 Victorian Bushfires.
- Earned a Bachelor of Property and Real Estate with Distinction, achieving academic excellence while managing full-time responsibilities at the Electronic Subdivision Branch of Land Victoria.
References
- Jason Matthews, SENIOR CADASTRAL ADVISOR, Department of Environment, Land, Water and Planning, 0418 563 472, jason.matthews@delwp.vic.gov.au
- David Bearman, AVIATION AERODROME LINE LEADER, Aviation Rescue Firefighting Service, 0419 819 367, david.bearman@airservicesaustralia.com
Timeline
PROJECTS OFFICER
The Office of the Chief
03.2019 - 04.2021
LEAD AVIATION FIREFIGHTER
Aviation Rescue Firefighting Service
09.2014 - Current
PROPERTY VALUER
Westlink Consulting
09.2013 - 09.2014
SENIOR PROJECT OFFICER
Department Transport and Planning
02.2009 - 09.2013
SENIOR PLAN REGISTRATION OFFICER
Department Transport and Planning
04.2005 - 02.2009
GRADUATE CERTIFICATE IN EMERGENCY & DISASTER MANAGEMENT - Emergency Management
Queensland University of Technology
CERTIFICATE III IN PUBLIC SAFETY FIRE FIGHTING & EMERGENCY OPERATIONS RESPONSE -
Airservices Australia
BACHELOR OF PROPERTY & REAL ESTATE WITH DISTINCTION (SUSTAINABILITY) - Real Estate
Deakin University
CERTIFICATE III OF SURVEYING & SPATIAL INFORMATION SERVICES -
RMIT University
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