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Jessica Eadie

from Working in a Video Store to Manager Bushfire Mitigation
I work with community, and other partners to reduce bushfire risk.
Industry
Defence and Public Safety
Company
Queensland Fire Department (QFD)
Job Level
Mid
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Ask me about

  • Opportunities for travel internationally and locally within Australia.
  • Flying to map fires and provide intel to ground crew

About me

  • International Experience
  • Regional Background

My life didn’t follow the exact plan I had envisioned. I dreamt of being a princess, a marine biologist, an actor, even a 3D animator for Pixar. But unexpectedly, I found myself in the realm of fire, where incredible opportunities awaited me.

Growing up in a small community in South Africa, I had a hunger for excitement and adventure. My parents wanted the best for us, so we embarked on a journey to Australia in 2010, seeking new opportunities.

Little did I know, my path would lead me to join the Rural Fire Service as a volunteer. This unexpected turn opened doors to a world where I get to engage in thrilling experiences while safeguarding my community.

Today, I find myself fortunate to partake in incredible activities and play a vital role in protecting the people around me. It’s an unexpected journey that has allowed me to blend my passions and serve a greater purpose.

About my role

  • Humorous
  • Independent
  • Passionate
  • Spontaneous

The Manager of Bushfire Mitigation is responsible for leading and coordinating bushfire prevention efforts in the district. This includes planning and executing strategies, conducting risk assessments, and prioritizing actions to reduce bushfire threats. The role involves mentoring Bushfire Mitigation Officers and working closely with brigades, agency partners and landowners to enhance bushfire preparedness, education, and engagement.

I collaborate with various teams and stakeholders to ensure a unified approach to bushfire and emergency management across the district.

Operationally, I am also fortunate to be part of the Air Operations team, where I am highly skilled as an Air Observer. This role allows me to fly in both rotary and fixed wing aircraft, providing real time intel and mapping, direct to our frontline firefighters and incident management teams on the ground. This information assists in developing plans to manage incidents.

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Education

  • High School Certificate (Matric Endorsement – South Africa)
  • Advanced Diploma in Graphic Design and Animation
  • Multiple Certificates in Public Safety

Subjects

  • Biology
  • Dance
  • Geography
  • History
  • Home Economics
  • Languages
  • Physical Education
  • Science
  • Specialist Mathematics (Maths C)

Awards

  • National Emergency Medal and Clasps for various Emergencies
  • Highly Commended Outstanding Female Leader – Rural Fire Service 2023
  • Multiple Citations and Certificates of Appreciation from QFES / NSW for various roles performed in QFES and outside State Emergency response.

Hobbies

  • Cooking
  • Gaming
  • Gym
  • Scuba Diving
  • Travel

Pets

  • 2 Dog

15 year old me!!

“Don’t be afraid to take those risks. Every one of them has turned out great and led you to exactly where you need to be.”

My career journey

Curious to know how I got here? Here’s a snapshot of my career pathway.
  1. Studied Graphics Design and Animation
  2. Immigrated to Australia in 2010 from South Africa
  3. Volunteered with Rural Fire Service
  4. Became staff member of QFES
  5. International Training Exchange in South Africa (WTREXSA)

My typical day

My employer

Queensland Fire Department (QFD) is the primary provider of fire and rescue, emergency management, and disaster mitigation programs and services throughout Queensland. They deliver this through our Fire and Rescue Service (FRS), Rural Fire Service (RFS) and State Emergency Service (SES).  As part of the Queensland Government, we are committed to building a diverse workforce that represents the community we serve.