QUEENSLAND FIRE DEPARTMENT (APR – 3040)

Optimising the type and location of aviation hubs and airbases to deliver efficient and effective aviation services.

Medical, Biological and other Sciences

PLEASE NOTE

Applications are reviewed regularly and this internship may be filled prior to the advertised closing date if a suitable applicant is identified. Early submissions are encouraged.

ABOUT THE INDUSTRY PARTNER

The Queensland Fire Department (QFD) delivers world-class fire and rescue services across Queensland, focusing on fire prevention, response, and control. Its priority is protecting life, property, and the environment by supporting communities before, during, and after emergencies.
Under the Queensland Fire Services Act 1990, two fire services – Queensland Fire and Rescue (QFR) and Rural Fire Service Queensland (RFSQ) – are established to fulfil the Act’s purposes. The Act mandates collaboration between these services and recognises the vital contributions of staff and volunteers.
QFD’s operations adapt to evolving community needs. Traditionally, its focus has included structural, bush, and grass fires, road crash rescues, hazardous materials, and technical rescues. Advances in technology and innovative practices continue to enhance operations. Increasingly, QFD’s expertise is required for multi-agency, large-scale, rapid-onset, and prolonged events, alongside growing demand for prevention and mitigation efforts.

It is planned that the intern would be attached to the Hazard and Risk Unit The Hazard and Risk Unit is QFD’s hub for hazard expertise, providing strategic support in relation to the department’s responsibilities under the Queensland Disaster Management Arrangements (QDMA), It equips decision-makers with actionable insights, integrates state risk guidance, fosters partnerships, and aligns QFD practices with government priorities. The Unit enhances risk-informed planning, resilience, and QFD’s leadership in disaster management. The unit has coordinated development of the QFD Aviation Strategy.

This opportunity is delivered by Natural Hazards Research Australia (NHRA) in partnership with APR.Intern, with funding provided by NHRA to support industry-linked research placements that translate academic knowledge into real-world impact.

QFD is a Participant of NHRA and is hosting this placement to support the next generation of researchers to apply their expertise in a practical setting and contribute to real-world outcomes.

WHAT’S IN IT FOR YOU?

• Gain hands-on experience in disaster management by applying geospatial analysis, risk modelling, and decision-support approaches to real-world bushfire aviation challenges.
• Develop practical skills in analysing complex datasets (including climate, vulnerability, water availability, and operational data) and translating research into tools that support strategic planning and investment decisions.
• Work alongside QFD aviation, operations, and emergency management specialists, gaining insight into high-stakes decision-making, operational planning, and the delivery of safe and effective emergency services.
• Build professional capability in stakeholder engagement, project management, policy translation, communication, and presenting evidence-based recommendations to decision-makers.
• Access mentoring, industry networks, specialist software (including GIS tools), operational datasets, and professional development opportunities to strengthen technical and workplace skills.
• Gain exposure to the broader disaster resilience sector, including aviation capability experts and emergency management practitioners, preparing you for a career in applied research and disaster management.

RESEARCH TO BE CONDUCTED

Intensifying bushfires driven by climate change, increasing water scarcity during drought conditions, and fiscal constraints are placing pressure on aerial firefighting capability across Australia. Queensland Fire Department’s (QFD) current network of aviation airbases and mobile facilities presents challenges in achieving optimal regional coverage, operational efficiency, and effective deployment of both crewed and Remotely Piloted Aircraft System (RPAS) assets.

This internship will address these challenges by developing a replicable, risk-based framework to optimise the location, classification, and configuration of aviation hubs and airbases. The framework will integrate spatial analysis, vulnerability assessment, climate risk, and water availability considerations to identify opportunities to improve aerial firefighting coverage, response times, operational effectiveness, and long-term resilience.

The project will support QFD’s Strategic Plan 2025–29 and Aviation Strategy by addressing current gaps in aviation infrastructure planning and providing evidence-based recommendations to enhance future capability. The intern will apply geospatial analysis, risk modelling, and decision-support approaches to integrate QFD datasets with relevant environmental and vulnerability information, producing a practical tool to support strategic investment and operational decision-making.

SKILLS WISH LIST

If you’re a postgraduate research student and meet some or all the below we want to hear from you. We strongly encourage women, indigenous and disadvantaged candidates to apply:

• Postgraduate or graduate qualification (completed or in progress) in geography, environmental science, GIS, data science, engineering, or a related discipline.
• Skills and experience in GIS, spatial analysis, risk modelling, and developing decision-support frameworks, particularly in the context of bushfire, climate hazards, vulnerability, or resilience.
• Ability to analyse and integrate complex datasets (e.g., environmental, operational, infrastructure, or hazard data) and translate findings into practical recommendations.
• Experience with programming or statistical analysis tools (e.g., Python, R, or similar) is desirable.
• Strong analytical, problem-solving, communication, and collaboration skills, with the ability to engage with technical and operational stakeholders.
• Experience or interest in natural hazards, emergency management, climate risk, or disaster resilience is highly desirable.

RESEARCH OUTCOMES

The internship will deliver a replicable, risk-based decision framework, supported by spatial analysis, maps, and practical recommendations to optimise aviation hub and airbase locations, configurations, and standardised classifications. The framework will provide QFD with an evidence-based tool to assess future aviation infrastructure needs, guide resource allocation, and support strategic investment decisions.

Key outcomes will include improved regional coverage, enhanced operational efficiency, and increased resilience of aerial firefighting capability in response to climate-driven bushfire risks, water scarcity, and changing operational demands. The recommendations will directly support QFD’s Strategic Plan 2025–29 objectives for risk-informed planning and safe, effective emergency response, as well as the Aviation Strategy 2026–36 goals for operational excellence, regional capability, and balanced fixed and mobile aviation models.

By translating geospatial and risk analysis into an accessible decision-support tool, the project will strengthen QFD’s ability to make data-driven decisions about aviation capability, improve readiness, support fiscal sustainability, and enhance community resilience.

Expected outputs include:

• Develop a risk-based decision framework: Integrate bushfire and climate risks, vulnerability data, water access and fiscal considerations to guide aviation hub and airbase location decisions.
• Develop standardised classifications for aviation hubs/airbases that consider national approaches.
• Optimise airbase locations and types: Identify sites that maximise aviation efficiency and operational effectiveness amid resource constraints.

ADDITIONAL DETAILS

The intern will receive $3,300 per month of the internship, usually in the form of scholarship payments.

It is expected that the intern will primarily undertake this research project during regular business hours and maintain contact with their academic mentor throughout the internship either through face-to-face or phone meetings as appropriate.

The intern and their academic mentor will have the opportunity to negotiate the project’s scope, milestones and timeline during the project planning stage.

Please note, applications are reviewed regularly and this internship may be filled prior to the advertised closing date if a suitable applicant is identified. Early submissions are encouraged.

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