Applications close soon for seasonal firefighter roles

APPLICATIONS close soon for seasonal firefighter roles across Victoria, including two locations on the Surf Coast.

Forest Fire Management Victoria (FFMVic) is employing 500 seasonal firefighters before the summer bushfire season.

FFMVic chief fire officer Chris Hardman said seasonal firefighters boosted Victoria’s firefighting capacity in the lead-up to summer and during the peak fire season.

“New recruits will train and work alongside our permanent firefighting staff, responding to bushfires rapidly to keep communities safe this summer,” Mr Hardman said.

“They will be part of a team of close to 1,800 frontline personnel and 1,200 accredited incident management staff this bushfire season.”

Last year, FFMVic firefighters responded to more than 1,265 bushfires across the state, and delivered priority planned burns that will help reduce the impact of bushfires this summer.

“Emergency response deployments can occur anywhere across the state, providing opportunities to travel and work in different locations,” Mr Hardman said.

“In previous seasons, some recruits have also been deployed to support firefighting efforts across Australia and internationally.”

Seasonal firefighters will be deployed across eight locations in the Barwon South West region: Lorne, Anglesea, Barwon Downs, Dartmoor, Nelson, Heywood, Casterton, and Gellibrand.

Barwon South West region deputy chief fire officer Scott Turner said seasonal firefighter roles provide rewarding career opportunities for those with a passion for the outdoors, learning new skills and making a difference.

“In addition to responding to bushfires and helping to deliver planned burns, new recruits will also undertake pest and weed control works, and maintain recreational reserves, strategic fire breaks and forest roads.

“They can also be called on to support other emergencies such as major floods, storms and biosecurity incidents.

“Many of the firefighters deployed to the current Canadian bushfires started their careers as seasonal firefighters,” he said.

Applications close this Sunday, July 27 and employment occurs between October and May, with some variations depending on seasonal requirements.

For more information and to apply, head to jobs.careers.vic.gov.au/pff or phone 136 186.