Fire Rescue Victoria seeks diverse recruits

FIRE Rescue Victoria (FRV) is seeking to recruit a new cohort of career firefighters who will be deployed to stations across the state, based on the organisation’s operational needs.

The recruitment process takes between six and 12 months, and involves several stages of testing, including a written selection test, group assessment, shuttle run, personality profile, physical aptitude test and selection interview.

All training is provided, and applicants do not require previous firefighting experience.

Instead, candidates are selected based on their behaviour, aptitude and motivation.

Deputy commissioner north and west Michelle Cowling said FRV firefighters “come from all walks of life”.

“We want our workforce to reflect the diversity of the community we serve.

“We are seeking people who reflect our values of integrity, accountability, respect and community, teamwork and have strong problem-solving skills, with appropriate all-round strength and fitness.”

She said firefighting was an “exciting and rewarding career” and encouraged community members to apply if they “want to make a difference” through both emergency response and community education.

“Firefighting also has great opportunities for role specialisation and career progression, and our people are provided with world-class training and support throughout their careers,” Ms Cowling said.

“Firefighters are provided with a range of benefits, including hours of work that provide significant work life balance and competitive remuneration.”

With successful applicants from FRV’s coming recruitment campaign slated to begin training mid-next year, Ms Cowling was unable to confirm how many recruits will go on to be based in the Geelong region.

While firefighting has traditionally been a male-dominated profession, with 95 per cent of the workforce consisting of men, FRV is urging women to explore what a career in firefighting involves and apply.

“FRV has invested in programs and support to enable our workforce to better reflect the community we serve and as such, we are encouraging more women to apply,” Ms Cowling said.

“Firefighting is no ordinary job. It stands out for the profound impact it has on the community.

“We want women to look beyond the ordinary and find a career in firefighting that is exceptional and remarkable.”

FRV firefighter applications are set to open today (Monday, July 1) at 12 noon and will close on July 8 at 12 noon.

For more information, head to firefighter.vic.gov.au or email the FRV firefighter recruitment team at [email protected]