Project firefighters sought

FOREST Fire Management Victoria (FFMVic) is offering what it describes as diverse and exciting career opportunities for Victorians with a passion for the great outdoors and interest in being paid to learn new skills while keeping Victorian communities safer.

FFMVic’s annual recruitment drive for seasonal firefighters ahead of this year’s bushfire season began earlier this month and runs until July 28.

Opportunities now open include at Anglesea, Barwon Downs, Heywood and Dartmoor.

FFMVic Deputy Chief Fire Officer Mark Mellington said successful applicants would boost Victoria’s firefighting and land management efforts in the lead-up to summer and throughout the warmer months.

“Being a project firefighter can bring a sense of purpose and personal achievement knowing your efforts contribute to protecting Victorian communities and the environment,” he said.

“Recruits will have opportunities to train and work alongside FFMVic’s permanent firefighting staff, responding to emergencies such as bushfires and floods, as well as work in land management and reduce bushfire risk through planned burning, weed control, maintaining the public land road network and managing strategic fuel breaks.

“It doesn’t matter if you’re looking for a sea change, tree change or a job in your local community, with over 90 locations across Victoria, there’s a project firefighter position to suit you.”

Mr Mellington said planned burning and emergency response deployments could occur anywhere across the state, providing opportunities to travel and work in different locations.

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

“The new recruits will be part of a team of close to 1800 frontline personnel and 1200 accredited incident management personnel this bushfire season.

“As part of an ongoing commitment to support meaningful careers for current and future First Nations staff, there are also designated positions to create opportunities for First Nations people.”

Employment will occur between October and May, with some variation depending on seasonal requirements.

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