Recruitment begins for bushfire season

JOBS for entry-level forest firefighters are now available across the state as Forest Fire Management Victoria (FFMVic) prepares for the coming bushfire season.

Applications are open until 26 July for ongoing and seasonal roles, with successful applicants joining a team of nearly 1,800 frontline personnel and 1,200 accredited incident management staff.

 

FFMVic firefighters responded to more than 900 bushfires across the state last summer and delivered priority planned burns to help reduce the impact of future bushfires.

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

“New recruits train and work alongside our permanent firefighters, responding to bushfires to keep communities safer this summer,” Hardman said.

“These are fantastic jobs doing practical work, right at the frontline of protecting communities and the environment.”

Hardman said the roles offered rewarding career opportunities for people 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, seasonal firefighters also undertake pest and weed control works and maintain recreational reserves, fuel breaks and forest roads,” he said.

“We want a diverse pool of people applying for our jobs. We want our crews to reflect the communities they serve and to have a range of skills and experiences.

“Most importantly, we’re looking for recruits with a ‘can do’ attitude who can work as part of a team.”

Some roles are designated for First Nations employment.

Seasonal employment runs from October and May, with some variation in start and finish dates depending on operational requirements.

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