FFMVic calls for firefighters

PEOPLE power is set to help keep Victoria safe from bushfires this summer.

Forest Fire Management Victoria (FFMVic) is running an annual seasonal firefighter recruitment drive seeking people from across the state, including Moorabool.

Deputy chief fire officer, Jason Hellyer, said successful applicants will boost Victoria’s firefighting and land management capacity in the lead-up to summer and the peak fire season.

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

“Recruits will have opportunities to train and work alongside FFMVic’s permanent firefighting staff, responding to emergencies such as bushfires and floods.”

Recruits will also work in land management to help reduced bushfire risk through initiatives such as weed control, public land maintenance and planned burns.

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

Mr Hellyer said the seasonal work presented a good opportunity to see different parts of regional Victoria, and work within different communities.

“Planned burning and emergency response deployments can occur anywhere across the state, providing opportunities to travel and work in different locations,” he said.

Roles are also open in other regional Victorian areas including Daylesford, Serendip, Ballarat, Edenhope, Cavendish, Horsham, Halls Gap and Wail.

FFMVic is made up of a joint taskforce of staff from state government bodies including Parks Victoria, VicForests, Melbourne Water and the Department of Land, Environment, Water and Planning.

Applications close 28 July, with most roles beginning in October and ending in May.

Designated positions will also be available for First Nations staff.

To apply, visit jobs.careers.vic.gov.au/pff or call 136 186.