Fire Rescue Victoria is looking for diverse recruits

FIRE Rescue Victoria (FRV) is looking for a new group of professional firefighters to be deployed to stations across the state, depending on the organisation’s operational needs.

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

We provide all training and candidates are not required to have prior fire service experience.

Instead, candidates are selected based on their behavior, ability and motivation.

Deputy Commissioner for the North and West Michelle Cowling said FRV firefighters “come from a variety of backgrounds”.

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

“We are looking for individuals who reflect our values ​​of integrity, responsibility, respect and community, teamwork, and also have strong problem-solving skills as well as adequate all-around strength and conditioning.”

She said being a firefighter is an “exciting and rewarding career” and encouraged community members to apply if they “want to make a difference” by responding to emergencies and educating the community.

“The fire service also provides great opportunities for role specialization and career development, and our employees receive world-class training and support throughout their careers,” Ms Cowling said.

“Firefighters are provided with a range of benefits, including working hours that ensure significant work-life balance and competitive pay.”

With successful candidates expected to begin training in the middle of next year, Ms Cowling was unable to confirm how many recruits would be based in the Geelong region.

While firefighting has traditionally been a male-dominated profession (95 percent of the workforce is male), FRV is calling on women to explore and apply for a career in firefighting.

“FRV has invested in programs and support to ensure our workforce better reflects the community we serve, which is why we encourage more women to apply,” Ms Cowling said.

“Firefighting is no ordinary job. It is distinguished by the profound impact it has on the community.

“We want women to look beyond the ordinary and find a unique and extraordinary career in the fire service.”

The recruitment of applications for FRV firefighters will start today (Monday, July 1) at 12:00 and end on July 8 at 12:00.

For more information, visit firefighter.vic.gov.au or email the FRV Firefighter Recruitment team at (email protected)