Firefighter recruitment is open across Victoria

Yarra Ranges residents can get involved in Forest Fire Management Victoria’s annual recruitment drive as applications are now open.

Diverse and exciting career opportunities with Forest Fire Management Victoria (FFMVic) are once again available to Victorians who have a passion for the outdoors and want to be paid to learn new skills while keeping Victorian communities safe.

FFMVic’s annual recruitment drive for seasonal firefighters ahead of this year’s bushfire season will take place from 4-28 July.

Shannon Devenish, Deputy Chief Fire Officer (DCFO) for the Port Phillip Region, said the successful applicants would strengthen Victoria’s firefighting and land management efforts in the run-up to summer and into the warmer months.

“Being a project firefighter can provide a sense of purpose and personal fulfilment, knowing that your efforts are contributing to protecting Victorian communities and the environment,” she added.

“Recruits will have the opportunity to train and work alongside permanent FFMVic firefighting staff, responding to emergencies such as bushfires and floods, as well as working on land management and bushfire risk reduction through planned burning, weed control, maintaining the public road network and managing strategic fuel stops.”

“It doesn’t matter if you’re looking for a sea change, a tree change or a job in your local community, with over 90 locations across Victoria, there’s a Project Firefighter position to suit you. This includes a variety of opportunities in the Port Phillip region open in Powelltown, Gembrook, Woodlands, Lysterfield, Warrandyte, Woori Yallock, Olinda, Rosebud and Knoxfield.”

“Planned deployments for fire and emergency response operations can take place anywhere in the state, providing opportunities to travel and work in a variety of locations. In previous seasons, some recruits have also deployed to support firefighting operations around Australia and internationally.”

The new recruits will be part of a team of nearly 1800 frontline staff and 1200 accredited incident management staff this bushfire season.

“FFMVic is committed to a diverse and inclusive workplace that reflects the Victorian community and welcomes applications from all. As part of our ongoing commitment to supporting meaningful careers for current and future First Nations employees, there are also designated positions that aim to create opportunities for First Nations people,” Ms Devenish said.

Applications close on 28th July and employment will run from October to May, although the period of employment may vary depending on seasonal requirements.

For more information and to apply, visit jobs.careers.vic.gov.au/pff or call 136 186.