FOREST Fire Management Victoria (FFMVic)’s annual recruitment drive for seasonal firefighters ahead of this year’s bushfire season runs until July 28.
Applications are now open for project firefighter roles across 18 locations in the Hume region including Bright, Ovens, Mount Beauty, Wangaratta, Alexandra, Marysville, Toolangi, Broadford, Kinglake, Benalla, Mansfield, Nathalia, Shepparton, Beechworth, Corryong, Eskdale and Tallangatta.
Ovens-based rappel team member, Kieran, started his career as a project firefighter and has since taken advantage of the opportunities made available by FFMVic.
"There are a lot of perks to this role - on a day-to-day basis, you work in some of the nicest parks and natural environments in the state, if not the country," he said.
"I love the physical work and the feeling of doing something valuable for the community."
Latest Stories
Hume deputy chief fire officer, Aaron Kennedy, said Victoria’s firefighting and land management capacity will be boosted by successful applicants 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,” Mr Kennedy said.
“Recruits will have opportunities to train and work alongside FFMVic’s permanent firefighting staff, responding to emergencies such as bushfires and floods.”
Mr Kennedy said successful applicants will also work in land management and help reduce bushfire risk through planned burning, weed control, maintaining the public land road network and strategic fuel breaks.
“Planned burning and emergency response deployments can occur anywhere across the state, providing opportunities to travel and work in different locations,” he said.
“In previous seasons, some recruits have also been deployed to support firefighting efforts across Australia and internationally.
"The new firefighters will be part of a team of close to 1800 frontline personnel and 1200 accredited incident management staff this bushfire season.”
Project firefighter from Benalla, Georgia Caruana, said there's a really strong culture of supporting new firefighters, learning new skills and being safe.
As part of FFMVic's ongoing commitment to a diverse and inclusive workplace that reflects the Victorian community, designated positions in meaningful careers are available to current and future First Nations staff.
Applications close July 28 with employment occurring between October and May; some variation can be expected depending on seasonal requirements.
For information and to apply visit jobs.careers.vic.gov.au/pff or call 136 186.
