The firefighters will be based at more than 80 locations throughout the state, including Alexandra, Marysville, Toolangi, Broadford, Kinglake, Benalla, Mansfield, Wangaratta, Yarrawonga, Nathalia, Shepparton, Beechworth, Bright, Ovens, Whitfield, Mount Beauty, Corryong, Eskdale and Tallangatta.
The new positions are for a range of seasonal roles, including general firefighters, fire support officers and rappel crews.
Rappel firefighters undertake specialist firefighting roles, rappelling from helicopters to respond to fires in remote forest areas. Fire support officers assist with administrative tasks that support fire response and fuel management works.
The fixed-term positions are based across regional Victoria and successful recruits will undertake emergency response activities, planned burning, pest and weed control, road maintenance and other land management activities.
Twenty of the roles are dedicated for Australian Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander people, helping Traditional Owners to care for Country and lead cultural burning.
Forest Fire Management Victoria Hume Deputy Chief Fire Officer Aaron Kennedy said 23 of the positions were for sites across the Hume region, which stretches from Barmah National Park in the north-west of the region to Corryong in the north-east, south to Marysville and Wallan.
“These fixed term positions are a fantastic opportunity for people from all walks of life who are physically fit, to get out in the bush, protect Victoria from bushfires and help to maintain public land across the state,” he said.
“The recruits will not only respond to bushfires and other emergencies, they’ll also be conducting planned burns, slashing, track clearing, weed spraying and other land management activities.”
The new recruits will add to Victoria’s existing frontline firefighters, of whom there are more than 1100, supported by a further 2000 permanent staff, who can be called on to perform emergency roles when required.
They will work alongside key fire management agencies, including the Country Fire Authority and Fire Rescue Victoria.
FFMVic Chief Fire Officer Chris Hardman said the jobs were varied and training would be provided.
“You could be operating heavy machinery one week and responding to an emergency the next — no two days are the same and I encourage interested people to apply,” he said.
“Successful recruits will be fully trained and get the opportunity to work with experienced staff from a range of fire management agencies right across the state, and potentially nationally and internationally if required.”
Environment and Climate Action Minister Lily D’Ambrosio encouraged people who liked to work outdoors and were keen to protect their communities and environment to apply.
“This is a great employment opportunity for regional communities and I’d encourage people from all walks of life and backgrounds to consider becoming a seasonal project firefighter,” she said.
A driver’s licence and medical and fitness assessments are required.
Applications close on July 31. To apply, visit jobs.careers.vic.gov.au/pff or call 136 186.
