Open call for the next generation of forest firefighters

The Andrews Labor Government is recruiting 300 forest firefighters to help keep Victorians safe over the upcoming fire season.

Recruitment opened today for 300 project firefighters to work with Forest Fire Management Victoria (FFMVic) over summer, encouraging Victorians who are passionate about protecting their communities and the environment to apply for a new challenge.

The Labor Government is delivering tangible employment, training and pathway opportunities for regional communities, with project firefighters based at more than 80 locations throughout the state.

The new positions are for a range of seasonal roles including general firefighters, fire support officers and rappel crews.

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.

Eighteen of the roles are dedicated for Australian Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander people, helping Traditional Owners to care for Country and lead cultural burning.

The new recruits will add to Victoria’s existing 300 project firefighters who are supported by more than 2,000 permanent staff who can be called on to perform emergency roles when required.

Crews will work alongside key fire management agencies including the Country Fire Authority (CFA)

and Fire Rescue Victoria.

Applications for project firefighter positions close on Sunday 31 July. For further information and to apply visit ffm.vic.gov.au or call 136 186.

Quote attributable to Mary-Anne Thomas, Member for Macedon
"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."

Quotes attributable to Minister for Environment and Climate Action Lily D’Ambrosio
"If you are keen to work outdoors and want to be part of a diverse and inclusive team that helps protect our communities and environment, then I encourage you to apply."

Quotes attributable to Forest Fire Management Victoria Chief Fire Officer Chris Hardman
"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.?

“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."