CFA is on the lookout for new career firefighters – including current CFA volunteers – who are fit, team-oriented and genuinely community minded
A recruitment database on the CFA website is now open, with applications received during this round considered for positions starting in 2016.
With a number of applications received already, the database may be closed within a few weeks.
CFA’s Tegan Fisher said that a full time firefighting career was suited to men or women with a genuine desire to serve the community.
“It’s a job where you’ll be working closely with a team of like-minded people towards a common goal,” she said.
“One thing our recruits tend to remark on is the variety of this role – there is a lot more to it than putting water on fires."
Tegan said that coming from a CFA volunteer background was not compulsory but would certainly be an advantage for some aspects of the highly competitive recruitment process.
“Experienced firefighters will obviously have an edge in terms of their situational awareness and general skills,” she said.
“You do need to be prepared to put the work in to get yourself in shape, both in terms of strength and general fitness.”
Tegan said that the process – which was open to people with a full, manual drivers licence – involved several phases of testing over a number of months.
“It is important that you consider the degree of commitment involved before putting in your application,” she said.
“We definitely welcome applicants who are a bit more mature and have some life experience behind them.
“We are also always very keen to hear from people who have a background or understanding of other cultures or languages as this adds versatility and depth to our workforce," she said.
CFA career firefighters respond to anything from rescues to chemical hazmats, and take an active leadership role educating the community about fire prevention. Mentoring and training to support volunteer brigade members is another important part of the job.
In Victoria there are more than 750 career firefighters based at integrated fire stations in outer metropolitan Melbourne and regional Victoria.
For more information, visit cfa.vic.gov.au/career
Author: CFA News