Recruitment process for on call firefighter

The recruitment process

We are committed to helping you prepare for and will support you throughout the recruitment process.

After applying for the role, you will be asked to complete a short questionnaire.  It will provide you with insights about the role, the responsibilities, and commitment required. The questionnaire will also help you understand your fit with the role.

After completing the questionnaire, you will be asked to register your interest in the role.

Your application will be reviewed by the local station team, who will also enrol you in the Pre-Recruitment Engagement Programme (PREP).

As part of the PREP you will be:

• given a tour of your local community fire station
• provided with an opportunity to receive coaching on the recruitment practical selection tests
• have time to talk with station personnel to give you an insight on life as an on call firefighter
• be offered support and advice in preparing for the Fitness Assessment

When ready, you will progress to the formal stages of the recruitment process and attend an assessment day.

Fitness, medical and eyesight requirements

• Eyesight requirements
• Fitness requirements
• Medical assessment

Assessment day

Our firefighters work within a highly skilled team to respond to an array of challenges, including fires, road traffic collisions and floods.

The role can be physically demanding therefore it is essential that you have good-all-round physical fitness to enable you to be safe and effective in the role.

The assessment day will include:

• a fitness assessment
• practical selection tests

Fitness Assessment

Firefighters require an optimum level of physical fitness in addition to mental focus and resilience.  Your fitness will be assessed using the Multi-Stage Shuttle Run Test. You will need to complete up to level 8 shuttle 8 to meet the recruitment fitness standard of 42.3ml.kg-1.min-1.

Practical selection tests

The practical selection tests (PSTs) evaluate your ability to perform physical tasks required in the role of a firefighter. These tests assess your fitness, strength, manual dexterity, and confidence in simulated exercises. 

Offer employment 

Following successful completion of the assessment day, we will issue a conditional offer of employment and commence pre-employment checks.

The local station team will discuss and confirm dates for the initial basic training course with you.

Training

From the time you join the service, education and training forms a highly significant part of virtually every working day. This training along with direct “front-line” experience will help you develop.

Trainees are required to attend an initial basic training course for 10 days at a SFRS site. Here you will learn basic core competence skills. Within 12 weeks of completing this course, you will be required to attend a Breathing Apparatus (BA) course for 10 days.

In addition, you will require to attend training sessions. These are commonly held during evenings each week. This will be for two or three hours and at your local community fire station. Here you will be taught essential training and maintenance of fire and rescue equipment.

There could also be times when you may need to attend additional training sessions and training courses to acquire new and essential knowledge, skills and understanding.

How to apply

Interested in becoming an on call firefighter with SFRS? Apply now to register your interest in the role.