Project firefighter applications now being accepted

A new campaign began on 16 August to recruit more than 500 people for Victoria’s bushfire firefighting force, by becoming Project Fire Fighters (PFFs).

Environment and Climate Change Minister Gavin Jennings encouraged fit and healthy Victorians to play their part in the firefighting effort with the Department of Sustainability and Environment (DSE).

“Applications are now being accepted for more than 500 people to help with track clearing, road maintenance, putting out bushfires, controlled burning and fire recovery activities,” Mr Jennings said.

“The Project Firefighters will join over 1300 permanent, on-ground firefighters in preparing for and suppressing bushfires in our parks and forests.

“Last year, more than 680 Project Firefighters were recruited and we expect about 70 percent of these to return to battle the bushfire threat in the coming fire season.

“We routinely see CFA members who work as Project Firefighters as a way of building on their bushfire skills, while still serving their community."

Successful applicants must hold a current manual driver's licence and pass a fitness and medical test to ensure they can cope with the physically demanding work. Successful applicants will be well trained and skilled to be able to work as part of a team, which is critical for working at fires.

Most PFFs work from November or December until the end of March, and many positions continue to assist with planned burns in autumn.

DSE has introduced a web-based, e-recruitment system, which helped to streamline the application process last year, and will be used again this season.

Interested applicants can access information, find answers to the most commonly asked questions and submit their applications in one place by visiting www.dse.vic.gov.au/fires

Applications close on Sunday 7 September 2008

Application kits can also be obtained by phoning the DSE Customer Service Centre on 136 186, by emailing pff.positions@dse.vic.gov.au or by visiting a local DSE office.