The state government wants to recruit 300 forest firefighters ahead of the upcoming fire season, with Macedon MP Mary-Anne Thomas describing it as a “great employment opportunity”.
Three hundred project firefighters will be recruited to work with Forest Fire Management Victoria (FFMVic), with the government encouraging Victorians who are passionate about protecting the environment and their communities to apply.
“I’d encourage people from all walks of life and backgrounds to consider becoming a seasonal project firefighter,” Ms Thomas said.
Employment, training and pathway opportunities will be opened up across the state, with project firefighters based at more than 80 locations.
In a statement, the government said 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,” the government said.
“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 close on July 31.
Details: ffm.vic.gov.au or call 136 186.
