Firefighter: Pool Recruitment
The Department of Fire and Emergency Services (DFES) is accepting applications from people who are committed to pursuing a career in firefighting.
It is highly likely that applicants who successfully complete the Trainee Firefighter School may be required to relocate to one of DFES' regional stations including Albany, Kalgoorlie and Geraldton.
We’re looking for people who have the ability to:
- adapt well to different team environments;
- build relationships and develop rapport with others;
- cope with pressure and setbacks;
- adapt well to change;
- follow directions and procedures;
- demonstrate integrity; and
- achieve goals and work tasks.
You must also be capable of coping with:
- high risk work;
- physical exertion;
- shift work; and
- potentially traumatic circumstances.
ABOUT US
The Department is committed to increasing the diversity of its workforce. To help achieve this, we encourage and welcome applications from women, Australian Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people and people from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds. Applications will be primarily considered in accordance with Section 51 of the Equal Opportunity Act 1984.
To find out more about diversity and inclusion within the Public Sector workforce, please visit Workforce Diversification and Inclusion Strategy and Action Plans (www.wa.gov.au)
POOL RECRUITMENT
Applicants identified as suitable will be included in the Trainee Firefighter Pool, which will be used to fill positions within the next two Trainee Firefighter schools. These schools are likely to commence in July 2022 and March 2023 (dates and whether the schools proceed as outlined are subject to change). Appointment to the pool does not guarantee a placement in the Trainee Firefighter School.
ELIGIBILITY TO APPLY
To be eligible to apply to become a firefighter, you will need to meet the following essential pre-requisites:
- Be an Australian Citizen, or have permanent residency with unrestricted work rights, or be a New Zealand Citizen with a Special Category Visa;
- Hold a valid West Australian C Class unrestricted (manual) driver’s licence*;
- Hold a current Provide First Aid Certificate HLTAID003** (issued within the last three years); and
- Have the ability to obtain a West Australian or National Heavy Rigid (HR-B) driver’s licence within three months of commencing the recruitment process (refer to Information Pack).
* Interstate C Class unrestricted driver’s licences will be accepted but must be transferred to a WA licence upon receiving an offer of employment.
** Your Provide First Aid Certificate must include the exact competency code above. Some health professionals with higher qualifications (for example nurses) do not necessarily have the specific competency code required and must still obtain this certificate.
You will also be required to obtain and provide us with the evidence that you have the following certificates/checks during the Final Validation Stage of the recruitment process:
- Current Provide Advanced First Aid Certificate (HLTAID006);
- Current Provide Advanced Resuscitation Certificate (HLTAID007);
- A satisfactory National Police Certificate, and
- A satisfactory Working with Children Check.
- Proof of COVID-19 Vaccination
*As of the 15 October 2020, HLT units were superseded and replaced by upgraded units. For further information regarding these changes, please refer to the Job Information Pack 2022.
Do not apply for the National Police Certificate or Working with Children Check until asked to by the Recruitment Team.
APPLICATION INSTRUCTIONS
If you would like to apply to become a firefighter, select 'Apply for Job', located at either the top or bottom of this screen and follow the instructions.
You must answer all the questions that are asked as part of the online application process honestly. Applicants who are found to have provided false or misleading information will be removed from the selection process.
You MUST submit the following four (4) attachments with your application:
- Evidence of your Australian citizenship or permanent residency with unrestricted working rights (a copy of your passport or birth certificate or citizenship documents or visa entitlements documents for example);
- A copy of your C Class unrestricted driver’s licence;
- A copy of your Provide First Aid Certificate (Competency HLTAID003); and
- A statement (preferably a word document) addressing the Application Questions (two in total) outlined below, in strictly no more than one (1) page
Please Note
- Ensure you have saved your documents in MS Word (.docx files only) or PDF format and have allowed plenty of time to submit your application online before 5:00pm (WST).
- Any late, emailed or proforma applications submitted will be rejected.
Application Questions
- Question 1: Knowing the vigorous procedures followed through the course of the Firefighter Recruitment process what have you and/or what will you do to best prepare yourself to ensure success?
- Question 2: Provide an example of when you have been negatively impacted by a stressful situation – what happened, what impact did it have on you and what coping strategies did you use (what worked, what didn’t work). What would you do differently if anything and why?
Responses to these questions will form the basis of the Written Assessment which occurs during Stage 4.
Failure to attach the evidence/responses above will result in your application no longer being considered. You must attach evidence as part of your online application. No other documentation is required - do not attach any other documents. You will be asked to provide documentation at later stages if you progress through the process.
FURTHER INFORMATION
We receive many applications and can only offer 24 positions per Trainee Firefighter School – only the most suitable applicants will be offered a position as a Trainee Firefighter. The selection process is multi-staged and takes several months to complete.
Successful applicants must complete the Trainee Firefighter School (21-week contract basis) before being considered for a permanent firefighter position and posting in the Career Fire and Rescue Service. Upon successful completion of the Trainee Firefighter School, you will be required to undertake the compulsory five-year Firefighter Development Program.
Attached to this advert is the Firefighter Recruitment Information Pack 2022 which outlines the selection process. Additionally, applicants are encouraged to read the Firefighter JDF and Firefighter Success Profile, also attached, and visit DFES Firefighter Recruitment website for further information.
If you have additional questions, you can contact the Recruitment Team on 1800 889 140 or by email recruitment@dfes.wa.gov.au.
COVID-19 ADVICE
Applicants are advised that all Department of Fire and Emergency Services (DFES) staff are required to have had their first COVID-19 vaccination dose by 1 December 2021 and be fully vaccinated by 31 December 2021.
To be considered for employment with DFES, applicants will need to provide evidence that they can meet these requirements. You are able to find more information in relation to the requirement for DFES staff to be vaccinated at Mandatory COVID-19 vaccination policy for WA workforces (www.wa.gov.au).
Any contact with DFES during the selection process may form part of the applicant assessment. Adverse contact may result in your application no longer being considered.
