Pursuant to Section 50(d) of the Equal Opportunity Act 1984, the occupant of this position must be of Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander descent. An applicant may be requested to provide confirmation of Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander descent.
The Bushfire Centre of Excellence has three (3) fixed term, full-time Traineeship opportunities starting 1 July 2026, for a period of 18 months with the possibility of an extension.
About Us
The Karla Katitjin Bushfire Centre of Excellence (BCoE) is part of the Department of Fire and Emergency Services. We are a learning and training hub where people involved in bushfire management come together to build skills and share knowledge.
We focus on:
- Training and education
- Community engagement
- Sharing bushfire knowledge and research
- Supporting and promoting First Nations cultural fire practices.
The Centre is the first of its kind in Australia and is located in Nambeelup at the Peel Business Park on Bindjareb Boodja.
About the Traineeship
The Karla Katitjin Traineeship is a culturally safe training and employment opportunity for First Nations Australians. It aims to build skills in:
- Bushfire risk management
- Cultural fire
- Land management
- Working in the public sector.
As a trainee you will:
- Learn on the job
- Be supported by mentors
- Study towards a Certificate III qualification
- Contribute to work across the BCoE, especially with the Cultural Fire Program and training teams.
You may also get the chance to work with other areas of the BCoE and with the State Bushfire Mitigation team.
Additional training opportunities include:
- Cultural fire activities and community engagement.
- Learning practical land management and firefighting skills.
- Access to DFES and public sector courses and workshops.
Who We’re Looking For
We want trainees who:
- Are motivated to learn new practical skills in land management, conservation, and firefighting.
- Want to strengthen their connection to Country through practical work.
- Can communicate well and work well with others.
- Have basic computer skills (Microsoft Word and Microsoft Office).
- Are team players.
- Are willing to share their knowledge and experiences with the community.
Pre-application recommendations:
We are running two information sessions, and we encourage anyone interested to come along and learn more about the traineeship.
There is no need to pre-register or book for these sessions. All interested applicants are welcome and will have the opportunity to meet team members and hear from former trainees about their experiences.
Session 1
When: Tuesday, 21 April 2026
Time: 10:30 – 12:00 am
Where: Karla Katitjin (Bushfire Centre of Excellence)
20 Dollyup Street, Nambeelup WA
OR
Session 2
When: Tuesday, 21 April 2026
Time: 6 – 7:30 pm
Where: Karla Katitjin (Bushfire Centre of Excellence)
20 Dollyup Street, Nambeelup WA
If this sounds like you and you’d like to know more, please download the Role Statement and contact Allison Loo, Cultural Fire Program Practitioner on 0439 207 491.
You can also read the DFES news article BCoE Highlights Traineeship Success Ahead of 2026 Intake Opening and check out the DFES website for further information on the Bushfire Centre of Excellence.
Employment Conditions and Additional Information
DFES is an emergency services organisation and all employees may be required to work or travel outside of normal business hours.
The successful applicants will be required to travel to a registered training organisation to complete the Certificate III.
Minimum requirements required to complete this Traineeship:
- Possession of a current unrestricted Australian C-Class (manual) driver’s licence, which must be valid with access to a vehicle for the duration of employment (there is no public transport close to Karla Katitjin BCoE).
- Th ability to do physical work, and demonstrate a reasonable level of fitness and mobility.
Please note that previous BCoE trainees are not eligible for this program.
All applicants must be willing to undergo a pre-employment medical assessment.
If you don’t want to miss out on this great opportunity, Apply Now!
All applications must be submitted online, simply click 'Apply for Job', located at either the top or bottom of this screen and follow the instructions.
To apply, please submit the following:
- Evidence of your WA ‘C’ class driver’s license
- A 1 page cover letter explaining:
- how you meet the requirements listed above, and
- why you want this traineeship.
- A current resume that clearly describes your relevant skills and experience.
- The names of two referees who can talk about your suitability to this traineeship.
To assist with your application and provide you with more detail about the application process, you can click on the attached Applicant Information Pack.
Please do not send your application to Allison Loo or seek their assistance with lodging your application.
If you have any support or access requirements, we encourage you to advise us at the time of application and throughout the recruitment process. All information provided is private and confidential and will only be used to provide reasonable adjustments. Please contact us at jobs@dfes.wa.gov.au.
Applicants who are shortlisted will be required to attend an interview and computer based skills test at the Bushfire Centre of Excellence.
Please Note:
- Any interaction and communication with our staff during this process may be used to help assess suitability for these positions.
- We will assess you against the requirements in this advert and the Role Statement.
- Referees may be contacted at any stage during the process.
- Make sure your documents are saved as MS Word (.docx files only) or PDF format and give yourself enough time to submit your application online before 4pm (WST).
- Late, emailed or proforma applications submitted will not be accepted.
Benefits of Working With DFES
As well as a great salary and being a part of something rewarding with key networking opportunities, our employees also enjoy an amazing range of benefits which may include:
- Opportunities to assist during statewide emergency incidents.
- Great work/life balance through flexible working and leave arrangements.
- Long service leave after 7 years.
- Paid parental leave as well as other attractive leave options.
- Professional Career Development Opportunities.
- Generous superannuation options with the Fire & Emergency Services Superannuation Fund. For further information Click here.
- Access to salary packaging options.
- Professional Career Development Opportunities.
Eligibility To Apply
Pursuant to Section 50(d) of the Equal Opportunity Act 1984, the occupant of this position must be of Aboriginal descent. An applicant may be requested to provide a confirmation of Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander descent.
National Police Certificate
A condition of employment for new employees of DFES is that a current National Police Certificate (less than 3 months old) is provided prior to commencement.
DFES Supports Diversity and Inclusion
DFES supports inclusion and diversity and advocates the value of inclusiveness where all DFES personnel are encouraged to contribute fully and are recognised and valued for their differences in an environment that is free from discrimination and the negative effects of bias, both conscious and unconscious.
