Seasonal Firefighters

Forestry Corporation is responsible for managing over 2 million hectares of Planted and Native forests in NSW. Forestry Corporation has the responsibility to prevent and suppress bush fires in all State Forests and assist with fire suppression across the rest of the State.

How do I become a Seasonal Firefighter?

Seasonal firefighting roles can be found here when recruitment opens. We also advertise roles on our website, at Universities/TAFEs and other channels.

For more information you can:

What is Forestry Corporation Seasonal Firefighter employment?

Forestry Corporation employ over one hundred Seasonal Firefighters in different parts of the State for either a 'maximum term' (normally 3,4,5 or 6 months) or on a 'call when needed' casual basis each year to help suppress bushfires as well as assist in fire prevention works and general forestry work.

What are the conditions of employment?

All preferred applicants will be required to undergo a national police check, medical assessment including drug and alcohol testing, a physical fitness test  and firefighting training. All successful applicants will be provided a contract detailing conditions of employment. Protective clothing, safety boots, safety helmets and other personal protective equipment are provided for your use during your employment and must be worn when firefighting. You will be required to maintain a level of fitness based on the requirements of the job.

What will I do when I am firefighting?

As a firefighter you need to be prepared to:

  • work as part of a team
  • work in a wide range of outdoor, potentially stressful environments for extended periods of time (including overnight)
  • work in environments where you may be exposed to heat, smoke, dust, chemicals, high levels of noise, limited visibility and limited mobility
  • wear the provided protective equipment
  • travel in/operate vehicles and machinery over a variety of terrains, day or night for extended periods and sometimes travel in aircraft
  • travel to other parts of NSW and interstate to work and camp in remote locations for extended periods
  • use senses (sight, sound, touch) to help make decisions and maintain personal safety

What work will I do when I am not firefighting?

Apart from fire suppression you may be required to undertake a variety of field based work such as:

  • various fire training activities
  • fire protection works i.e. slashing, clearing tracks, planned burning operations
  • maintenance of facilities and equipment
  • general forestry work such as thinning vegetation and pest control
  • road construction and general field work in forests

What are the prerequisites for employment?

Prerequisites for Seasonal Firefighters are:

  • pass all medical, fitness and record tests
  • current manual drivers licence
  • ability to work safely and effectively in a team
  • ability to follow verbal and written instruction

Other skills and experience that are advantages are:

  • bush firefighting (National Qualifications)
  • a current first aid certificate
  • Construction Induction training (White Card)
  • chainsaw operation accreditation (FAFPESC desirable)
  • driving 4WD vehicles and fire tankers
  • operating bulldozers and heavy machinery
  • skill or experience in forestry, parks or rural work

What about my health and fitness?

Only fit and healthy people should apply for these positions. If you are regularly involved in sporting activities or manual work, you will be more likely to meet the requirements for this type of employment. Firefighting is very strenuous and requires more strength and endurance than other work activities. Seasonal Firefighters must be in excellent health and be physically fit.

If you progress through the initial selection phase, you will then be required to undertake a full pre-employment medical examination. This will be conducted by a medical practitioner nominated by Forestry Corporation and may take up to 1.5 hours. After a successful medical, you will be required to demonstrate your capacity to work as a firefighter by reaching the standards required in a Task Based Assessment (TBA).

When circumstances require, firefighting is an essential element of the role. Accordingly, the successful candidate(s) must be fit to perform firefighting activities, which may include working in smoky conditions and the ability to be physically active in uneven or steep terrain. A pre-employment medical assessment may preclude applicants that are unable to meet the inherent requirements of the role due to high-risk conditions for example active asthma or heart conditions in line with AFAC guidelines.

What training is provided?

Forestry Corporation has four qualification level, Forest Firefighter, Advanced Firefighter, Crew Leader and Group Leader. Seasonal Firefighters will be trained to nationally recognised units of competency for three of these levels. See the video below for more information about firefighter training.

Find out more about fire management in State forests.