Victorians from all walks of life are encouraged to apply for up to 300 Project Firefighters and Forest and Fire Operations Officers, with the Andrews Labor Government recruiting ahead of the upcoming bushfire season.

Minister for Energy, Environment and Climate Change Lily D’Ambrosio announced the positions with Forest Fire Management Victoria, which will be based across regional Victoria.

Successful recruits will undertake emergency response, conduct planned burns, manage roadside vegetation, maintain access to forest trails and roads and conduct pest and weed control.

New recruits also take part in land management activities including caring for our state forests, recreation and tourism infrastructure and services to ensure Victorians can continue to enjoy open spaces.

Forest and Fire Operations Officer positions include field team leads, field operations supervisors and plant operations while the Project Firefighter roles include general firefighters, fire support officers and rappel crew, specialist crews that use helicopters to respond to fires on terrain that can’t be accessed with vehicles.

A number of roles will be filled by Australian Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander people and women with FFMVic working to achieve equal representation of men and women by 2025, reflecting the Government’s commitment for a diverse workforce that reflects the wider community.

The employment of additional staff supports the Government’s Advancing Forest Fire Management approach to delivering a 365-day per year fuel management program, including targeted burning, enhancing Victoria’s first attack capacity and capability to control and prevent fires.

For more information and to apply visit ffm.vic.gov.au or call 136 186.

Quotes attributable to Minister for Energy, Environment and Climate Change Lily D’Ambrosio

“This is a great opportunity for Victorians of all walks of life to learn new skills and be part of a diverse and inclusive team working together to keep communities safe during the bushfire season.”

“Successful recruits receive comprehensive training, can learn from experienced professionals and have the opportunity to work at locations across the state in both entry level and leadership positions.”

Quote attributable to FFMVic Chief Fire Officer Chris Hardman

“Recent events have shown us just how critical these roles are in protecting Victorian communities and our precious Victorian wildlife − no two days in these rewarding roles are ever the same and I urge interested Victorians to apply.”