The Andrews Labor Government is recruiting 300 forest firefighters for summer to help keep Victorians safe in the upcoming fire season.

Minister for Energy, Environment and Climate Change Lily D’Ambrosio announced applications have now opened for men and women to join Forest Fire Management Victoria as a seasonal project firefighter.

The recruitment drive will boost Victoria’s frontline forest firefighter numbers to more than 1,000 with 600 project firefighters and 340 permanent Forest Fire Operations Officers.

As well as their frontline duties, forest firefighters play an important role in bushfire prevention and preparedness, conducting planned burns and undertaking roadside vegetation and fire trail maintenance.

The Labor Government is delivering tangible employment, training and pathway opportunities for regional communities, with project firefighters based at more than 80 locations throughout the state.

The new positions are for a range of seasonal roles including general firefighters, fire support officers and rappel crews, and the successful recruits will add to the existing 300 project firefighters currently on three-year contracts.

There are 18 roles that will be filled by Australian Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander people, reflecting the Government’s commitment for a diverse workforce that reflects the wider community.

Crews will get to work alongside key fire management agencies including the Department of Environment, Land, Water and Planning, CFA, Parks Victoria, Melbourne Water and VicForests.

Applications for Project Firefighters are open from Thursday 1 August and close on Sunday 25 August. For further information and to apply visit http://jobs.careers.vic.gov.au/pff or call 136 186.

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

“This is a great employment opportunity for regional communities and I’d encourage men and women from all walks of life and backgrounds to consider becoming a seasonal project firefighter.”

“By the start of the upcoming summer season we will have a highly-skilled team of 1000 frontline forest firefighters ready to keep Victorians safe.”

Quote attributable to Forest Fire Management Victoria Chief Fire Officer Chris Hardman

“Successful recruits receive comprehensive training and get the opportunity to work with experienced personnel from a range of fire management agencies.”