Pay rates can be viewed at the Conditions of Employment section. It is important that you review this section to consider your personal budget requirements in order to transition into this role.
What superannuation exists?
If successful in becoming a career firefighter, you will be required to become a member of the Emergency Service Superannuation Scheme (ESSS). This is a defined benefit superannuation fund to which you contribute according to the rate you nominate on your superannuation form. CFA also makes contributions to the fund at a level determined by the fund actuary.
What are the hours of work on station?
Upon completion of a Recruit Course, career firefighters work day shift as designated by the Officer in Charge (OIC) of the station. The day shift roster normally comprises a 4-day roster; with the hours of duty between 8am and 6pm.
The move to a rotating shift will generally occur after successful completion of the probationary period and approval has been given by the Officer in Charge.
Career Firefighters on a rotating shift work a 10/14 shift roster. Two day shifts, in a row, from 8am – 6pm (10 hours) followed by two night shifts, in a row, from 6pm – 8am (14 hours) followed by fours days off.
How much annual leave does a career firefighter receive?
Career Firefighters receive nine weeks annual leave per year. This annual leave is taken in two blocks per year, normally in 4 or 5 week blocks. Annual Leave is rostered according to the shift and location to which you are deployed. Annual Leave is accrued at a faster rate then other employment due to the hours worked per week.
Do career firefighters have public holidays off?
No. CFA Integrated Fire stations operate 24 hours per day through 365 days per year. Career firefighters are rostered to work throughout the year, including public holidays.
Is there a probationary period?
Yes, ongoing employment is subject to satisfactory completion of a six-month probationary period. This probationary period commences day one of the 16 week recruit course and concluded on station.
Station Locations & Career Paths
If I am successful in employment, do I get to choose where I work?
Not initially. Similar to organisations such as Victoria Police and the Armed Forces, you will have the opportunity to advise CFA of your preferences during the recruit course.
However, as CFA is a statewide service and requires career firefighters in many areas of Victoria, specific locations of employment are dependant upon where the demand for vacancies arise.
Our stations with career firefighters are as follows:
Bendigo
Dandenong
Greenvale
Point Cook
Morwell
Boronia
Caroline Springs
Eltham
Belmont
Hallam
Warrnambool
Craigieburn
Corio
Frankston
Scoresby
Portland
Rosebud
Geelong City
Shepparton
Wangaratta
Melton
Patterson River
Ballarat City
Wodonga
Mornington
Springvale
Traralgon
Mildura
Hoppers Crossing
Sunbury
Cranbourne
Is there a career path?
CFA Career Firefighters are required to undergo a structured continuation training program after completion of their recruit course. Progression through the Career Firefighter ranks is dependant on the individual completing the appropriate continuation training.
This continuation training is mandatory for all levels up to and including Qualified Firefighter. The achievement of Qualified Firefighter rank occurs after 36 months and requires the completion of all continuation training.
Upon obtaining the Qualified Firefighter rank a career firefighter is then able to progress to middle and senior level management positions if they wish. Structured programs that include continuation training, development courses and assessments will allow career firefighters to gain qualifications at Leading Firefighter and Station Officer (middle level managers) and Operations Officer / Operations Manager (senior level managers).
Appointment to these positions is subject to vacancies occurring across CFA. All vacancies are subject to merit based selection and appointment. For more information, visit the Conditions of Employment section.
How do you progress through each stage of the recruitment process?
All applications are assessed through fair and open competition based on principles of merit. Not only do you have to meet the benchmark at each stage of the process, you may need to exceed the benchmark to be competitive against other applicants.
Due to the volume of applicants and number of available opportunities, not all applicants who meet the minimum benchmark for the relevant testing may advance in the same timeline. If you pass any of the required minimum benchmarks of the application sessions but are not progressed to the next stage in that intake you will remain on the database and be in consideration for the following recruitment process.
How will I know when CFA is recruiting?
Unless advised on the website, CFA will be accepting application year round. How quickly applications are progressed will depend on the number of recruit course intakes during that period. Applicants who have previously attempted the CFA recruitment process can apply for re-entry to the database. Some exemptions from certain stages of the process may apply.
Acceptance of applications from previous applicants will be assessed based on how much new information has been submitted with their application. This is outlined in the Applicant Information Guide - doc 369k
No. However, you must have a full, manual driver’s license to apply (You are ineligible if you have a probationary license.)
How long does it take from when I submit my application to complete the assessments?
Depending on how long the application process is open for and when an application is submitted determines how long it will be between applying and commencing the recruitment process (maximum five months).
The recruitment process can take between four months and twelve months depending on the number of vacancies to fill. Applicants may be placed on different schedules that is aligned with separate interview periods for different recruit courses.
Do I need a truck license to be a career firefighter?
You do not need a heavy rigid (truck) license to apply for the role. However, successful applicants are required to obtain their heavy rigid driver’s license prior to the commencement of their recruit course.
If you do not currently have a heavy rigid license you should explore the requirements to ensure that you allow adequate time and funding to obtain it and the conclusion of the recruitment process and the commencement of the recruit course.
Applicants requiring their license purely for the role will be reimbursed up to $1,000 at the commencement of employment. Please note: Synchromesh license is required.
I don't have experience in firefighting and I'm not a CFA Volunteer - can I still apply?
Yes. Firefighting experience is not a pre-requisite for applying for the role. The recruitment process is designed to select applicants who have the aptitude and who can demonstrate the behaviours to successfully become a career firefighter. The Recruit Course trains all recruits in all aspects of firefighting, regardless of whether or not they have any experience.
If my application is unsuccessful, can I re-apply?
Unsuccessful applicants are welcome to re- apply to enter the Recruitment database. It is advisable that you re-assess your preparation and research before deciding to have another go. All previous applicants will be asked to submit information that shows what they have done to improve their application since the last attempt, (ie. If you previously did not pass the aptitude tests then it will be expected that you have undergone study to overcome this difficulty).
Candidates are permitted 3 unsuccessful attempts at each stage of the process. If you fit within this category it is suggested you contact the Firefighter Recruitment Consultant before re-applying. The recruitment process is both costly and time consuming for the CFA and the applicant so applicants should be well prepared.
Educational Requirements
What level of education do I need to be a career firefighter?
There are no minimum educational requirements to become a career firefighter. The CFA expects that all career firefighters will undertake a continual process of learning. Your capacity to participate in learning is evaluated in the recruitment process basic aptitude tests and your work / training history.
What subjects should I study at school to become a career firefighter?
There are no specific subjects that you are recommended to study. You should ensure that you have a broad education including literacy and numeracy. You should ensure that you have opportunities to practice teamwork, deal with people from a diverse range of backgrounds and develop a high customer service ethic.
Can studying Fire Technology help my chances at securing a position?
Such courses are not a pre-requisite for the recruitment process. However an education background in Fire Technology may assist you in demonstrating the value that you could bring to the organisation due to the material studied. Subjects studied during such a course do not equate to exemptions from any subjects studied during the Recruit course. All recruits regardless of their knowledge and experience complete the entire 16 week course.
Preparing for the Recruitment Process
Can I do anything to prepare for the aptitude assessment?
CFA uses general ability tests to assess your verbal, numerical and mechanical reasoning. You can prepare by brushing up on the basics Maths and English taught in secondary school. If you would like to know more about psychometric assessments there are many resources at bookstores and local libraries.
Make sure you have read through the Aptitude Preparation Guide - doc248k provided on our webpage. One supplier of aptitude tests produces a publication entitled ‘Practice Now - How to Prepare for Recruitment and Selection Tests’ available online from the ACER Shop for around $32.00.
How do I obtain a copy of the Beep test?
Copies of the beep test can be bought from AIS Shop. You can also download a version via the internet. You can also download the beep test from the Australian Army website.
It is recommended that you do not limit your physical preparation to only running the beep test and your preparation comprises of cardiovascular and upper body strength training. In particular it is important to have forearm and hand strength required to effectively perform in the role and during the Challenge test.
Is there anything that I can do in preparation?
Thoroughly read all the information available on this website. Each recruitment process we add to the material available to ensure it can support applicants though the process as much as possible.
You should ensure that you have all the necessary application documentation ready prior to a recruitment campaign because applications can be accepted for a limited period of time.
At some point in the process you will be required to provide a copy of your full, manual driver’s license and documentary evidence of your Australian citizenship or permanent residency. For Australian and New Zealand citizenship this would comprise a copy of your birth certificate or current passport. For permanent residents, this would comprise a copy of your passport and relevant Australian visa.
It is recommended that you prepare an up to date resume because you will be required to provide a copy with your application. Make sure you have up to date contact details on your nominated referees.
Applicants should be aware that as the recruitment process occurs over a number of weeks / months, it is likely you will have to attend some stages of the process during business hours. Please take some time to consider your approach and strategy to this requirement in advance to provide yourself with flexibility not to put your current employment at risk.
Recruit Course
How long is the recruit training course?
The recruit course goes for 16 weeks and is held from Monday to Friday.
If I am successful, when will I start my recruit course?
Details regarding the start date for upcoming recruit course/s will be communicated to applicants early in each recruitment process.
Where does the recruit course take place?
Recruit courses take place at CFA Training College, Fiskville. Fiskville is located near Ballan off the Western Highway, Melway Map reference 511 D2. Courses are conducted according to operational workforce planning requirements.
What is involved in the recruit course?
The course comprises of intensive practical and theoretical instruction that prepares recruits for performing the responsibilities of a Career Firefighter. Assignments and tests are used to assess recruits’ competency for subjects. Recruits must attain the required benchmark in all assessed areas.
What are the hours of the recruit course?
The course is live-in Monday to Friday at CFA Training College, Fiskville. The daily hours vary according to the training schedule but will not exceed 38 hours per week. If the course is held during any public holidays, recruits may be required to attend.
How many recruits are on each course?
The number of recruits on each course varies according to organisational requirements. Typically it can range from 20 – 25 recruits.
How can I hear about past recruits personal experience?
CFA have produced a documentary following a recruit course of CFA career firefighter over their 16-week course at the CFA Training College, Fiskville.
I am a Volunteer and have completed minimum skills training. If I am successful, do I have to do the entire recruit Training Course?
Yes, you would have to complete the entire course. It is important that all recruits are trained in the same method / using the same material and to the same level.
I am a Volunteer. What happens if I am unsuccessful?
If you are deemed unsuccessful at any stage of the recruitment process, it is important to realise that this outcome does not diminish in any way your highly valued contribution to CFA as a volunteer firefighter. Your dedication is recognised as an integral part of CFA’s culture and operations.
The service that you provide to your community is invaluable and is encouraged. You will be eligible to reapply to future recruitment campaigns.
