Turn your passion as an RFSQ volunteer into a career
The RFSQ is a dynamic service to work in with a footprint that supports the breadth of our sunshine state. We value what you bring to the service as a volunteer and encourage you to consider a career with the RFSQ.
Career opportunities with the RFSQ span across two employment streams, Operational (requiring firefighting experience) and Administrative.
Volunteer to Career resources have been created to assist volunteers like you:
- write an application for an RFSQ position with resources and tips to help you
- highlight your transferable skills and how they're relevant to the role you want in RFSQ
- gain further support and connect with a mentor for help writing an application and preparing for the interview.
Why join the RFSQ Team?
Whether your background is purely as an RFSQ volunteer, or you have experience in a related industry, you will have transferable skills and experiences that could benefit the RFSQ as an operational or administrative staff member.
Highlighting your transferable skills and how they’re relevant to the role you want in RFSQ is essential for a good application.
RFSQ Volunteers:
- work well in teams and follow directions
- communicate effectively
- think on their feet
- take responsibility
- use personal initiative
- remain calm in a crisis.
Operational
Example transferable skills*:
- firefighting experience in a bushfire setting
- knowledge of the Australasian Inter-Service Incident Management System and Integrated Management System (AIIMS/IMS) methodologies
- knowledge of, or experience in traditional burning techniques
- knowledge of, or experience in holistic rural fire and rural land management
- operational leadership.
*Skills and experience relevant to level of role applied for.
Administrative
Example transferable skills*:
- project management
- administration and executive support
- team leadership
- communications and engagement
- community development
- report writing and providing advice.
*Skills and experience relevant to level of role applied for.
RFSQ staff benefit from continual upskilling through training and development opportunities as part of the Staff Development Framework.
Both Operational and Administrative roles can offer flexible work patterns.
What types of roles are there?
Most operational staff in the RFSQ have backgrounds as rural fire volunteers. Operational roles are assigned a rank, whereas administrative roles are assigned a level of the administrative stream.
Here’s an overview of some of the types of roles you can apply for and work towards throughout a career with the RFSQ.
Roles in the RFSQ have varying mandatory and highly desirable requirements, which you can find in the advertisement for the role.
Please note that due to legislation, operational role applicants must retire by the age of 65.
Entry Level
Operational
- Brigade Support Officer
- Brigade Training and Support Officer
- Capability Officer
- Rural Fire Support Officer
Entry Level
Administrative
- Business Support Officer
- Support Officer
- Executive Support Officer
- Program Support Officer
Intermediate Level
Operational
- Area Manager
- Air Operations Officer
- Area Training and Support Officer
- Bushfire Safety Officer
- Bushfire Safety Officer First Nations
- Training Resource Officer
Intermediate Level
Administrative
- Project/Program Officer
- Senior Project/Program Officer
- Asset Management
- Financial Manager
Senior Level
Operational
- Inspector
- Superintendent
- Assistant Chief Officer
- Deputy Chief Officer
- Chief Officer
Senior Level
Administrative
- Manager
- Executive Manager
- Director
How does the application process work?
Applying for a RFSQ position is a unique process, different to other job applications. Here you will find information to provide practical support and guidance for the application process to join the RFSQ as a Queensland Government employee.
Please note the process may vary from role to role; please follow the details in the job advertisement for the role you are applying for.
Prepare
Review the job advertisement & role description.
Review the application guides.
Review the QFES Strategic Plan, Leadership Competencies for Queensland and the QFD/QFES Volunteerism Strategy.
Write your application
Prepare your CV/Resume.
Address the key requirements through a Statement of Suitability.
Submit your application
Submit your application through the online system of whichever platform you’re using (Seek, Smart Jobs, Nexus etc)
Please note: After the closing date shortlisting of candidates is conducted. Shortlisted candidates will be invited for an interview.
Interviews conducted
See video further below to assist your interview preparation.
Consider connecting with a mentor.
Use the STAR or CAR method to guide your responses.
Post-Interviews
Psychometric testing is conducted for most operational roles (may occur before interview).
Referee checks are conducted for all candidates who pass the interview (may occur before interview).
The panel deliberates and identifies a preferred candidate/s, depending on the number of positions available.
If successful
A Police background check and Blue Card verification/application are conducted for the successful applicant.
The successful applicant is offered the role and accepts.
Operational roles will require a medical assessment.
If unsuccessful
A suitability pool may be established and can include all candidates who passed interview but weren’t offered the role. A suitability pool may be used for up to 12 months for appointments to similar roles at the discretion of recruiting managers.
All applicants are notified of the outcome of their application and offered feedback (including those who were not shortlisted for interview).
Queensland Government job applications
Applying for a job with the Queensland Government is a particular process with a specific set of requirements. This may be different to other jobs you have applied for. Use the links below to learn more about Queensland Government job applications:
- How to write a resume for a Queensland Government job (including cover letters and responding to selection criteria or key capabilities)
- Tips for job interviews
- Further support for job seekers
Further Support
Connecting with a mentor can help with writing your application and preparing for an interview.
It’s important to know that a mentor can’t write an application for you, but they can provide guidance on how to use the CAR format, how to frame your transferable skills and how to follow the Application Guide.