Could you help your community come to grips with the reality of fire safety?

As a Rural Fire Service Volunteer Community Educator, you will be the face of your brigade in the community, promoting and delivering safety and bushfire preparedness education packages both alone and in conjunction with urban, auxiliary and Rural Fire Service officers. In this exciting role, you'll to liaise with your local brigade, members of the public, private sector organisations and community groups to help protect the people, property and environment within your community, one presentation at a time. VCEs will not only present a range of our community education programs to the public in the lead up to fire season, but also provide information to their community during and after an incident. Existing operational volunteers can take on this role, however if there is a major incident where community information needs to be provided the role of VCE must take priority in this situation.

  • Deliver PREPARE.ACT.SURVIVE, Property Advice, Fire Ed and Smoke Alarm Education
  • Provide information on the Fire Warden and Permit to Light Fire system
  • Assist in the development and implementation of Bushfire Action Plans
  • Present a range of our community education programs to the public in the lead up to fire season
  • Provide information to their community during and after an accident

Although the Community Educator role is non-operational, you'll have the opportunity to provide support during emergency events, including activities like door knocking or working as a member of the incident management team. This role is also open to operational Volunteer Firefighters.

Have you got what it takes?

The Volunteer Community Educator role is open to all people with a genuine interest in community work and the objectives of the Rural Fire Service. While volunteers do not need to have Firefighting experience, it's crucial that you are committed to helping develop a positive culture in and around your Rural Fire Brigade area.

  • What makes a Good VCE

  • Why Volunteer

  • What support do I get

  • How much time is required

Prerequisites

  • Have, or have the ability to acquire, a good standing in the community
  • The ability to achieve and report on results
  • Commitment to undertake relevant competency maintenance training and education programs designed to support this role
  • Ability to comply with our relevant policies, procedures and legislation including Code of Conduct and Workplace Health and Safety
  • Have, or have the ability to acquire, an understanding of the role of the Rural Firefighter, Rural Fire Brigade and the application process for joining a brigade
  • Willingness to undertake specified components of TAFE TAE40116 Certificate IV in Training and Assessment, or equivalent

The Selection Process

  • Contact your local RFS Brigade

For more information on joining the RFS or the type of assistance you can offer, contact your local brigade through your local area office.

If you are Successful

As a Volunteer Community Educator, you will receive ongoing training and support for the role through your Regional Bushfire Safety Officer and RFS Area Office staff.

For more information on joining the RFS or the type of assistance you can offer, contact your local brigade through your local area office.

Next Steps

Contact your local Brigade

Ask a Question

Applications

To take on the role of a VCE you need to be positive, community minded person who is comfortable presenting in front of small and large groups of people and you need to be willing to develop the skills required to take on the role.

The VCE role is an excellent opportunity for existing RFS volunteers who feel they may want to move out of an operational role and into other areas. The role provides a great way for volunteers to contribute to community safety and continue their close involvement with community members and groups, without the physical demands of fighting fires. 

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Last updated 18 November 2024