What could I be doing as a Firefighter?

For a Queensland Fire and Rescue firefighter, no day is the same. When your community needs professional help and support in times of crisis, are you the person who can raise their hand? If so, you could be part of the next generation of Queensland Fire and Rescue firefighters. As a firefighter, you'll play a crucial role in the front-line response to emergency and disaster, building a rewarding career as you defend people, property and environment from harm. For a firefighter, no day is the same. Beyond fighting fires, you'll need to be up for heights and open to enclosed spaces - as you negotiate a variety of emergency and non-urgent situations, including:

  • Road accident rescue
  • Swiftwater and technical rescue
  • Community education
  • Building inspections
  • Management of hazardous materials
  • Station and equipment maintenance.

What is expected of me?

The role of a firefighter demands physical, mental and emotional strength. The day-to-day requirements of your job may include, but are not limited to:

  • Periods of intense and sustained physical activity
  • Working in confined spaces and with poor visibility
  • Hot and humid working environments
  • Instantly reacting and responding to fire calls at any time, day and night
  • Wearing of breathing apparatus and protective clothing
  • Challenging situations, including where people are injured, distressed or deceased

To be successful, you'll need to be a person whose core values are in line with ours, embodying integrity, respect, courage, trust and loyalty in all you do. You need to thrive on teamwork, be motivated by a desire to help others in their time of need and have a desire to support your community. We value diversity and are actively seeking candidate's with varied backgrounds.

What could my roster be?

  • Most often work 4 days on 4 days off with 2x10hr day shifts followed by 2x14hr night shifts
  • Work rosters prepared up to 12 months in advance, including rostered periods of leave
  • Regularly work weekends, public holidays, including Christmas, and are called for duty during major emergencies

What are the pay rates?

As at July 2024:

  • Recruit Firefighter Total Per Fortnight: $2,844.31
  • Firefighter Total Per Fortnight: $3,653.31

For further information, refer to the Certified Agreement 2022 linked under 'More information.'

Prerequisite Requirements 

Before you apply to become a Fire and Rescue firefighter, you must meet the following mandatory requirements:

  • Manual C class driver licence held for at least 1 year OR manual medium rigid driver licence
  • Physically, mentally and medically fit
  • Australian/New Zealand citizen or permanent residence status
  • Successful completion of Year 12, or equivalent as recognised by us
  • Minimum two (2) years full-time equivalent general paid work experience
  • Eligible to hold a current valid Working with Children Blue Card from Blue Card Services. 

The Selection Process

* Please note, this information is based on the previous Recruit Firefighter Campaign, this information will be updated when a new campaign opens. 

1 - Submit application

Your application must be submitted before the advertised closing date. There will be no allowances for late applications.

You will receive email confirmation from our Talent Acquisition team that your application has been received. 

It is very important that you read and understand the specific requirements for this recruitment process you are applying for.

2 - Beep test

The Beep Test (also known as the Shuttle Run), is a pass/fail assessment. There is no merit in this assessment. You are required to successfully complete Level 9.6; you are NOT required to complete this assessment any further than Level 9.6. 

Beep Test and Claustrophobia Test Guide (PDF, 345 KB)

Beep Test Training Program (PDF, 334 KB)

The Beep Test must be completed at an identified Assessment venue.

You will be required to visit your doctor/medical officer, at your own expense, prior to participating in the Beep Test. You will be provided with the associated forms you are required to complete when you receive your invitation to participate in the Beep Test.

All costs associated with your attendance at the Beep Test are your responsibility.

3 - Complete online cognitive ability assessments

There are a number of general aptitude assessments in this phase of the process.

The assessments will be delivered in an online supervised (proctored) format and it is important you read and understand all the information provided to you regarding the assessments, particularly the technical requirements. It is important you are prepared and well rested for these assessments.

4 - Undertake the physical assessment - the Operational Focused Abilities Test (OFAT)

Applicants who successfully complete the online assessments will be invited to participate in the OFAT. The OFAT comprises of a sequence of tasks designed to simulate the physical requirements of attending an emergency incident. To successfully complete the OFAT, applicants are required to demonstrate the levels of aerobic fitness, muscular strength and endurance required to perform the duties of a firefighter. Every task is a pass/fail assessment.

OFAT Guide (PDF, 1.01 MB)

OFAT Training Program (PDF, 1.39 MB)

The OFAT must be completed either in Brisbane or in Townsville.

All costs associated with your attendance at the OFAT assessment are your responsibility.

5 - Attend state panel interviews

The State Panel Interview is a critical part of the firefighter selection process. You will be required to speak in front of a panel, which will include our operational and non-operational staff. You will be required to inform the panel members about your understanding of the role of a Queensland Fire and Rescue firefighter, the attributes and qualities you would bring to the role, your relevant or transferrable skills, experience and qualifications, and your motivation in becoming a firefighter. You will be asked behaviour and scenario-based questions.

We recommend you perform outside research into the role, such as visiting as station or speaking with firefighters about their experience.

Do not under-estimate the importance of the interview. Interview results contribute to your merit standing in the recruitment process. It is important you are properly prepared, dress and act professionally.

Interviews will be held in multiple locations across Queensland. At this time you will be required to provide evidence of having obtained a paid Blue Card from Blue Card Services. All costs associated with your attendance at interview are your responsibility.

6 - Complete psychological assessments

Applicants recommended by the panel from the interview phase of the process are required to complete the psychological assessments.

There are a number of assessments in this phase of the process including, online assessments, a group assessment and a one-on-one interview. The assessments are designed to evaluate whether you have the necessary characteristics to perform the role of a Fire and Rescue Service firefighter including the mental and emotional demands.

The psychological assessments are conducted in Brisbane only. We will cover the costs of the assessments, however you are responsible for all costs associated with attending the assessments i.e. travel and accommodation.

If you have completed our firefighter psychological assessments within the last 12 months you may not be required to complete these assessments. We will advise you at the appropriate time in the process whether or not you are required to complete them.

Applicants who undertake the psychological assessments and are identified as not meeting the requirements for the assessment, may be precluded from consideration in recruitment campaigns for the proceeding 12 months, due to assessment results being valid for 12 months.

7 - Satisfy a criminal history check and complete referee reports

If you progress to the psychological assessment phase, you will also be asked to complete referee reports. We use an online reference checking platform to facilitate these reports. We will contact you at the appropriate time and provide all relevant information to complete the reports.

We will also undertake a check on your criminal history at this stage. Note that past offences will be considered on a case-by-case basis and may or may not affect the progression of your application.

We will cover the costs associated with both the referee reports and criminal history check.

8 - State selection

Applicants who successfully complete all requirements of the recruitment and selection process will be eligible for consideration by our Firefighter Selection Panel for offer of employment as a recruit firefighter. The panel will make the final selection and subsequent decision on offers of employment including employment locations.

The basis for selection will be the applicant’s suitability to perform the job, having regard to the components of merit: abilities, aptitude, skills, qualifications, knowledge, experience, personal qualities relevant to performing the duties in question, and potential for future development as verified through the assessments in the recruitment process and considerate of education and experience, and all information gathered through the recruitment and selection process

The state selection process may be conducted a number of times during a firefighter recruitment campaign. Each time the state selection process is conducted applicants are considered on their merit against the current pool of applicants at the time of selection.

9 - Undergo a medical assessment

The role of a Queensland Fire and Rescue firefighter is demanding and diverse. It is important that potential firefighters are fit of the job. The Medical Standards (PDF, 153 KB) reflect the current requirements of the role. Final determination on your suitability is at our discretion, based on the advice provided by the Medical Advisor.

If offered employment as a recruit firefighter, you will be required to successfully complete a Medical Assessment. All costs associated with completing the medical assessment are your responsibility.

10 - Firefighter recruit course - pre-course requirements

Prior to commencing a firefighter recruit course, you will be required to obtain and evidence current first aid and advanced resuscitation qualifications. It is not recommended you complete these until such time as requested by us due to specific dates of currency required by us. Sufficient time will be provided to obtain the necessary qualifications prior to the commencement of training. You will also be required to evidence a current manual medium rigid driver licence.

All costs associated with the obtainment of the required qualifications and driver licence are your responsibility.

Important Information!

If you are unable to attend or do not successfully complete an assessment, you will not be provided with an opportunity to re-attempt it. There is no flexibility with regard to assessment dates and the Talent Acquisition team is unable to consider any requests for such.

It is important to note that successful completion of an assessment does not guarantee progression through the recruitment phases. Selection may need to be made at any stage in the process and will be done by the Firefighter Selection Panel.

11 - Firefighter Candidate Information Pack

Firefighter Recruitment Candidate Information Pack (PDF, 2.3 MB)

Recruit Firefighter course

Recruits attending ceremony

If you are one of the successful applicants who are selected for offer of employment, your role will be secured on the completion of our intensive 16 week Recruit Course.

The Recruit Course takes place at the School of Fire and Emergency Services Training (SFEST) in Brisbane. You will be fully remunerated for this full-time program at our recruit pay rate.

The course is comprised of intensive practical and theoretical instruction. Assignments and tests are used to assess recruits' competency throughout. You must attain the required standard for each competency to graduate. 

Probation and tenure

A 12 month probationary period applies upon commencement of the Recruit Course.

After graduation and upon commencement on shift as a firefighter, you will be required to serve a minimum of four years tenure in your first appointed employment location before becoming eligible for a transfer. It's important to note that transfers are not automatically granted and depend on vacancies and associated waiting lists. It's worth noting that some popular employment locations (like the Gold and Sunshine Coasts) have transfer lists already 10+ years long. 

For enquiries please email talent.acquisition@fire.qld.gov.au

Please refer to the Entry Level Operational Application Guide for information on how to apply for this role.

Please note that the Talent Acquisition team is committed to ensuring that security, integrity and privacy is not compromised at any stage of the recruitment process and will carry out systematic ID checks and online test verification.

  • FIRE & RESCUE – THE FIREFIGHTER

  • RECRUIT COURSE 113

FAQ's

If I have previously applied, do I have to apply again?

Yes. Previous applications are not considered in the current recruitment campaign. All assessments will need to be completed again regardless of which stage you progressed to previously.

How many times can I apply?

You are only permitted to submit ONE application in each recruitment campaign. However if you have been unsuccessful previously you may apply again.

I am having trouble completing my application. What can I do?

Check you have answered all questions in the online application form. Some questions are designed to identify candidate's who don't meet entry requirements e.g. minimum Australian Provisional P2 driving licence and minimum educational qualifications. If you do not meet these, your application cannot be progressed.

Is there an age limit?

No, but you must have a current manual motor vehicle driver licence (or equivalent which can be transferred to an Australian licence) when applying. The minimum is a Provisional P2 (green licence).

I have a medical condition. Can I apply?

Candidate's must satisfy all medical requirements to progress. Some medical conditions have been identified as significant for firefighters, however all applications are considered on a case-by-case basis, and final determination on a candidate's medical suitability is made by our Medical Advisor. For further information refer to the Medical Standards. (PDF, 153 KB)

All applicant's should ensure that information from treating doctors/specialists relating to any pre-existing medical conditions is available at the time of their medical assessment. This will allow timely assessment and avoid delays in the processing of their applications.

Does training in the Queensland Auxiliary, Rural Fire Service or other emergency services such as SES help?

Previous experience and qualifications related to community work may enhance a candidate's performance. Previous experience may make an applicant more competitive in the process.

When do applications open?

When dates are confirmed for future recruitment campaigns, applications will be available on the website for a certain time period. Ensure you have completed an Expression of Interest to keep yourself up to date information regarding our next campaign and upcoming events.

What do I need to add to the Statement of Suitability in my Candidate Profile?

The Statement of Suitability is a non-mandatory field which is not relevant to all of our roles. Recruit Firefighter, Fire Communications, and Auxiliary roles do not require the applicant to complete a statement of suitability. Please leave this section blank if you have applied for one of these positions.

What Year 12 Equivalent do we recognise to apply?

Year 12 equivalent implies Year 10 or above plus a Certificate II, Year 10 plus a completed traineeship or Year 10 plus Auxiliary Recruit Training and Education Programme (ARTEP). Year 12 equivalent also implies a Trade Certificate or Certificate III or above. Applicants without these standard Australian qualifications may need to have their qualifications assessed by Queensland Tertiary Admissions Centre (QTAC) prior to making application. For more information contact QTAC Assessment of Qualifications Service at www.qtac.edu.au or QCAA at www.qcaa.qld.edu.au.

Last updated 17 December 2024