Candidates will need to complete an online application form and respond to two questions adhering to the 150 words per question limit. You will also need to submit your:

• Resume
• Pre Employment Declaration Form
• Driver history report
• Images of tattoos visible when wearing a t-shirt, shorts and socks

Driver History

Candidates must provide details of all traffic infringements over the last 10 years via a Driver Licence History Report. This report is available from www.sa.gov.au (external site) and costs approximately $20.

Further information regarding driver history report and tattoos are under Stage 2: Initial Screening.

First Aid Certificate and licences

Whilst a Provide First Aid qualification (HLTAID011) or Medium Rigid (MR) Licence are not required at the time of application, successful applicants must obtain these prior to commencing employment with the MFS.

Further information is available under Stage 8: Pre-Employment Checks and Licences.

The initial screening process includes an eligibility review to confirm applicants meet the mandatory requirements of the role, including compliance with driver licensing and organisational policies.

Tattoos

The MFS has discretion in assessing images using the MFS Uniform and Dress Code which states “visible tattoos must not be excessive or offensive to recognised standards of decency or reflect adversely on the professional image the community expects from employees serving in the MFS”.

These checks are essential, and no offer of employment can be made unless they are satisfied.

Driver History

Serious traffic offences within the past 10 years could result in a 10-year disqualification (from date of offence) from being able to apply. A serious traffic offence may include, but is not limited to:

• Exceeding Blood Alcohol Concentration (BAC) of 0.08%
• Two or more offences of exceeding BAC over 0.05%
• Refusing a breath test or drug test, including failing to remain or going elsewhere for testing
• Driving under the influence of drugs
• Found guilty and charged for a driving offence whilst your licence is suspended, cancelled or disqualified
• Found guilty and charged for driving recklessly at a speed or in a manner which is dangerous to any person
• Refusing to stop when requested to do so by a Police Officer.

An applicant's overall driving record is taken into consideration when assessing attitude to road law compliance and will be assessed on a case-by-case basis. A poor driving history may result in your application not progressing.

Applicants will be asked to complete and online Psychometric and Aptitude covering areas of communication (verbal and written), ability to problem solve, mechanical reasoning and how to make decisions with incomplete information.

To prepare for this stage you could consider researching aptitude tests online.

Candidates will be required to attend an assessment centre in person to complete a group assessment.

The Physical Aptitude Test Stage 1 (PAT1) is a progressive shuttle run test designed to measure aerobic fitness. This test will establish whether the candidate possesses a sufficient level of cardiovascular fitness to be able to perform physically demanding firefighting tasks.

The test gives an estimate of maximum oxygen uptake (VO2) which indicates how effectively the body is utilising oxygen. The test requires candidates to run along a 20-metre running track in time with a recorded series of beeps. The test starts at a slow pace with the required running speed initially quite slow. Candidates should pace themselves so that their arrival at the end coincides with the single beep. A single beep signals the end of a shuttle. A triple beep signals the end of a level. At each new level there is an increase in running speed. The aim is to follow the increasing pace until the level of 9.6 is reached. Once the level of 9.6 has been achieved the candidate will have successfully passed the PAT 1 test.

Candidates must place one foot on or over the blue 20 metre line before returning to the other end. The next shuttle should not be commenced until the beep has sounded. If a candidate fails to place one foot on or over the blue 20 metre line before returning or starts a shuttle before the beep has sounded, then a referee will issue a yellow card warning. Once four yellow card warnings have been received, the test will be concluded.

Candidates will be invited via email to the PAT1. The email will include details of the assessment and instruction on what to bring.

Please note candidates will only be invited to complete the PAT1 assessment once. If you are unsuccessful, you will not be invited back to recontest the PAT1 or able to progress in the recruitment process.

PAT 1 and PAT 2 Training Suggestions

Here are some suggestions for preparing for the PAT1 & PAT 2 assessments. Keep in mind that these are general recommendations only, and it's important to tailor them to your individual circumstances and fitness level. Please note that MFS is not responsible for any injuries that may occur.

The interview provides candidates with the opportunity to demonstrate their suitability for, and understanding of the role of an MFS Firefighter. The interviews are interactive and an opportunity for the panel to get to know you and understand how you have handled different situations in life.

Candidates who progress to this stage will receive an email containing a link to book their interview, interview location details and instructions on what to bring. The interviews will run for approximately 30 minutes.

Candidates who progress to this stage will receive an email containing a link to book their Physical Aptitude Test Stage 2 (PAT2) assessment, details of the assessment and instructions on what to bring.

The PAT 2 is a pass/fail assessment requiring completion of 11 simulated on-the-job tasks within a time frame of 32 minutes.

The PAT 2 assessment is a valid indicator of your ability to successfully complete the physically demanding tasks required by MFS firefighters at emergency incidents.

All gender identities take the same test and to the same standard.

The PAT 2 will be held at the MFS Adelaide Fire Station only.

We strongly encourage you to view the video and documentation that further explains the process of the PAT 2 test.

Please note candidates will only be invited to attempt the PAT2 assessment once. If you are unsuccessful, you will not be invited back to recontest the PAT2 or able to progress in the recruitment process.

PAT 2 Assessment Videos

Medical Examination:

Candidates must attend a series of medical examinations. The medical examinations are based on the medical standards of health and fitness, which are considered to be essential to a career as a Firefighter. The MFS will cover costs associated with these medical examinations and if required, any further medical assessments.

Medical examinations include:

• Respiratory

Please ensure you are dressed appropriately for these tests (shorts and t shirt) for the full medical assessment. You are requested to arrive approximately 15 minutes before your appointment time to fill out the necessary forms.

For further information on the medical requirements please read Medical Standards (Conditions Incompatible with Firefighting). (PDF)

• Audiology
• Full medical

Pre-employment checks:

• Medium Rigid (MR) Licence - Candidates must obtain an MR Licence prior to commencing employment with the MFS. More information can be found about this licence on the My Licence website: My Licence - My Licence (external site)
• National Criminal History Check - Candidates will be required to complete a National Criminal History Check. This screening can only be completed by the SAFECOM Volunteer Services Branch. If you progress to this stage, the MFS Recruitment team will organise your check.
• Working with Children Check - Candidates will be required to complete a Working with Children Check. These screenings must be completed by the South Australian Department of Human Services via the SAFECOM Volunteer Services Branch. If you progress to this stage, the MFS Recruitment team will organise your check.
• First Aid Certificates - Candidates will be required to hold a current Provide First Aid qualification (HLTAID011).

Referee Check

Candidates will need to provide the name, email address and phone number of two referees. One referee must be your current manager. The second referee must be a previous manager. If you are self-employed, you can provide the name, email address and phone number of a supplier or contractor that you work closely with.

These checks are essential, and no offer of employment can be made unless they are satisfied.

These checks are essential, and no offer of employment can be made unless they are satisfied. Successfully completing these checks does not guarantee an offer of employment.