Apply to be a retained firefighter
All applications to become an MFS Retained Firefighter are submitted online. It is important to include a current and valid email address in your application as this is how we will inform you if you are/aren’t successful in advancing to the next stage of the recruitment process.
As part of your online application, you will need to include a resume and pre-employment declaration.
Joining your local MFS regional fire station is a rewarding way you can keep those your care about most safe. Our MFS Retained Firefighters are dedicated to serving their communities, selflessly responding to emergencies to protect lives, property, and the places they call home.
Apply Now
After you submit your online application, there are several steps, outlined below, that must be completed before you can become a Retained Firefighter. The Retained Firefighter recruitment process, including the relevant training, can at times take between 6 to 12 months.
Example of a recruitment process: (this can vary slightly depending on the regional fire station you have applied to join).
Online application is reviewed by Regional Commander.
Someone will be in contact with you to discuss next steps.
Applicant is invited to do an abilities and numeracy assessment.
The abilities and numeracy assessment evaluates how you interpret, solve and analyse a range of mathematical and language-based concepts.
Tattoo disclosure
Whilst tattoos are accepted, the applicant will need to disclose, and submit images of any tattoos which are visible when wearing a t-shirt, shorts and socks. 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”.
Driver Licence Report
Applicants 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 and costs approximately $20.
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, or you may receive a letter requesting further information.
National Criminal History Check and Working with Children Check.
National Criminal History Check – Applicants 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 team will organise your check. Once your application is submitted, it can take up to one month, sometimes longer, for a report to be generated. This is out of our control. There may be instances where further information is required.
Working with Children Check - Applicants 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 then the we (MFS) will organise this.
Interview
The interview provides applicants with the opportunity to:
- demonstrate their suitability for, and understanding of, the role of an MFS Retained (Regional) Firefighter
- discuss their skills, interests and attributes relevant to the role
- advise their availability.
References
You will need to provide two referee reports (supervisor and peer). Referee reports are designed to seek employment information on your work performance, competencies, abilities and potential. They also help to confirm information and validate your suitability for the job.
Medical examination
The medical examinations are based upon the medical standards of health and fitness which are considered essential to a career as a Retained Firefighter with the MFS. You will need to cover the costs associated with the medical examinations.
It’s important that you declare any medical conditions you may have so that the MFS can provide you with appropriate support.
Some medical conditions pose a higher risk to firefighters than others. If you have one of these high-risk conditions, you will need to undertake a follow-up medical review at an MFS nominated medical clinic in the Adelaide CBD. The medical expense will be covered by the MFS. Travel and/or accommodation will not be provided or reimbursed. Due to your and specialist availability, this can take up to, and at times over, one month.
Physical Aptitude Test (PAT)
The Physical Aptitude Test (PAT) consists of a range of simulated on-the-job tasks. The PAT is considered a valid indicator of your ability to successfully complete the physically demanding tasks required by operational MFS Retained (Regional) Firefighters at emergency incidents.
Contract letter and commencement date
If you are successful in the recruitment process and have completed all the above stages, we will email you an Offer of Employment.
Recruit Firefighter Training Course
The Recruit Retained Firefighter Training Course is scheduled for successful applicants. Due to scheduling, this can be several months later, and involves the attendance and successful completion of approximately 2 x 16 hour weekend training courses prior to being qualified. These courses cover Breathing Apparatus training, Basic Firefighting Skills and Structural Firefighting. Recruit retained firefighters will be remunerated for this attendance.
Recruit retained firefighters cannot attend incidents until the relevant training has been completed.
Probation period
There is a twelve-month probationary period.
A permanent position as a Retained Firefighter will only be confirmed after the successful completion of a 12-month probationary period, which includes completion of the mandatory training courses and obtaining all the relevant certificates and licenses.
Recruit retained firefighters must obtain Provide First Aid and Advanced Resuscitation and Oxygen Therapy within six months, and an MR, or HR licence within the first twelve months of employment of the probationary period. These are at your own expense.
