Book 3.indd - Queensland Fire and Rescue Service

noordinaryqueenslandordinaryjobfire&rescueservicefirststepstoapplying

equirements for firefighter applicationThe Queensland Firefighter Recruitment and Selection Process isdesigned to assist QFRS select the most suitable applicants for thejob.QFRS has therefore set a number of criteria that need to be metbefore applicants can apply for a position as a firefighter.These criteria reflect the high standards necessary to ensure thatQFRS can adequately meet the needs of the communities that itserves.Before an applicant can be considered for a firefighter position, theymust provide evidence of the following application requirements:Minimum one year C class manual driver’s licence or ManualMedium Rigid Vehicle (MRV) licence;Australian resident status;Current Senior First Aid Certificate;Successful completion of Year 12 or Year 12 equivalent; andMinimum two years general work history.As part of the recruitment and selection process, applicants willbe required to undertake a number of assessments and achieveresults which meet QFRS standards.Furthermore, in the final stages of the recruitment process, anapplicant must provide evidence of the following before beingappointed as a recruit firefighter:Current Advanced Resuscitation Certificate;Manual Medium Rigid Vehicle (MRV) licence; andFinal medical assessment.minimum one year C class manual driver’slicence or manual medium rigid vehicle(MRV) licenceA C class manual driver’s licence, held for a minimum of one year,is required to show that applicants have the capacity to obtain aManual Medium Rigid Vehicle (MRV) licence.A Queensland Transport Drivers Report, which shows Driver LicenceHistory is required to prove an applicant has held a C class manualdriver’s licence for one year.A Drivers Record Report can be obtained by completing a DriverRequest Information Form (QF2121), accessed at any QueenslandTransport Customer Service Centre or on their website, www.transport.qld.gov.au.If an applicant already holds a manual MRV licence, a Drivers Reportis not necessary.Please note, a manual MRV licence is not required on application,however this qualification must be obtained before being appointedas a recruit firefighter.first steps to applying | www.fire.qld.gov.au01

australian resident statusQFRS only employs people entitled to accept permanentemployment within Australia, that is, Australian citizens, NewZealand citizens and those with permanent residency status.Evidence of Australian citizenship, in the form of either a certifiedcopy of a birth certificate or passport, must be submitted onapplication.Evidence of New Zealand citizenship, in the form of a certified copyof a New Zealand passport, must be submitted on application.Applicants who have obtained Australian citizenship or permanentresident status must provide certified copies of appropriatedocumentation, including the date the status was awarded.Applicants who were not born in Australia and have not appliedfor citizenship/ permanent resident status, should contact theAustralian Department of Immigration and Indigenous andMulticultural Affairs at www.citizenship.gov.au or phone 131 880.current senior first aid certificateFirefighters must have a high competency and extensive knowledgeand experience in first aid.Applicants must therefore have successfully completed aDepartment of Employment, Science and Training (DEST) approvedSenior First Aid Course.A certified copy of a current DEST approved Senior First AidCertificate must be submitted on application.Please note, this certificate must also be current before an applicantcan be appointed as a recruit firefighter.Details of DEST approved providers can be found at www.dest.gov.au.successful completion of year 12or year 12 equivalentQFRS is committed to training and education as a long terminvestment aimed at maintaining a highly skilled workforce.Applicants are therefore required to demonstrate that they havesuccessfully completed a minimum of Year 12 level education oreducation which can be deemed as Year 12 equivalent.For the purpose of a QFRS application for a firefighter position:Successful completion of Year 12 implies a sound achievementobtained in a minimum of four Year 12 subjects;Year 12 equivalent implies Year 10 or above plus a CertificateII, Year 10 plus a completed traineeship or Year 10 plusAuxiliary Recruit Training and Education Programme (ARTEP);andYear 12 equivalent also implies a Certificate III or above.Evidence of successful completion of Year 12 is not required ifthe applicant holds higher qualifications eg. Australian issuedCertificate IV, Diploma, Degree etc. Applicants without thesestandard qualifications may need to have their qualificationsassessed by Queensland Tertiary Admissions Centre (QTAC) orQueensland Studies Authority (QSA) prior to making application.In some cases, applicants without standard qualifications canhave their vocational experience assessed by QTAC to determinean educational standard. The minimum QTAC score required forYear 12 equivalent is 80.Applicants who have studied overseas (including High School) arerequired to obtain QSA equivalency. For more information, contactQTAC Assessment of Qualifications Service at www.qtac.edu.au orQSA at www.qsa.qld.edu.au.Applicants with other educational qualifications, above theminimum requirement, will be allocated points to be recognisedlater in the assessment process. Evidence of these qualificationsmust be provided.first steps to applying | www.fire.qld.gov.au02

first steps to applying | www.fire.qld.gov.au“I enjoy working with mates you can trust.”WAYNE BROWN - north west command03

The following points system is used in the selection process:EducationSuccessful completion of Year 12 or Year 12 equivalentCertificate IV or Associate DiplomaDiploma or abovePoints345minimum two years general work historyQFRS values the work history of applicants. Evidence of a minimum of two years full time equivalent general work history is required forapplication.Applicants with other work history above the minimum requirement, will be allocated points to be recognised later in the assessmentprocess.Applicants will need to provide evidence of their work history which may include Statements of Service from employers.Applicants who have been self-employed can provide evidence in the form a sworn affidavit from their accountant stating that they havebeen operating a business.The following points system is used in the selection process:Work HistoryGeneral Work HistoryTwo years or more full time equivalent general work historyFire Related Work HistoryOne year or more full time equivalent as permanent firefighter or three years or more active serviceas an Auxiliary firefighterEmergency Service Related Work HistoryOne year or more full time equivalent operational emergency service work history e.g.Communications, Police, Ambulance, Defence, Rescue ServicesRelated Volunteer HistoryOne year or more active related volunteer service e.g. Rural Fire Service, State Emergency Service,Honorary Ambulance, Surf Life Saving, St John Ambulance, Coast Guard, Marine or Air Sea RescueGeneral Volunteer HistoryOne year or more active general volunteer service e.g. Lifeline, St Vincent De Paul, Meals on Wheels,Sports CoachPointsMinimum requirement3221Example 1:John Smith applies for a firefighter position with QFRS. John’s work history includes:Carpentry apprenticeship (completed) - 4 yearsSurf Lifesaving volunteer - 3 years active serviceMeals on Wheels volunteer - 1 year active serviceJohn’s Work HistoryPointsfirst steps to applying | www.fire.qld.gov.auCarpentry apprenticeship (completed) - 4 yearsSurf Lifesaving volunteer - 3 years active serviceMeals on Wheels volunteer - 1 year active serviceTotalMinimum requirement21304

Example 2:Shirley Jones applies for a firefighter position with QFRS. Shirley’s work history includes:Self-employed landscape gardener - 5 yearsAuxiliary firefighter - 3 years active serviceShirley’s Work HistorySelf-employed landscape gardener - 5 yearsAuxiliary firefighter - 3 years active serviceTotalPointsMinimum requirement33role descriptionThe QFRS Firefighter Role Description clearly outlines the duties and responsibilities of the firefighter job. The Role Description also identifiesspecific assessment criteria that, along with the duties and responsibilities, provide the basis of the assessment tools in the recruitmentprocess. All assessment tools in the process relate to this Role Description.first steps to applying | www.fire.qld.gov.au05

DUTIES/ RESPONSIBILITIESAs part of a fire crew, respond to fire, road accident rescue/entrapments, technical rescues, hazardous material and otheremergency incidents.Promote community awareness in fire prevention by supporting and participating in community education programs andactivities.Promote community safety by assisting with the inspection of property, buildings and emergency response equipment andassisting with the development of evacuation plans and emergency response procedures.Develop and maintain competencies as required by QFRS and pursue opportunities for self development throughparticipating in relevant training programs.Operate emergency response vehicles and equipment in a safe and effective manner, including driving a fire appliance andother emergency response vehicles as required, under varying circumstances and conditions.Provide first aid and resuscitation where required.Undertake administrative duties and contribute to the maintenance of manual and computerised station records.Contribute to a safe and healthy work environment by adhering to organisational health policies and principles.Maintain QFRS equipment, resources and facilities to ensure a constant state of operational readiness.Contribute to all station activities and promote a productive work environment through a positive team approach to alltasks.Communicate effectively and appropriately within the workplace, with other emergency service personnel and with membersof the community.Undertake a range of functions requiring the practical application of acquired skills and knowledge.Undertake all duties with the highest level of personal integrity and professionalism as required in the Code of Conduct andother Codes of Practice.Comply with legislative, policy and procedural requirements appropriate to the position and perform duties in line withcorporate governance practices.ASSESSMENT CRITERIA:You will be assessed on the basis of experience and capability in the following:1 Demonstrated ability to work effectively as a member of a team.2 Demonstrated ability and willingness to learn new skills and solve problems in an innovative and logical manner.3 Demonstrated ability to communicate effectively and apply sound interpersonal skills with a variety of audiences.4 Demonstrated mental and physical ability to perform operational activities effectively.5 Demonstrated ability to undertake all duties and operate equipment in a safe and effective manner.6 Demonstrated integrity and an ability to interpret and apply legislation, policies and processes.ADDITIONAL INFORMATION:Reporting Relationships – this position reports to Senior Firefighters, Leading Firefighters and Station Officers, as operationalneeds require.Want to know more? Refer to the Applicant Information Kit and visit the Department’s website at: www..emergency.qld.gov.auReference checking may be undertaken as a condition of employment.On appointment to this position a probationary period may apply.Once accepted, applications will remain current for three years.first steps to applying | www.fire.qld.gov.au07

SELECTION PROCESSThe selection process, for the limited number of Firefighter positions available, requires applicants to provide a great deal ofdocumentation and undertake a range of assessments. Applicants will be required, upon application, to nominate a preferredlocation for employment as a Firefighter.All completed and successful applications will be processed and, when vacancies occur, QFRS will offer positions to the mostsuitable applicants available at that time for the nominated location.Applicants will need to be aware of the mandatory requirements for applications to be accepted, the documentation required, theassessment processes, assessment venues, and associated costs before submitting an application. This information is availableon the QFRS website www.fire.qld.gov.au .CAREER PROGRESSIONProgression between pay points at the Firefighter level will be dependent upon:Completion of predefined components of Q-STEP;Satisfactory ongoing performance;Competent delivery of operational skill requirements; andAchievement of necessary accreditations and satisfactory achievement for all formal assessments.Firefighters are required to participate in an ongoing approved study program, including theory and practical assessments, overa period of three years. Firefighters may then choose to participate in further leadership and development programs to advanceto the classifications of Senior Firefighter and Leading Firefighter.ADDITIONAL INFORMATIONA successful applicant may be required to work continuous shift work, or day work.Firefighters are often required to operate under unpredictable, emotional and sometimes extended and dangerousconditions.Firefighters may need to deal with potentially traumatic incidents in a professional, responsible and caring manner, suchas incidents involving injuries, loss of life and property. This may include undertaking post-incident Critical Incident StressDebriefing or other professionally recommended procedures to protect self and colleagues’ health and safety at work.Terms and conditions of employment for this position will be in accordance with the QFRS Interim Award – State 2003,the QFRS Certified Agreement 2006 and any other industrial instrument (including any enterprise bargaining agreement)applying from time to time.Whilst supervision of other employees is not normally a feature at this level, employees will however, be required to assistnew staff and trainees (including auxiliary firefighters and volunteers) by providing general information, guidance andadvice.Firefighters are required to work in a team environment with people from diverse backgrounds.A Firefighter position is location specific and the successful applicant may be required to report to a number of stations withina defined location statement.Firefighters are required to maintain a level of physical and personal fitness necessary to satisfactorily perform firefighterduties.first steps to applying | www.fire.qld.gov.au08Successful completion of ongoing training and development is an important requirement of this position.Any statement in an application, which is found to be deliberately misleading, will result in disqualification from furtherconsideration, and if that person is already employed within DES, may result in disciplinary action.The recommended person will be asked to provide the Director-General with proof of identity and written consent to conducta criminal history check through the Queensland Police Service.Appointment to this position is conditional upon a satisfactory criminal history report. Having a criminal history may notnecessarily result in disqualification from selection, and will depend on the nature of the offence.If an adverse criminal history report is received and the Director-General has concerns regarding the suitability of therecommended person to perform the advertised duties, an opportunity will be given to the recommended person to makewritten representation before any further decision is made. Persons considering self selecting out of the selection processmay consider contacting the Executive Manager, Ethical Standards Unit on 3247 8627 before making a final decision.

noordinaryordinaryjobQueensland Fire & Rescue ServiceGPO Box 1425 Brisbane Q 4001T 131 304www.fire.qld.gov.au