Book 3.indd - Queensland Fire and Rescue Service
Book 3.indd - Queensland Fire and Rescue Service
Book 3.indd - Queensland Fire and Rescue Service
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noordinaryqueensl<strong>and</strong>ordinaryjobfire&rescueservicefirststepstoapplying
equirements for firefighter applicationThe <strong>Queensl<strong>and</strong></strong> <strong>Fire</strong>fighter Recruitment <strong>and</strong> 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 st<strong>and</strong>ards 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; <strong>and</strong>Minimum two years general work history.As part of the recruitment <strong>and</strong> selection process, applicants willbe required to undertake a number of assessments <strong>and</strong> achieveresults which meet QFRS st<strong>and</strong>ards.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; <strong>and</strong>Final 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 <strong>Queensl<strong>and</strong></strong> 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 <strong>Queensl<strong>and</strong></strong>Transport Customer <strong>Service</strong> 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, NewZeal<strong>and</strong> citizens <strong>and</strong> 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 Zeal<strong>and</strong> citizenship, in the form of a certified copyof a New Zeal<strong>and</strong> 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 <strong>and</strong> have not appliedfor citizenship/ permanent resident status, should contact theAustralian Department of Immigration <strong>and</strong> Indigenous <strong>and</strong>Multicultural Affairs at www.citizenship.gov.au or phone 131 880.current senior first aid certificate<strong>Fire</strong>fighters must have a high competency <strong>and</strong> extensive knowledge<strong>and</strong> experience in first aid.Applicants must therefore have successfully completed aDepartment of Employment, Science <strong>and</strong> 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 <strong>and</strong> 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 <strong>and</strong> Education Programme (ARTEP);<strong>and</strong>Year 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 thesest<strong>and</strong>ard qualifications may need to have their qualificationsassessed by <strong>Queensl<strong>and</strong></strong> Tertiary Admissions Centre (QTAC) or<strong>Queensl<strong>and</strong></strong> Studies Authority (QSA) prior to making application.In some cases, applicants without st<strong>and</strong>ard qualifications canhave their vocational experience assessed by QTAC to determinean educational st<strong>and</strong>ard. 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 <strong>Service</strong> 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 comm<strong>and</strong>03
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 <strong>Service</strong> 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 history<strong>Fire</strong> Related Work HistoryOne year or more full time equivalent as permanent firefighter or three years or more active serviceas an Auxiliary firefighterEmergency <strong>Service</strong> Related Work HistoryOne year or more full time equivalent operational emergency service work history e.g.Communications, Police, Ambulance, Defence, <strong>Rescue</strong> <strong>Service</strong>sRelated Volunteer HistoryOne year or more active related volunteer service e.g. Rural <strong>Fire</strong> <strong>Service</strong>, State Emergency <strong>Service</strong>,Honorary Ambulance, Surf Life Saving, St John Ambulance, Coast Guard, Marine or Air Sea <strong>Rescue</strong>General 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 l<strong>and</strong>scape gardener - 5 yearsAuxiliary firefighter - 3 years active serviceShirley’s Work HistorySelf-employed l<strong>and</strong>scape gardener - 5 yearsAuxiliary firefighter - 3 years active serviceTotalPointsMinimum requirement33role descriptionThe QFRS <strong>Fire</strong>fighter Role Description clearly outlines the duties <strong>and</strong> responsibilities of the firefighter job. The Role Description also identifiesspecific assessment criteria that, along with the duties <strong>and</strong> 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 <strong>and</strong> otheremergency incidents.Promote community awareness in fire prevention by supporting <strong>and</strong> participating in community education programs <strong>and</strong>activities.Promote community safety by assisting with the inspection of property, buildings <strong>and</strong> emergency response equipment <strong>and</strong>assisting with the development of evacuation plans <strong>and</strong> emergency response procedures.Develop <strong>and</strong> maintain competencies as required by QFRS <strong>and</strong> pursue opportunities for self development throughparticipating in relevant training programs.Operate emergency response vehicles <strong>and</strong> equipment in a safe <strong>and</strong> effective manner, including driving a fire appliance <strong>and</strong>other emergency response vehicles as required, under varying circumstances <strong>and</strong> conditions.Provide first aid <strong>and</strong> resuscitation where required.Undertake administrative duties <strong>and</strong> contribute to the maintenance of manual <strong>and</strong> computerised station records.Contribute to a safe <strong>and</strong> healthy work environment by adhering to organisational health policies <strong>and</strong> principles.Maintain QFRS equipment, resources <strong>and</strong> facilities to ensure a constant state of operational readiness.Contribute to all station activities <strong>and</strong> promote a productive work environment through a positive team approach to alltasks.Communicate effectively <strong>and</strong> appropriately within the workplace, with other emergency service personnel <strong>and</strong> with membersof the community.Undertake a range of functions requiring the practical application of acquired skills <strong>and</strong> knowledge.Undertake all duties with the highest level of personal integrity <strong>and</strong> professionalism as required in the Code of Conduct <strong>and</strong>other Codes of Practice.Comply with legislative, policy <strong>and</strong> procedural requirements appropriate to the position <strong>and</strong> perform duties in line withcorporate governance practices.ASSESSMENT CRITERIA:You will be assessed on the basis of experience <strong>and</strong> capability in the following:1 Demonstrated ability to work effectively as a member of a team.2 Demonstrated ability <strong>and</strong> willingness to learn new skills <strong>and</strong> solve problems in an innovative <strong>and</strong> logical manner.3 Demonstrated ability to communicate effectively <strong>and</strong> apply sound interpersonal skills with a variety of audiences.4 Demonstrated mental <strong>and</strong> physical ability to perform operational activities effectively.5 Demonstrated ability to undertake all duties <strong>and</strong> operate equipment in a safe <strong>and</strong> effective manner.6 Demonstrated integrity <strong>and</strong> an ability to interpret <strong>and</strong> apply legislation, policies <strong>and</strong> processes.ADDITIONAL INFORMATION:Reporting Relationships – this position reports to Senior <strong>Fire</strong>fighters, Leading <strong>Fire</strong>fighters <strong>and</strong> Station Officers, as operationalneeds require.Want to know more? Refer to the Applicant Information Kit <strong>and</strong> 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 <strong>Fire</strong>fighter positions available, requires applicants to provide a great deal ofdocumentation <strong>and</strong> undertake a range of assessments. Applicants will be required, upon application, to nominate a preferredlocation for employment as a <strong>Fire</strong>fighter.All completed <strong>and</strong> successful applications will be processed <strong>and</strong>, 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 m<strong>and</strong>atory requirements for applications to be accepted, the documentation required, theassessment processes, assessment venues, <strong>and</strong> 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 <strong>Fire</strong>fighter level will be dependent upon:Completion of predefined components of Q-STEP;Satisfactory ongoing performance;Competent delivery of operational skill requirements; <strong>and</strong>Achievement of necessary accreditations <strong>and</strong> satisfactory achievement for all formal assessments.<strong>Fire</strong>fighters are required to participate in an ongoing approved study program, including theory <strong>and</strong> practical assessments, overa period of three years. <strong>Fire</strong>fighters may then choose to participate in further leadership <strong>and</strong> development programs to advanceto the classifications of Senior <strong>Fire</strong>fighter <strong>and</strong> Leading <strong>Fire</strong>fighter.ADDITIONAL INFORMATIONA successful applicant may be required to work continuous shift work, or day work.<strong>Fire</strong>fighters are often required to operate under unpredictable, emotional <strong>and</strong> sometimes extended <strong>and</strong> dangerousconditions.<strong>Fire</strong>fighters may need to deal with potentially traumatic incidents in a professional, responsible <strong>and</strong> caring manner, suchas incidents involving injuries, loss of life <strong>and</strong> property. This may include undertaking post-incident Critical Incident StressDebriefing or other professionally recommended procedures to protect self <strong>and</strong> colleagues’ health <strong>and</strong> safety at work.Terms <strong>and</strong> conditions of employment for this position will be in accordance with the QFRS Interim Award – State 2003,the QFRS Certified Agreement 2006 <strong>and</strong> 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 <strong>and</strong> trainees (including auxiliary firefighters <strong>and</strong> volunteers) by providing general information, guidance <strong>and</strong>advice.<strong>Fire</strong>fighters are required to work in a team environment with people from diverse backgrounds.A <strong>Fire</strong>fighter position is location specific <strong>and</strong> the successful applicant may be required to report to a number of stations withina defined location statement.<strong>Fire</strong>fighters are required to maintain a level of physical <strong>and</strong> personal fitness necessary to satisfactorily perform firefighterduties.first steps to applying | www.fire.qld.gov.au08Successful completion of ongoing training <strong>and</strong> 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, <strong>and</strong> 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 <strong>and</strong> written consent to conducta criminal history check through the <strong>Queensl<strong>and</strong></strong> Police <strong>Service</strong>.Appointment to this position is conditional upon a satisfactory criminal history report. Having a criminal history may notnecessarily result in disqualification from selection, <strong>and</strong> will depend on the nature of the offence.If an adverse criminal history report is received <strong>and</strong> 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 St<strong>and</strong>ards Unit on 3247 8627 before making a final decision.
noordinaryordinaryjob<strong>Queensl<strong>and</strong></strong> <strong>Fire</strong> & <strong>Rescue</strong> <strong>Service</strong>GPO Box 1425 Brisbane Q 4001T 131 304www.fire.qld.gov.au