Firefighter
Use fire suppression techniques to protect public life and property from fire hazards.
Job opportunities
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Jobs in SEEK right nowJob growth
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5-year projectionSalary
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Typical salaryJob satisfaction
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Job opportunities
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Jobs in SEEK right nowSalary
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Typical salaryJob growth
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5-year projectionJob satisfaction
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On this page
- What's it like to be a Firefighter?
- How to become a Firefighter
- Latest Firefighter jobs
- Top skills and experience for Firefighters
- Is Firefighter the right role for you?
- Firefighter role reviews
What's it like to be a Firefighter?
Firefighters are trained emergency response specialists who serve to protect public life and property. They control and extinguish fires and respond to other emergency calls including search and rescue and high angle rescue, and motor or marine accidents. They are trained in first aid and have a high level of physical fitness combined with the ability to stay calm when working under extreme pressure.Did you find this video helpful?
Tasks and duties
- Attending the scene of fires and other emergencies including motor, industrial and marine accidents.
- Rescuing and evacuating people in life-threatening situations.
- Operating pumps, spraying water, foam and chemicals from hoses, portable extinguishers and other appliances to extinguish fires and to disperse or neutralise dangerous substances.
- Cutting openings in buildings and crashed vehicles to free occupants.
- Administering first aid.
- Attending and participating in training activities, rescue classes, drills, demonstrations and courses in emergency and fire-fighting techniques.
- Ensuring all tools and equipment are in good working order through regular maintenance.
- Participating in search and rescue and high angle rescue operations.
- Assisting other agencies in emergencies
- Educating the community in matters of fire safety.
How to become a Firefighter
The requirements to become a Firefighter vary between states, so check with the fire service in your state or territory for specific details. Typically, there are no educational requirements, however you must undergo a recruitment process. A high level of fitness is required, and a minimum physical aptitude standard must be met.
- Hold Australian Citizenship or Permanent Residency.
- Hold a current Australian driver’s licence and have a good driving history. You may also be required to undergo a Police Check and gain a First Aid Certificate.
- Apply online and undergo the mandatory recruitment testing process including a personality test, physical aptitude test, selection interview and medical assessment.
- Undertake the recruit training course which could take between 13-21 weeks. On successful completion you will be offered a role as a Firefighter (a probationary period may apply in some states).
Compare your salary
Find out how your salary compares with the average salary for Firefighters.Latest Firefighter jobs on SEEK
Be one of the first to discover these recently listed jobs, or browse all Firefighter jobs on SEEK right now.Did you find this helpful?
Skills and experience employers are looking for
Having the right skills and experience can make you an in-demand applicant. Firefighter employers on SEEK are looking for job seekers with expertise in the following areas. Community Fire Safety
Fire Prevention
Community Education
Rescue
Emergency Services
Ambulance Studies
Fire Services
NSW Drivers Licence
Learning Aptitude
Willingness to Learn
Source: SEEK job ads and SEEK Profile data
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Latest Firefighter reviews
Aug 2025
Toxic culture, poor management, some dedicated colleagues.
Reviewer's QualificationDiploma of Public Safety (Emergency Management)
Experience1 – 4 years
Organisation sizeLarge (200+ employees)
SpecialisationGovernment & Defence
The good thingsOne of the few positives was working alongside a handful of solid colleagues - people who genuinely recognised and valued good operators. They didn’t tolerate toxic behaviour or those individuals who ...
The challengesWorking in this fire service was a let down. What should have been a fulfilling and purposeful role ended up being repetitive, uninspiring, and frustrating.
The day-to-day work lacked variety and chal...
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Oct 2018
Firefighting can be tough at the best of times but is well worth it at the end of a day/job
Reviewer's QualificationCertificate II in Firefighting (Operations)
Experience1 – 4 years
Organisation sizeLarge (200+ employees)
SpecialisationOn call firefighter
The good thingsThis is a good job for the fact it is very flexible for your lifestyle and great opportunities to better yourself
The challengesThere good deal of fun challenges in training and on the job to achieve with your team it makes you feel better as person/team when the job is done with a good/great outcome
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Help people decide if your job is right for them - it only takes a few minutes.Source: SEEK role reviews
SEEK has not verified the truth or accuracy of these comments and does not adopt or endorse any of the comments posted on this page.SEEK collects and posts the comments for what they are worth and for information purposes only to assist candidates to find employment through www.seek.com.au
