Fire or life threatening emergencies: 000
Emergency Information: 13 3337
SES Emergency Assistance: 132 500
Becoming a career firefighter is more than simply taking on a job. It’s a step into a career that really matters. At DFES, we look for passionate people who are committed to supporting our vision and our mission. We look for qualities like courage, commitment and compassion.
You don’t need prior fire and rescue experience. But you do need to be a team player, adaptable, can learn new skills and knowledge and apply these in time-critical and stressful environments.
Selection is a multi-stage process. You’ll undergo several behavioural, cognitive and physical assessments that align to the requirements of firefighting and DFES Core Values.
To become a career firefighter, there are several essential prerequisites that must be met. Originals or certified copies of all prerequisites must be provided to DFES at various stages of the recruitment process.
Before you can apply, you must meet these four criteria:
All these documents must be provided in your online application.
When requested during the selection process, you must also provide evidence of:
The recruitment process is highly competitive. You’ll be required to undertake a wide range of assessments over several months. It is important to note that not all applicants who are successful in each stage will progress to the next stage of assessment. DFES reserves the right to change these stages and assessments, including throughout the selection process, with minimal notice.
Stages and assessments are subject to change at any time. It is important to note that not all applicants who are successful in each stage will progress to the next stage of assessment. Details of dates, times and location for each assessment stage will be provided to applicants as they progress through the selection process.
Fire and rescue is a job unlike most others. It’s important to consider your expectations and the commitments you’ll need to make before you apply.
You could be posted to any regional or metropolitan career fire station, and you must be prepared for the realities of rostered shift work (day and night, seven days a week) plus fixed leave. Until you are appointed to a station permanently, you’ll likely be in the relieving pool working at different stations.
Once commenced on station, firefighters work a cycle of four days on duty followed by four days off. This amounts to an average of 42 hours per week and consists of two 10-hour day shifts (0800 to 1800) followed by two 14-hour night shifts (1800 to 0800). Firefighters are paid for 40 hours per week with the additional two hours per week accruing as additional annual leave.
Current Firefighter Rates of Pay (Inclusive of Allowances)
Classification
Weekly Wage
(effective on and from June 2024)
Yearly Wage
(effective on and from June 2024)
Trainee
$1,631.40
$85,104.70
5th Class Firefighter
$1,756.70
$91,641.20
4th Class Firefighter
$1,788.10
$93,279.20
3rd Class Firefighter
$1,866.50
$97,369.10
2nd Class Firefighter
$1,913.50
$99,820.90
1st Class Firefighter
$2,070.20
$107,995.50
Senior Firefighter
$2,148.60
$112,085.30
Becoming a firefighter is the first step in a diverse and meaningful career. If you’re selected to attend the Trainee Firefighter School, you’ll be offered a temporary contract to undertake a 15-week intensive training course at the Western Australia Fire and Emergency Services Academy in Forrestfield.
Upon graduation, you’ll be promoted to 5th Class Firefighter and begin working shifts. Over the next five years, you must complete the Firefighter Development Program where you will progress up the ranks to Senior Firefighter. You have the chance to specialise in areas that include Urban Search and Rescue, Training and Instructing, Aerial Rescue, Air Intelligence, Communications, Analysis, Logistics and Fire Investigation.
We support your career and help you make the most of all opportunities. Your progress can take you further into leadership and management roles too.
As a trainee firefighter, you’ll attend the WA Fire and Emergency Services Academy in Forrestfield, where we train you to our DFES operational standards.
Your 15-week course covers key firefighting aspects including community safety, firefighting skills, breathing apparatus, rescue, hazardous materials, driving and workplace communication skills.
On successful graduation, you’ll enter the compulsory Firefighter Development Program (FDP) and take up duties on shift. The FDP is our compulsory five-year training program covering practical and theory components. On completion, you will achieve the rank of Senior Firefighter.
In a final test of operational readiness, Trainees complete a stair climb of the tallest building in Perth (52 floors of the Central Tower Building).
