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Permanent Firefighters

Want new skills? New challenges? New friends? Then join the NSWFB, Australia's largest fire and emergency service, and climb the ladder to a satisfying career in one of the most trusted professions. Being a firefighter is no ordinary job, as the work is varied and challenging, with no two days ever the same. And with regular training, a career in firefighting offers plenty of opportunities to develop new skills as well to specialise in particular areas. 

Applications for the NSW Fire Brigades 2008 Firefighter Recruitment Campaign have now closed.

NSWFB is currently planning the next Permanent Firefighter Recruitment Campaign and we anticipate an announcement in early 2010. We encourage you to watch our web-site (www.fire.nsw.gov.au) for further updates.

Applicants who applied as part of the 2008 Campaign should be aware that the recruitment process will take a minimum of six months for those recruits that are selected for the first available classes. Recruitment processes are conducted as required and there may be a delay of several months between various selection stages. Therefore some successful recruits may wait up to eighteen months to commence employment.

Monitor your application process here: http://fire.nga.net.au

The following information is designed to provide applicants with information regarding the current recruitment process. These pages also include information on the training requirements, working conditions and salaries of firefighters.

Applicants should gather as much information as possible in relation to the role of Firefighter, as well as the services and responsibilities of the NSWFB. Applicants should also be aware of the initial and on-going fitness requirements of the position and the nature of recruit training for firefighters.

    Key topics

  • The Role of a Firefighter

    This brochure covers what is a permanent firefighter, firefighting activities, career opportunities, pay rates and leave entitlements, shiftwork and eligibility criteria.
    The Role of a Firefighter (PDF, 335KB)

  • Recruitment Process

    This brochure cover all stages of the recruitment process including online application, online assessment, supervised assessment, Physical Aptitude Test (PAT), interview, medical assessment, background checks, uniform fit, entry to college and graduation.
    Recruitment Process (PDF, 223KB)

  • Assessments of Firefighter Applicants

    This brochure cover all stages of the assessment of firefighter applicants, including online assessment, Physical Aptitude Test (PAT), interview, medical assessment, background checks and prerequisites.
    Assessments of Firefighter Applicants (PDF, 557KB)

  • Physical Aptitude Test (PAT)

    The PAT is one of the stages in the assessment of firefighter applicants, and determines whether people have the physical capacity to be a firefighter. It has two parts:
    The Shuttle Run
    The Firefighting Task Course

  • How to apply

    Want to apply to become a firefighter? Please first read the three brochures above (The Role of a Firefighter, Recruitment and Assessment of Firefighter Applicants), as these will answer many of your questions. Please be advised that no date has yet been set for the 2009 Firefighter recruitment campaign. Interested parties are therefore advised to regularly monitor this website for future updates.

  • Firefighter profiles

    The NSWFB is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We welcome applications from a diverse range of backgrounds. Click on the profiles below to find out first hand how some of our firefighters came to join the NSWFB and their experience working in this role.
    Women in Firefighting (PDF, 163KB)
    Firefighting is a Family Affair (PDF, 443KB) 
    A Career in Firefighting (PDF, 338KB)