hello all first post on this forum just have some quick questions.
As mentioned in the topic I would like to ask how to go about being a Retained Firefighter and what prerequisite requirements I might need and if you think I stand a fair chance as it is a competitive process I gather.
I'm a volunteer firefighter for the country fire service with my BFF1 and Senior St Johns first aid
I'm also a member of the State Emergence Service with my SES basic rescue along with a few other courses.
I have CERT II in community studies if that also helps I'm a pretty good member of my community always trying to contribute as much as I can.
I am 18 years of age and in outstanding physical condition
And finally I am an adult instructor for the Australian Airforce Cadets at the rank of AC.
I DO NOT posses my medium ridged drivers license sadly
If possible I would like to join Tanunda or Kupunda stations in the Barossa area where I reside at the present time.
sorry for such a large post but again any help would be fantastic thanks everyone.
Quote from: liamkeenanaCFSSES on November 07, 2012, 08:51:55 PM
hello all first post on this forum just have some quick questions.
As mentioned in the topic I would like to ask how to go about being a Retained Firefighter and what prerequisite requirements I might need and if you think I stand a fair chance as it is a competitive process I gather.
I'm a volunteer firefighter for the country fire service with my BFF1 and Senior St Johns first aid
I'm also a member of the State Emergence Service with my SES basic rescue along with a few other courses.
I have CERT II in community studies if that also helps I'm a pretty good member of my community always trying to contribute as much as I can.
I am 18 years of age and in outstanding physical condition
And finally I am an adult instructor for the Australian Airforce Cadets at the rank of AC.
I DO NOT posses my medium ridged drivers license sadly
If possible I would like to join Tanunda or Kupunda stations in the Barossa area where I reside at the present time.
sorry for such a large post but again any help would be fantastic thanks everyone.
Go to the SAMFS website and under the heading "join us" click on retained and there is a position information document which outlines all the requirements. I dont think it is as competetive as you may think.
Entry Criteria
License
Must possess a current car license valid in SA however, a MR drivers license must be obtained at the member's expense.
Health
Applicants must be in a good state of physical fitness and be prepared to undergo a medical examination prior to being accepted.
Police
Check
A Police Check will be carried out with the consent of the applicant. An offence will not necessarily deny entry into the MFS. Each case is considered on its merits.
References
Provide the names and contact phone numbers of two (2) referees.
Birth Certificate
Produce a birth certificate as proof of age.
Eyesight
Vision less than 6/12 in worst eye unaided, achieving 6/6 binocularly; colour vision - normal on Ishihara plates or trade test on console with no errors.
First Aid Certificate
Firefighters may be required to apply first aid to a work colleague, Legislation requires employees who administer first aid in a workplace to possess Apply First Aid (HLTFA 301B) from one of the approved providers listed by SafeWork SA within the first six months of a probation period. SafeWork SA's website is www.safework.sa.gov.au (http://www.safework.sa.gov.au).
Please be aware that on 10 December 2010, the new Approved Code of Practice for First Aid in the Workplace will be introduced. Potential applicants will therefore need to possess Apply First Aid (HLTFA 301B) on or after this date.
Proximity to Station
Must reside and work within a reasonable proximity (nominal ten minutes) from the MFS Station for efficient response to incidents. Note: any costs associated with fulfilling this criteria must be met by the applicant.
Availability
All rostered staff must attend the station in response to an emergency call within 10 minutes of being notified and they must be available to attend at least 50% of calls. In an effort to maintain adequate standards of fire cover and to equally distribute the work load, staff available to respond to incidents must attend the station at least for 50% of the calls and must attend the incident by riding the appliance at least 50% of attendances at the MFS Station. For example, if a station averages 20 calls per month, then all staff will attend the station at least 50% of those calls, i.e. 10, and of those 10 calls, staff must attend the actual incident on at least 5 occasions. You will also be required to attend a minimum of 80% of the weekly training sessions.
Just go to one of the stations on the nights they do training and say g'day.
Thanks allot guys I'll be sure to look into it :) anyone know how the pay system works? And how much not that it's important just wondering
Any SAMFS members have any advice or directions I should take?
You get a retainer, cant remember how much, its about 30 bucks an hour and you get paid 2 hours min for a call out and paid in 15 min blocks after the 2 hours and get paid for training which is 3 hours a week. Also now get paid fortnightly instead of monthly.
ahh thanks so its kinda like a firefighters version of the Australian Defense Force Reserves. That sounds great I mean I would do it for free just to be with the MFS great bunch of people. Do you need to do the aptitude, physical and interview like the fulltimers or is it kinda like jumping into CFS
more like a paid version of cfs.
so it isnt as competitive as I thought, do you guys think I fit the bill for a retained fire fighter for the MFS
and finally what steps should I take eg send them my resume or stop in the station on a training night
Probably best to follow the instructions on the SAMFS website!
Pip
thanks for all your help everyone :) but Tanunda was full :( ohh well I'll just have to wait until they need more numbers
Thanks again you guys, allot better people on SAfirefighter.com then on Ausmilitary forums lol I tried to ask the Army lads a question and lets just say the people where not as nice :P
Try Kapunda, they seem to struggle to get crews, Gawler 359 have been responding to calls in Kapunda due to lack of crews, although that seems to of died down a bit
I would love to but I I'm to far away from Kaunda I live in lyndoch
I heard they need numbers but I can't :( thanks anyway
I just sent my resume off to Regional Commander John Foody for the tanunda station. Fingers crossed!
Unless you currently live within 10 mins of the fire station you are applying for they will reject your application.
And I do live within 10 minutes :) any more advice and info would be cool
Any retained on this forum