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2012 Permanent Firefighter Recruitment Campaign

Candidate Information Pack

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Contents

Our Organisation What does Fire & Rescue NSW do? Fire & Rescue NSW (FRNSW) enhances community safety, quality of life and confidence by minimising the impact of hazards and emergency incidents on the people, environment and economy of New South Wales. As one of the world’s largest urban fire and rescue services, we manage fire emergencies in NSW major cities and towns. We respond to rescues, hazardous materials incidents and possible terrorism activities across the State. We work with other government agencies to minimise the impact of bushfires, storms, floods, landslides, building collapses, motor vehicle accidents and other emergencies. We also run prevention and preparedness programs to prevent these emergencies and reduce their impact on the community. FRNSW has a long tradition of excellence in the protection of life, property and the environment. FRNSW is made up of approximately 14,000 people state wide, comprising of over 7,000 retained and permanent firefighters and support staff, and around 7,000 community fire unit volunteers. FRNSW staff and volunteers are committed to maintaining the proud history and tradition of FRNSW, when serving the community and protecting the environment.

Firefighter Application Information Pack

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The Role More than fighting fires

Being a firefighter is no ordinary job. The work is varied, challenging and rewarding. In addition to fighting fires, a firefighter role entails a range of different functions, including:

Fire prevention and investigation

Community education and activities related to safety and prevention, such as: fire education for children (conducted in pre-schools, kindergartens, primary schools) and rescue education for teenagers (conducted in high schools); working with diverse communities to raise awareness, educate and help minimise the environmental impact of fire; and, providing assistance to the elderly, e.g. installation of smoke alarms in homes

Recovery and management of hazardous, toxic and flammable materials

Recovery after storm and flood

Attending to motor vehicle accidents

Providing basic first aid until an accredited provider arrives, such as the NSW Ambulance

Carrying out building inspections to prepare risk assessments and pre-incident plans

Maintaining good health and physical fitness

Undertaking ongoing development and maintenance of skills and knowledge through regular training and study

Cleaning/maintenance of equipment and the fire station. This includes core housekeeping duties such as

cleaning the bathroom, kitchen, vacuuming etc.

Firefighters often operate in stressful situations, particularly when people are injured or threatened with injury. When attending an incident, firefighters may be required to comfort victims or advise the public to stay clear of the area. Firefighting is physical and psychologically demanding, especially during major emergencies and involves quick thinking, team work and endurance. Generally, permanent firefighters work in a fire station as part of a platoon supervised by a Station Officer. Platoons contain anywhere between 3 to 12 firefighters of various ranks, depending on the size and nature of the fire station. Each fire station is part of a Zone containing between 9 to 27 fire stations and headed by a Zone Commander. These Zones are then grouped in Areas (North, South, East and West) headed by an Area Commander.

What makes a successful firefighter?

To be a successful firefighter, you will need a wide range of skills, knowledge and abilities. The skills, knowledge and abilities we are looking for in our recruit firefighters include:

Personal resilience and an ability to tolerate stressful situations

Appreciation of the need to remain aware of risks and maintain a focus on safe work practices in situations that

at times can be inherently dangerous

Effective written and verbal communication skills, a commitment to service and helping others, and an interest

and ability to engage with the public

Demonstrated understanding of, and willingness to undertake, the full range of firefighter duties including a

capacity to follow directions, ability to work shiftwork including weekends, flexibility in work locations and an

interest in ongoing development

Capacity to consistently demonstrate respect toward colleagues, the community and all others regardless of

background or differences

Well developed interpersonal skills and the capacity to work within, and contribute effectively to, a small team

working in close proximity

Ability to exercise self discipline and use sound judgement in ensuring assigned tasks are completed to required

standard and within tight timeframes

Capacity to acquire new skills and demonstrated problem solving ability.

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Working for FRNSW

Our values Our values are a critical factor in determining and shaping our desired workplace culture. All FRNSW employees are required to demonstrate behaviours that align to the following values: Commitment to safety

being committed to preventing workplace injuries, both physical and psychological

being accountable for safe and healthy work practices and workplaces

Honesty and integrity

truthfulness, openness and transparency in all that we say and do

impartiality, fairness, equity, and consistency in all that we say and do

ethical conduct and the moral courage to speak out against wrongdoing

accepting personal responsibility for our actions or failures to act Respect

treating others as we would like to be treated – community members, all of our colleagues and the other people we deal with in the course of our work, regardless of background or position, with respect, dignity, goodwill, empathy and compassion

Courage and selflessness

dedicating our skills, resources and actions to help those in need or at risk of harm, with no expectation of acknowledgement or additional reward

having the courage to work under significant pressure and in adverse situations, to stand up for others, and to challenge wrongdoing

putting the needs of the community and FRNSW before our own Professionalism

sharing common goals and the desire to improve

striving for consistently high standards of conduct and service

seeking continuous learning through experience, reflection, education and training

being responsive and innovative in meeting the evolving needs of the community, other stakeholders and our workforce

Teamwork

embracing diversity and inclusion, and the empowerment of people

collaborating and cooperating to support and encourage one another, providing a healthy work-life balance and creating healthy, safe and productive workplaces

working together with other organisations to deliver best outcomes for the community

Benefits and Conditions Shift roster FRNSW is a 24 hour emergency service. Firefighters work rostered shifts which include weekends and public holidays. The roster system comprises of the following:

10/14 Roster – Firefighters work two day shifts (8am to 6pm), followed by two night shifts (6pm to 8am) and then four days off. The majority of firefighters fall into this category

Back-to-back Roster – Firefighters work four day shifts (6am to 6pm) then four days off

Special Roster – firefighters work Monday to Thursday (8am to 4.30pm) and Friday (8am to 4pm) Firefighters can also be recalled for duty in case of an emergency.

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Leave arrangements Firefighters have entitlements to sick leave, maternity/paternity leave, annual leave, consolidated leave and long service leave, as per the Crown Employees (Fire and Rescue NSW Permanent Firefighting Staff) Award 2011 e.g.

Long service leave: entitlement is two months after ten years service; however it is able to be accessed pro-rata after seven years service. Previous Government service may be recognised.

Annual leave: firefighters are rostered into a leave group at the time appointment is confirmed. Leave is taken when the group’s leave period falls due. The typical cycle for annual leave is thirty two (32) weeks worked = four (4) weeks leave then twenty four (24) weeks worked = four (4) weeks leave. Note: recruit firefighters must complete a certain amount of service before annual leave can be taken.

Rates of pay

These rates are effective from 17 June 2011.

Rank/classification Weekly rate of pay Weekly roster allowance Total weekly pay

Recruit Firefighter $1,017.88 - $1,017.88

Firefighter Level 1 $1,130.99 $49.48 $1,180.47

Firefighter Level 2 $1,193.83 $52.23 $1,246.06

Qualified Firefighter $1,256.65 $54.98 $1,311.63

Senior Firefighter $1,306.94 $57.18 $1,364.11

Leading Firefighter $1,407.47 $61.58 $1,469.05

Station Officer Level 1 $1,507.93 $65.97 $1,573.90

Station Officer Level 2 $1,570.85 $68.72 $1,639.58

Inspector $1,884.99 $82.47 $1,967.45

Superintendent $127,697 per annum

Chief Superintendent $137,970 per annum

Education and Training Recruit training program Candidates who accept an offer of employment are required to attend recruit training at the FRNSW State Training College in Alexandria – approximately five kilometres south of the Sydney CBD. The program includes 13 weeks of intensive training covering (but not limited to) the following:

Use of fire appliances and pumps, rescue equipment, radio networks, computer response systems

Management of hazardous materials

Administering of first aid

Wild fire behaviour and suppression management

Fire science and behaviour awareness

Basics of building construction

Varying methods of water and electricity supply

Occupational health and safety. Following completion of the program, successful participants will graduate as a Level 1 Firefighter. Ongoing training and development An essential component of a firefighter’s job is to maintain and develop skills to ensure best practice. If you are considering firefighting as a career, you must be prepared to undertake continuous training and studies in order to maintain the required capabilities, and to progress in rank. All firefighters must reach the rank of Qualified Firefighter as a minimum requirement. To reach this rank takes approximately 3 years. To assist and support firefighters, training is provided to ensure that firefighters develop the confidence and capabilities required to combat and manage increasingly complex emergency situations. As a Registered Training Organisation, FRNSW is able to provide a comprehensive range of quality training.

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Career Development and Opportunities FRNSW operates on a rank structure and each firefighter has the opportunity to progress through these ranks. Refer to the ‘Benefits and Conditions, Rates of Pay’ section for the list of ranks. At the Qualified Firefighter rank, opportunities to work in specialised areas may also be available. These specialty areas include:

Community Engagement and Development: This unit focuses on prevention, and increasing the community’s preparedness and resilience to hazards, emergencies and disaster.

Fire Research and Investigation: Undertakes special fire investigations, delivers fire investigation training; manages accelerant detection canines; and carries out research into the interaction between human behaviour, building behaviour and fire behaviour.

Operational Communications: FRNSW maintains a network of emergency communication centres. These centres manage all fire emergency calls in NSW, with most from either 000 phone calls, or from automatic or other fire alarms.

Training and Development: Identifies and provides the necessary resources, facilities, policies and guiding principles across the full range of operational, administrative, trades and professional education, training and development activities.

Hazardous Materials Response: FRNSW manages emergency incidents involving hazardous materials (hazmat) e.g. transport accidents / industrial leaks, and incidents involving chemical, biological and radiological substances. Firefighters becoming Hazmat technicians undergo special training in Hazmat operations.

Rescue: Provides equipment and training to FRNSW rescue operators to perform a wide range of rescues, including rescuing people and animals from transport, domestic and industrial accidents and carrying out swift water, alpine, vertical and confined spaces rescues.

Counter-Terrorism and Aviation: Contributes to the planning, development and implementation of the State’s capability to ensure operational readiness for, and rapid resolution of, the consequences of terrorism.

Commercial Safety (ComSafe): Works with industry, commerce, and the wider community to provide comprehensive professional fire safety education and training in a practical simulated environment. ComSafe trainers are experienced fire officers who have practical firefighting and rescue skills.

Structural Fire Safety and Building Compliance The Structural Fire Safety and Building Compliance Units provide specialist advice on complex building designs and undertake inspections to ensure regulatory fire safety measures are complied with. The units also work with building codes and standards groups to research and develop appropriate fire safety systems.

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Essential Requirements of the Position

General Requirements

Applicants will be required to provide original documents of the entry level requirements (1 to 4 listed below) as well as certified copies of documents at the time of interview. Any candidate who deliberately supplies false, incomplete or misleading information in an attempt to gain employment with FRNSW will be automatically disqualified from further consideration for employment.

The following is the entry level requirements that applicants for a firefighter position must meet: 1. HSC or equivalent higher education qualification

Higher School Certificate or

Certificate III in any discipline or

Trades qualified certificate or

Equivalent or higher educational qualification. 2. Australian citizenship or permanent resident or NZ citizenship

To be eligible for permanent employment with FRNSW applicants must be either an Australian citizen, hold permanent residency status or be a New Zealand citizen. Applicants must be able to provide evidence in the form of one of the following documents:

Australian passport or birth certificate

Australian Citizenship papers

Permanent residency visa

New Zealand passport, birth certificate or citizenship papers. 3. Minimum NSW Green P2 Driver’s licence

Hold a current driver’s licence with a minimum Provisional (Green P2) licence (or state or territory equivalent). Successful applicants from another Australian state or territory will need to make arrangements to obtain a NSW driver’s licence within three months of commencing the recruit training program. Successful applicants will also be required to sit a knowledge test and obtain a MR licence log book from the RTA prior to the recruit training program commencing. The MR licence training and costs are included in the recruit training program. More information regarding this requirement is provided when an offer of employment is made.

4. Driving history

FRNSW is an emergency service provider and firefighters drive under emergency conditions. Being able to drive in a safe and responsible manner is an inherent requirement of the role. Candidates will be required to provide a current driving history record from the RTA (or equivalent within your state or Territory) as evidence of a safe driving history. This is normally requested in the early stages of the recruitment process. All candidates applying for permanent firefighter positions will be assessed against the following driving criteria: (Note: If you do not meet the following criteria it is unlikely that your application will be progressed)

Candidates with minor traffic offences recorded against them will be considered in relation to the following:

Consideration of overall traffic record e.g. ration of not more than one (1) infringement for every two (2) years from the time the provisional driver’s licence is attained.

If the candidate’s result is considered borderline, an offence-free period of not less than 12 months since commission of offences / infringements may be taken into consideration as well as the general circumstances surrounding the infringements.

Have at least six (6) demerit points remaining on current licence.

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A candidate convicted of a Prescribed Concentration of Alcohol (PCA) offence (not including spent convictions) will be required to submit additional information, and unless the following periods of time have elapsed since the date of offence, it is unlikely that the application will be progressed:

Low range (.05 - .08) = two (2) years

Novice range (over zero for novice drivers) = two (2) years

Special range (over 0.02 for special category drivers) = two (2) years

Mid range (.08 - <0.15) = five (5) years

High range (0.15 or above) = ten (10) years

A candidate convicted of:

two PCA offences

driving under the influence of a drug will be required to submit additional information however it is it is unlikely their application will be progressed.

Candidates convicted of any other serious traffic offences will be required to submit additional information however, it is it is unlikely that the application will be progressed. Examples of a serious traffic offence included, but are not limited to: culpable driving, negligent driving occasioning death or grievous bodily harm, driving in a dangerous manner or at a dangerous speed.

Candidates who are offered a position as a recruit firefighter must advise FRNSW of any additional fines etc. before commencing duties. Successful candidates may also be requested to provide an additional driving history record as part of their condition of employment.

Criminal Record Checks Firefighters are placed in a position of trust and have privileged access to property and vulnerable people when on official business or during emergency incidents. It is therefore imperative that FRNSW conducts stringent assessments of candidates and enforces the need to have a professional, honest, reliable workforce that adheres to ethical principles and standards. The following link provides further information regarding our Code of Conduct. All successful candidates will have a criminal record check undertaken by FRNSW prior to an offer of employment being made. Any positive checks will be dealt with on a case-by-case basis however, it is unlikely that candidates will progress if the following circumstances apply:

Found guilty, charge proven (including not on record but excluding spent convictions) of (including but not limited to) the following offences: murder, armed robbery, sexual assault, arson, drug trafficking, break & enter, theft.

Found guilty, charge proven (including not on record but excluding spent convictions) of (including but not limited to) the following offences: minor property damage, minor assault, drug possession or usage, malicious wounding, inappropriate behaviour in a public place.

Other matters that may not allow your application to progress:

outstanding warrants or court orders at the time of commencement as a recruit

currently under investigation, charged or awaiting criminal proceedings

Candidates who have conviction/s may be asked to provide Police Fact Sheets and/or court transcripts prior to attending a panel interview. Candidates with any of the above offence history in the preceding 10 years from the closing date of the campaign may be asked to attend an interview to specifically discuss the issue before being considered for further progression in the firefighter campaign. Each case is assessed on an individual basis.

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Medical Fitness

All recruit firefighters must be assessed as medically fit to be employed with FRNSW. Prior to attending the medical assessment candidates will be asked to have pathology, ECG and any related medical reports for pre-existing conditions ready at the medical assessment. It is important that candidates have this information ready to present at their medical assessment as this could delay the medical process. The cost of the pathology and ECG tests is the financial responsibility of the candidate. There will also be additional costs incurred by the candidate for any further testing requested by the FRNSW Medical Officer which will enable them to make an assessment on the medical suitability for the position. Other medical costs may include specialist investigation, medical testing and reports on pre-existing medical conditions.

The medical assessment involves:

Health questionnaire: Question/answer style regarding the candidate’s medical history

Physical examination: This includes a medical examination by the FRNSW Medical Officer and incorporates a lung function test, hearing test, vision test and urine and pathology tests

Supporting medical information: For candidates who may have a pre-existing medical condition, provision of further medical reports, x-rays or other medical information will be required, to assist the FRNSW Medical Officer to assess the candidate’s case.

There are a number of medical conditions considered not safely compatible with firefighting. Please see the Australasian Fire Authorities Council (AFAC) Medical Guidelines for Firefighters (PDF) document on our website. FRNSW adopts a risk management approach to medical assessments, taking into consideration the circumstances of each candidate on a case by case basis. FRNSW is unable to give medical advice prior to a medical assessment. Candidates with particular medical questions should seek the opinion of an appropriately qualified medical professional. All medical information collected as part of the medial assessment is used only for the purpose for which it was collected and as consented to by applicants.

Physical Fitness Firefighting is a physically demanding occupation. It is essential that candidates meet the level of fitness required for firefighting. The Physical Aptitude Test (PAT) provides a method of assessment to assist in determining whether recruit candidates have the physical capacity that could be required of a firefighter in an emergency situation. The PAT simulates actual firefighting tasks, with the test held at our Training College in Alexandria (Sydney). To successfully complete the PAT it is likely that a candidate’s preparation would include significant resistance or cardiovascular training. The PAT is strictly controlled and only candidates and FRNSW personnel instructing the PAT will be permitted to be present at the time of testing. No member of the public will be permitted on the premises or to view the testing.

For video demonstrations of the Firefighting tasks, visit the PAT section of our website or watch our YouTube channel here: http://www.youtube.com/fireandrescuensw

The following information provides you with details of all components of the PAT.

The Shuttle Run

This is designed to measure cardiovascular fitness. This test requires running at an increasing pace back and forth between two markers set 20 metres apart. You must complete Level 9, Shuttle 6 of the test. For example, the Shuttle Run standard of Level 9 Shuttle 6 is roughly equivalent to being able to run a distance of 2.4 km in under 11 minutes. It is strongly recommended that candidates obtain a copy of the Shuttle Run Assessment (CD) from the Australian Sports Commission, PO Box 176 Belconnen ACT 2616 or order online at Australian Sports Commission

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Firefighting Tasks

During the Firefighting Task Course you will be required to complete the tasks (listed below) in succession, walking from one task to the next. You will be required to wear structural Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) including coat, over-trousers, lightweight helmet, general purpose gloves and non-operational Self-Contained Breathing Apparatus (without face mask). Exceptions to this occur during the Ladder Climb where you do not wear the breathing apparatus and the Tunnel Crawl where you will be required to wear a frosted face mask. The Firefighting Task Course will be timed. The stopwatch monitoring the ‘overall’ Firefighting Task Course time will start after the Ladder Climb, when you begin the Hose Coupling task. From this point, you have a maximum of 16 minutes to complete the entire Task Course. Some specific tasks also have an individual time limit you must meet in addition to completing the task course within the overall time limit.

Task 1 Ladder climb

Test Focus: Acrophobia (fear of heights); leg strength; coordination. Description: Whilst wearing a safety harness, you are required to climb a 10.5m extension ladder to the second level of the training tower, dismount over the railing onto the landing, remount the ladder and return to ground level. Pass Criteria: This test must be completed in a maximum of 60 seconds. You must climb the ladder one rung at a time, dismount at the top maintaining 3 points of contact (i.e. do not jump or step on top of the fence), remount the ladder and return to ground level safely.

Task 2 Hose coupling

Test Focus: Manual dexterity; mechanical reasoning. Description: You are required to remove/disconnect the couplings from the stand, place them in a bag and then reconnect the couplings according to their thread. There will be three different types of couplings: a male/female coarse thread; male/female fine thread; and a Stortz coupling. Pass Criteria: You must correctly identify and reconnect the three different couplings. If you attempt to connect incorrect threads or cross threads you will be deemed not competent with this task.

Task 3 Ladder raise and lower

Test Focus: Upper body muscular strength and endurance (concentric and eccentric). Description: You are required to raise a 10.5 metre extendable ladder (not extended) to a vertical position and then lower the ladder to the ground. The foot of the ladder will be attached to a rotating bracket on the ground. Pass Criteria: The ladder must be raised one rung at a time at a safe and consistent pace. The ladder must be well controlled at all times, not make contact with your helmet at any time and must not be rested on any part of your body. Correct manual handling techniques and a safe and stable posture must be maintained at all times.

Task 4 Tunnel crawl

Test Focus: Claustrophobia (fear of being in narrow or confined spaces); coordination; ability to operate in dark confined spaces. Description: With a frosted face mask fitted, you are required to crawl through a tunnel, approximately 15m in length, and exit the tunnel at the end. The face mask will then be removed for 10 seconds, replaced, then you must re-enter the tunnel and crawl in the opposite direction, back to the starting position. Pass Criteria: You must be able to complete both circuits of the tunnel in the direction stipulated. You must move at a consistent and safe pace and not remove the face mask throughout the crawl unless told to do so.

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Task 5 Beam walk

Test Focus: Balance; agility; coordination. Description: Carrying standard bolt cutters, you are required to walk forwards along a balance beam for 2.5m, make a 180 degree turn, and then walk backwards for the remaining 2.5m (5m total beam length). You must then carry the bolt cutters to the next task. Pass Criteria: You have two attempts to successfully walk the length of the beam. You must walk both forwards and backwards as specified, with your hips square to the beam at all times. A safe and stable posture must be maintained at all times. If you step off on the first attempt you must go back to the start and successfully complete your next attempt.

Task 6 Chain cutting

Test Focus: Upper body muscular strength, power and endurance. Description: Using the bolt cutters you are required to cut through an 8mm galvanised chain link one side at a time. Pass Criteria: You must be able to cut through the chain in a maximum of two cuts: one either side of the link. One hand must be on each handle of the bolt cutters at all times during the cutting.

Task 7 Hose reel drag

Test Focus: Upper and lower body muscular strength, power and endurance. Description: You are required to take a 25mm high pressure hose from the back of the Appliance (fire truck), drag the hose in a straight line towards a 20m barrier, turn 45 degrees around the barrier and drag the hose a further 10m to a 1m by 1m marked square. Following placement of the branch on the ground, you are required to stand in the square, turn around, and pull in a further 10m of hose. Pass Criteria: This test must be completed in a maximum of 50 seconds. You must be able to drag the hose the required 30m and pull in a further 10m of hose. Correct manual handling techniques and a safe and stable posture must be maintained at all times.

Task 8 Hose drag and hold

Test Focus: Upper and lower body muscular strength and endurance. Description: You are required to drag a charged 38mm hose for 10m to a designated 1m by 1m marked square. Standing in this square you are to open the branch and then direct the flow for 4 x 30 second holds at 2 different targets (30 seconds at target A, 30 seconds at Target B, then repeat) and then slowly close the branch. Pass Criteria: You must be able to drag the hose the required 10 metres. You must be able to control and open the branch and direct the flow at the nominated targets for the required duration, whilst remaining in the 1m by 1m square. Correct manual handling techniques and stable and safe posture must be maintained at all times.

Task 9 Tower climb and container haul

Test Focus: Cardiovascular fitness; upper and lower body strength, power and endurance. Description: You must pick up a 12kg High Rise Pack from the base of the tower and proceed to the third level balcony where the High Rise Pack is to be placed at the top of the stairs. With your head and hands over the edge, you are required to haul a 10kg drum to the top of the balcony, lift the drum over the rail and place it safely on the floor. Pass Criteria: This test must be completed in a maximum of 75 seconds. Holding onto the railing, you must successfully climb the stairs one at a time. The drum must be hauled to the third floor using the hand over hand method in a continuous upward movement. Once the drum has reached the edge of the balcony, you must reach over and take the drum by the handle and place it on the floor. Correct manual handling techniques and stable and safe posture must be maintained at all times.

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Task 10 Tower climb and visual recognition

Test Focus: Cardiovascular fitness; lower body muscular endurance; acrophobia. Description: Once the Drum Haul is complete, you must pick up the High Rise Pack and climb the stairs to the sixth floor of the tower. Place the High Rise Pack on the ground and ascend the ladder to the seventh floor. You are then required to walk straight ahead to the edge of the tower, look over the balcony, and identify the three objects on the flashcards placed on the ground directly below. After informing the assessor of the objects on the flashcards, you are to descend the ladder to the sixth floor, pick up the High Rise Pack and descend the stairs to ground level. The task is completed once you have reached ground level and the High Rise Pack has been placed on the ground at the base of the tower. Pass Criteria: You must ascend and descend the stairs (with the High Rise Pack) and ladder one step at a time in a safe and constant manner. You must be able to look over the edge of the balcony and correctly identify the three objects.

Task 11 Firefighter rescue

Test Focus: Whole body functional strength, endurance and power; aerobic and anaerobic capacity. Description: You are required to safely lift and drag/carry a dummy (approximately 90 kg) around a square course, 20m in length. Pass Criteria: This test must be completed in a maximum of 60 seconds. You must be able to lift and drag/carry the dummy continuously around the 20m course, clearing all four barriers. You must not drop the dummy. Correct manual handling techniques and a safe and stable posture must be maintained at all times.

Applicants who progress to this stage are strongly encouraged to attend the familiarisation days. These will provide an opportunity to become familiar with the activities in the test.

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Recruitment Process

Overview

Understand the requirements of the job

Register/create a candidate profile on jobs.nsw

Respond to the job requirements on-line

Invitation to complete the first series of on-line tests

(must be completed by closing date)

Job closes

Invitation to complete the second series of on-line tests

Attend the Physical Aptitude Test (PAT) Familiarisation Session

Invitation to complete the Physical Aptitude Test (PAT)

Invitation to complete medical checks

Invitation to attend the interview

Referee and criminal record checks undertaken

Employment offer made

Uniform fit

Commence recruit training program

: please note that at these stages your application may or may not progress

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The recruitment campaign If you are considering submitting an application, there are a few things you will need to know about the permanent firefighter recruitment campaign:

You must be successful at each assessment stage to progress to the next assessment stage.

If you are not successful at a particular stage, your application will not progress. Progress updates will be notified by email.

The recruitment campaign generates enormous interest for a limited number of positions. We generally receive around 6,000 applications with less than 100 successful candidates. We will therefore notify you throughout the process whether you have progressed or not, however feedback regarding your application will not be provided until the conclusion of the recruitment campaign.

Information Sessions We will be conducting two information sessions for candidates as follows:

Thursday 1 December, 6.30 to 8.30 pm at the Wesley Centre, 220 Pitt St Sydney

Thursday 8 December, 6.30 to 8.30 pm at the Parramatta RSL Club, Cnr Macquarie and O’Connell Sts Parramatta To register for these sessions please email recruitment@fire.nsw.gov.au or phone (02) 9265 3925. Campaign program These dates are a guide only and provide a general timeframe for the recruitment campaign. These dates may change therefore applicants or candidates are advised to check Jobs.NSW or the FRNSW internet sites for updated information.

Date Process

30 November 2011 Advertising campaign commences

1 December & 8 December

Information sessions in Sydney CBD and Parramatta

30 Nov to 14 Dec Register on www.jobs.nsw

30 Nov to 14 Dec Respond to the job requirements in the online application

30 Nov to 14 Dec First online assessment

14 December 2011 Job closes

15 to 21 December Second online assessment

5 to 6 January Physical Aptitude Test Familiarisation Session (Alexandria, Sydney)

9 to 13 January 2012 Physical Aptitude Test (Alexandria, Sydney)

10 to 16 January Medical (Sydney)

17 January 2012 Interview (Sydney)

31 January 2012 Job offer

2 & 3 February 2012 Uniform fit

28 February 2012 Commence recruit training program (Alexandria)

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Step-By-Step Guide

Step 1- Create your profile You will need to visit www.jobs.nsw.gov.au and create a profile. This means you need to register to start the online application process. This needs to be done prior to the job closing. Step 2 – Respond to the entry job requirements online This includes education, citizenship/residency, licence etc. Step 3 - 1st online assessment This step must be completed before the job closes. No preparation is required for this assessment. The online assessment is made up of two assessments. Both assessments take approximately 40 minutes to complete.

Cognitive ability: Includes verbal, numerical and abstract reasoning, and the ability to acquire, retain, organise and apply information. It consists of 51 questions with a 20 minute time limit to complete.

Work safety assessment: Contains a variety of statements about beliefs and attitudes regarding safety and consists of 77 questions requiring an agree or disagree response. Although this assessment is un-timed, the assessment takes approximately 15 minutes to complete.

Step 4 - 2nd online assessment This step is completed after the job closes. No preparation is required. This online assessment is made up of two assessments and both take approximately 1 hour to complete.

Emotional intelligence: The capacity to effectively perceive, identify and manage emotions in self and others when emotional based information is important to solve problems. The test consists of 141 multiple choice questions and, although un-timed takes approximately 40 minutes to complete.

Work reliability scale: Relates to beliefs and attitudes regarding integrity. The test consists of 54 questions and, although un-timed, takes approximately 10 minutes to complete.

Step 5 - Physical aptitude test (PAT) Physical assessment which simulates actual firefighting tasks. The assessment is undertaken at the FRNSW State Training College in Alexandria (Sydney). Applicants are strongly encouraged to prepare for the assessment by reading and understanding the information contained in the ‘Essential Requirements, Physical Fitness’ section of this information pack. Step 6 – Medical Assessment Medical suitability will be dependent upon the outcome of all relevant medical information and test results. Step 7 - Interview The interview will seek further information regarding the capabilities required for the position. Interviews are held in Sydney. Interviewees are required to bring original and certified copies of documents. Refer to the ‘Essential Requirements’ section of this information pack for further information. Step 8 - Employment checks Employment checks include:

Reference Checks – referees should be a supervisor/manager within a work environment.

Criminal History Check – this check is conducted on candidates who progress, following the interview stage.

Driving history Check – may be requested at the time an application is made and may also be requested again once an offer of employment is made

Step 9 - Offer of employment Candidates who have progressed through steps 1 to 8 may be offered a place in the recruit training program. Written offers of employment or unsuccessful notifications will be made.

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Step 10 - Uniform fit Candidates who have been offered employment will be invited to attend a uniform fit. The uniform fit is undertaken at least 4 weeks prior to the commencement date. Step 11 - Recruit training program Candidates who accept an offer of employment attend 13 weeks recruit training at the FRNSW State Training College. Training within FRNSW is extremely diverse and includes the use of fire appliances and pump operations, extension ladders, breathing apparatus, hazardous materials, fire science and behaviour, rescue equipment, first aid, radio networks and computer response systems, the basics of building construction, varying methods of water and electricity supply, occupational health and safety and wild fire behaviour and suppression. Attainment of a Senior First Aid (including CPR) and MR driver’s licence are part of the program. There are also ongoing fitness assessments for all new recruits. The majority of the recruit training is conducted at the FRNSW State Training College at Alexandria, however, during the training period; recruits may travel to Armidale and Wellington for additional specialist training. Step 12 - Graduation At the successful completion of the 13 weeks recruit training you will graduate as a Level 1 Firefighter. You will be presented with your certificate by the FRNSW Commissioner and it is also an opportunity for you to invite family and friends to show them the skills and knowledge you have learnt during the training.

Questionnaire FRNSW receives thousands of applications for a very small number of Recruit Firefighter positions. The following list of questions have been compiled for your consideration in relation to some aspects of the role which some find challenging. Answer these questions honestly to determine whether being a Firefighter is the right career for you. Are you committed to promoting safety within the community? Can you relate well with people from different backgrounds and cultures? Are you able to take orders from others and comply with appearance and behaviour standards? Do you have the emotional strength to deal with situations where you witness severe injuries or death? Do you have the sensitivity to deal effectively with members of the public when they are distressed, confused and being obstructive? Can you take the responsibility of representing FRNSW appropriately? Are you able to work shift work hours (including weekends and public holidays) which are based on a rotating roster that remains the same dependent on the platoon you are allocated? Are you prepared to work outside in all types of weather? Are you comfortable working in a small team of 4? Can you work under pressure without letting the rest of your team down? Are you a practical person who can work with their hands and equipment? Are you someone who can be relied to be somewhere on time? Are you someone that others see as dependable? Are you committed to maintaining and developing your skills and knowledge through ongoing study for a period of at least 3 years with options for further study and advancement? Are you prepared to perform mundane tasks such as the maintenance of the station and equipment, including cleaning the facilities? Understanding that firefighters ‘live in’ stations during their shifts (preparing meals, showering etc) Are you committed to maintaining your health and a good level of fitness to ensure your and your team’s safety? Are you prepared to be stationed in the greater metropolitan Sydney area (for stations outside that area, firefighters are eligible to go on a transfer waiting list and that opportunities to transfer to regional areas are limited and may mean years of waiting)?

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Checklist

Availability: I am available to work the various rosters covering nights, weekends and public holidays

Education: I have either a Higher School Certificate, Certificate III, Trades Certificate, equivalent or higher

Residency/citizenship: I am either an Australian or New Zealand citizen or hold permanent residency status in Australia

Licence: I hold a current driver’s licence with a minimum Provisional (Green 2P2) licence or equivalent

Original documents: I do have original education, residency/citizenship/ documents and can provide certified copies at interview

Medical Assessment: I understand the medical and assessment requirements and I am aware that certain medical tests will need to be undertaken at my own expense

Physical Aptitude Test (PAT): I understand the physical fitness requirements of the role and consider myself to be at a high fitness level to successfully pass the PAT

Campaign Program: I am aware of the general timeframes and closing dates associated with this recruitment campaign

Contacts and Enquiries Enquiries regarding requirements, selection criteria and the recruitment process (FRNSW): Email: recruitment@fire.nsw.gov.au Phone: (02) 9265 3925 Technical enquiries regarding the on line assessments (OneTest): Email: support@onetest.com.au Phone: 1300 137 937 Technical enquiries regarding the jobs.nsw on line application (Jobs.NSW) Web: http://www.jobs.nsw.gov.au/Contact.aspx