How our work supports the WA community
As Western Australia’s leading hazard management agency, the Department of Fire and Emergency Services performs a critical role coordinating emergency services for a range of natural disasters and emergency incidents threatening life and property.
We operate 24 hours per day, 7 days per week on land, in the air and by sea across the vast 2.5 million square kilometres of our great state.
We employ over 1,800 operational personnel and corporate staff and have an extensive network of more than 26,000 volunteers who generously donate their time to deliver essential emergency services to the WA community.
Our vacation program
Are you looking for a meaningful vacation placement over your university break? Do you want hands on experience that complements your uni studies? Join our Rural Fire Division to help us build safer, more resilient communities in WA.
We have opportunities in our Cultural Fire Program and our Bushfire Mitigation Branch – both opportunities may involve significant field work and would suit students with an environmental focus to their studies.
Our Cultural Fire Program works to enable Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people to develop, implement, coordinate and promote existing and future cultural fire programs and activities. Our Bushfire Mitigation Branch works to plan and undertake bushfire mitigation activities, including developing bushfire risk assessment and treatment plans for schools in high bushfire risk areas of WA.
What we need from you
- Currently enrolled in a university degree in environment, biological sciences, sustainability or similar.
- Excellent communication skills and enjoy meeting new people and building relationships.
- Able to participate in field based activities including planned burns and other bushfire mitigation activities under supervision.
- A passion for learning and serving the community.
How we support you
- Culturally appropriate induction and mentoring
- Ongoing feedback and skill building
- Networking opportunities with experienced staff and other students
- Flexibility to undertake your placement as part time, or full time
Your pay
Your pay will be around $1400 each week (full time).
This is the General Division Level 2 Step 1 pay rate plus 11% superannuation.
When
The placements run for 2 weeks during June or July 2025 (exact dates are negotiable).
Where
The Cultural Fire Program is based at the Karla Katitjin Bushfire Centre of Excellence in Nambeelup which is around one hour south of Boorloo/Perth. Public transport is very limited in this area, and you are responsible for your own travel to and from the facility. Parking is available on-site.
The Bushfire Mitigation Branch is located at our facility on Leake Street in Belmont. This area is accessible via public transport and parking is available on-site. You are responsible for your own travel to and from the facility.
Have a chat to us
Please contact Sam Kennedy by email RuralFire@dfes.wa.gov.au or telephone on 0448 168 722 if you have any questions.
Apply now
To apply, email your CV and this completed application form to ruralfire@dfes.wa.gov.au.
