TRAINEE FIREFIGHTER RECRUITMENT PROCESS - … · Aptitude and Psychological assessment; 4. Physical assessment; ... The written test covers three general areas: ... tunic, workwear,

TRAINEE FIREFIGHTER

RECRUITMENT PROCESS

How To Apply

Selection Process

Starting Work with the Tasmania Fire Service

HOW TO APPLY

Trainee Firefighter positions are usually filled once a year.

Advertisements calling for applications will be placed in the major Tasmanian newspapers (TheMercury, The Examiner and The Advocate), Government Gazette and on the State Servicewebsite www.jobs.tas.gov.au under Department of Health and Human Services/Tasmania FireService.

TAFE Tasmania conducts a Firefighter Pre-Recruit course that may assist potential Firefighters.You can contact John Williams from TAFE Tasmania for information about the course. He can becontacted at [email protected] or on 03 6233 7165.

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SELECTION PROCESS

The Tasmania Fire Service uses the merit principle to make its selection decisions. This meansthat selection is based on a comparison between the work-related qualities of the individuals andthe genuine work-related qualities of the position.

We are an equal opportunity employer and actively encourage applications from both men andwomen.

All applicants must successfully complete each stage of the pre-employment selection proceduresin order to be considered for the position of a Trainee Firefighter.

The stages involved in the process are:

1. Written application that addresses each of the selection criteria;

2. Shortlisting of applications;

3. Aptitude and Psychological assessment;

4. Physical assessment;

5. Further shortlisting;

6. Interviews; and

7. Medical assessment.

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http://www.jobs.tas.gov.au/

1. WRITTEN APPLICATION ADDRESSING THE SELECTION CRITERIA

All applicants need to write an application that addresses each of the selection criteria contained inthe Statement of Duties. To do this you should:

Get a copy of the Statement of Duties from the State Service jobs website www.jobs.tas.gov.au orby ringing 1800 000 699. This explains the function, duties, responsibilities, selection criteria andworking environment for a Trainee Firefighter. The selection criteria is set out below:

Selection Criteria

Knowledge, Skills and Attributes

1. Demonstrated ability to work effectively as a member of a team in a variety of situations.

2. Effective written and oral communication, skills.

3. An ability to undertake a wide range of manual work and to acquire skills, knowledge andcompetence.

4. A capacity to use initiative and judgement in a manner that reflects the values of acommunity-service organisation.

5. Demonstrated ability to work safely and maintain a safe workplace.

Essential Requirements:

- Meet the medical requirements of the Tasmania Fire Service;

- Have a high standard of health and fitness, together with the correct body weight for size;

- Able to work at heights and in confined spaces;

- Hold a current driver’s licence (manual) preferably endorsed for Light Rigid;

- Have a minimum education standard or Satisfactory Achievement in 10EN416B (English),10MT421B (Mathematics) and 10SC424B (Science) under the Tasmanian Certificate ofEducation; (previously Year 10 with Level 2 passes in English, Mathematics and Science); orequivalent;

- Have no criminal record (minor traffic offences excluded); and

- Be an Australian citizen or permanent resident of Australia.

Desirable Requirements:

- Hold a current First Aid Certificate from a recognised organisation;

- Hold a current manual drivers licence endorsed for Heavy Rigid;

- Progress towards the gaining of Certificate II in Public Safety (Fire fighting and EmergencyOperations);

- Other qualification, ability or experience which is relevant to the position.

When addressing the selection criteria, you should explain what you know, and what you havedone and give examples of when you actually used the attribute contained in the criterion.

Try to be as brief as possible. Only include your best examples. You should only write about onehalf to three-quarters of a page for each criterion under Knowledge, Skills and Attributes.


Prepare a brief covering letter and resume. Your resume should be no more than two pages.Please include copies of the following additional documentation only:

- Record of Conviction – available from your Police Service.

The purpose of the Police “Record of Conviction” check is to ensure that you have nocriminal record. The nature of a Firefighter’s duties mean they have privileged access toproperty and vulnerable people. Our Firefighters must be people who can be trusted in thesepositions. Convictions that may exclude a person from being considered include:

- Arson and fire setting;

- Sexual offences;

- Dishonesty, e.g. theft, burglary, breaking and entering, fraud;

- Deception - obtaining advantage by deception;

- Making false declarations;

- Violent crimes and crimes against the person;

- False alarm raising;

- Malicious damage and destruction of property; and

- Trafficking of narcotic substance.

- Tasmanian Certificate of Education (Year 10) or equivalent;

- Evidence of Australian Citizenship or Permanent Residency (e.g. birth certificate); and

- Current Manual Driver’s Licence

Please do not include originals as they cannot be returned to you. Copies of certificates, writtenreferences, or qualifications should not be included in your application. The selection panel will askto see them if they are required.

Complete an “Application for Employment Form”. This can be obtained from www.jobs.tas.gov.auor by ringing 1 800 000 699.

Send your written application, resume and form to the Tasmania Fire Service [email protected] or in an envelope marked “Confidential Firefighter Application” to GPO Box1526, Hobart, Tasmania 7001.

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2. SHORTLISTING

A selection panel of usually four people is appointed by the Tasmania Fire Service to makerecommendations for appointment. The panel is made of a cross-section of TFS employees andsometimes one non-TFS person.

The panel shortlists the applications based on the selection criteria. Applications that are eitherincomplete or do not meet these requirements do not progress to the next stage.

You will be advised in writing within approximately 2 weeks of applications closing whether yourapplication has been successful for the next stage.

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mailto:[email protected]


3. APTITUDE AND PSYCHOLOGICAL ASSESSMENT

The Tasmania Fire Service will hold aptitude and psychological assessments approximately 2weeks after you are advised that you are being considered in the next stage.

These tests will take approximately 6 hours in total. You will need to make arrangements for yourown travel, food, and personal requirements.

The written test covers three general areas:

- Numeracy;

- Literacy; and

- Spatial Relations

To assist in your preparation, there are several books written on the subject of career selectiontests, an example of one of these books would be “Preparing for a Career - Selection Tests” byVera Joosten (2000: Thomson, 102 Dodds St, Southbank, Victoria 3006 - 2nd Ed).

An often asked question is "Why do I have to do a psychological questionnaire?" Well, we knowthat the job of Firefighter is different to a lot of other jobs, at times it can be both demanding andstressful. We also have a profile of the type of person who is most likely to be successful in thistype of work. When recruiting new Firefighters, we need to look for the people that are going tohave the closest match to our profile. In this respect, it is really no different to the otherassessments that are carried out during the selection process. It also increases the likelihood thatyour career with the TFS will be rewarding both to yourself and the TFS.

You will be advised within approximately one week of the aptitude and psychological assessmentwhether you have been successful in advancing to the next stage. Movement through to the nextstage occurs through shortlisting based on the results of your aptitude assessment. Thepsychological questionnaires are taken into consideration after the physical assessment stage.

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4. PHYSICAL ASSESSMENT

Approximately 1 week after the aptitude assessments, applicants still being considered will beinvited to participate in the physical fitness and simulated fire fighting task course tests on the basisof their results from the aptitude assessment and written application.

To undertake these tests you will have to provide a medical certificate from your MedicalPractitioner as a part of undertaking these tests. The purpose of the certificate is to give a medicalclearance that you are medically cleared to participate in the assessment. You will need to pay anycosts associated with getting this medical clearance.

You are advised to undertake some training to prepare yourself for these assessments. Informationcontained in this handout along with a regular exercise program will help you to have anappropriate level of fitness.

A video or DVD of the TFS physical assessment is available, please contact the TFS on 1800 000699 to borrow a copy. Copies are also available from the State Library in major cities, On-lineAccess Centres and through the TAFE Firefighter Pre-Recruit Course.

The physical assessments will be conducted at our Training facilities at Cambridge either on aSaturday or a Sunday. It will usually take two hours to complete the assessment.

The assessment process is strictly controlled. Only applicants and TFS personnel instructing andoverseeing are be permitted to be present at the time of testing. Members of the public are not ableto view the testing.

There are two sections to the Physical Fitness Test and seven sections to the Fire Fighting TaskCourse. You are required to successfully complete each section prior to participating in the nextsection. You will not be permitted to a re-test of any section if you are unable to complete it.

SUMMARY OF PHYSICAL TESTS

This group of tests is based on actual tasks performed by Firefighters in the course of their duties.The tests comprise two parts. Part 1 relates to the Physical Fitness and Part 2 is the Fire FightingTask Course and is performed wearing a range of clothing and equipment including fire fightingtunic, workwear, breathing apparatus, gloves and helmet. This clothing and equipment will beprovided by the Tasmania Fire Service. The clothing you will need to bring is set out in each part.

You will be advised in writing within approximately 14 days whether you will be invited to undertakethe next stage or have been unsuccessful.

PART 1 - PHYSICAL FITNESS

Clothing

You will need to wear sport attire, i.e. shorts, T shirt and sport shoes for this part.

Purpose

In this part, your body composition and cardiovascular fitness level is assessed. This is done todetermine your physical fitness and ability to cope with the rigours of fire fighting duties

Content

1. Body composition will be determined by a skinfold assessment.

2. The Multistage Shuttle Run test (beep test) will assess the applicant’s cardiovascular fitness.The standard required is level 9.6.

To assist you in preparing for the shuttle run, you can purchase a copy of the test through theAustralian Coaching Council, telephone 02 6214 1795.

PART 2 - FIRE FIGHTING TASK COURSE

Clothing

You will need to bring a work shirt, work trousers and sturdy footwear with you. A safety helmet,harness, gloves and fire fighting tunic will be provided where necessary. For your safety restrictivejewellery, watches, bracelets or hanging earrings that may get caught in equipment are not to beworn.

Content

Task 1 - Balance Beam (Balance)

Walk along and back on a beam that is raised off the ground. The beam will be 5 metres long witha width 10 cm and 30 cm off the ground.

Task 2 - Tunnel Crawl (Work in Enclosed Spaces)

Wearing a breathing apparatus facemask (unconnected), you will walk and crawl through adarkened environment following a laid guideline.

You will then perform the following tasks consecutively wearing firefighter tunic, gloves, helmet,breathing apparatus (no face mask). These tests will take approximately 12 minutes to complete.

Task 3 - Ladder Raise and Lower (Strength & Co-ordination)

Lift a 4.5 metre extension ladder from the ground and raise it until the ladder is hard against thewall. The ladder must then be lowered until it is back on the ground.

Task 4 - Hose Drag and Hold (Strength)

Pick up a charged (pressurised) 64mm hose. Open the branch (nozzle) and hold the hose steadyfor 1 minute, then drag the hose 15 metres within a minute at a reduced flow rate and hold for afurther minute at an increased flow rate.

Task 5 - Ladder/Tower Climb (Muscular Endurance / Work at Height)

Climb a ladder to the equivalent of 5 storeys (approximately 15 metres vertical height), step ontothe platform. You will undertake Task 6 then descend the ladder.

Task 6 - Weighted Haul (Upper Body Strength)

From the tower platform you will be required to lift hand over hand a 15kg weight for a distance of 8metres placing it on the platform floor.

Task 7 - Casualty Drag (Strength and Endurance)

Drag a 70kg (approximately) rescue mannequin under the arms, gripping it across the chestaround a marked course (60 metres).

Please note that the tests outlined above may be changed on the day due to availability ofpersonnel or equipment.

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DETAILED INFORMATION ON PHYSICAL FITNESS ANDFIRE FIGHTING TASK COURSE TESTS AND HOW TO PREPARE

The following information has been developed to help you prepare for undertaking the physicalassessment stage.

PART 1 - PHYSICAL FITNESS PERFORMANCE

Skin Fold Assessment

Multistage Shuttle Run Test to Level 9.6 (Aerobic fitness)


Task 1. Balance Beam (Balance)

Task 2. Tunnel Crawl (Work in Enclosed Spaces)

Task 3. Ladder Raise & Lower (Strength/Co-ordination)

Task 4. Hose Drag and Hold (Strength)

Task 5. Tower / Ladder Climb (Muscular Endurance/Work at Height)

Task 6. Weighted Haul (Upper Body Strength)

Task 7. Casualty Drag (Strength and Endurance)

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PART 1 - PHYSICAL FITNESS PERFORMANCE

Clothing

You are to wear loose fitting sports attire.

Skin Fold Assessment

- Purpose of the Test

To determine your body composition.

- Assessment Process

Trained TFS personnel will undertake this assessment using skinfold callipers.Measurements will be taken at four locations on the upper part of the body. These are:

(a) Tricep - Arm

(b) Abdominal - Stomach

(c) Subscapular - Shoulder Blade

(d) Iliac – Hip

These measurements will be read in millimetres and totalled. The desirable skinfoldmeasurements are to be below 60mm for males and 70mm for females.

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Multistage Shuttle Run Test


The Shuttle Run Test is used to test for cardiovascular fitness. This test has proven to befunctionally related and a valid measure of performance.

Fire fighting can involve strenuous physical work undertaken in adverse conditions whilewearing heavy protective equipment. This places a heavy load on the cardiovascular, oxygenconsumption and musculoskeletal systems of the body.


The Shuttle Run Test will be conducted on a marked asphalt surface.

In this test you will be required to run between two cones that are placed 20 metres apart. Acassette tape emits a single bleep at regular intervals. You need to run between the conesand to have reached each end by the time you hear the bleep. At the end of each minute thetime interval between bleeps will decrease so that your running speed will need to increase.Each increase in speed is referred to a level (e.g. level 1, level 2, etc) and is denoted by atriple bleep on the cassette. You will be required to achieve level 9.6 to successfullycomplete the test. This test will take approximately 10 minutes.

- Precautions

A degree of caution is required in participating in the test because you may have to pushyourself relatively hard to maintain the pace dictated by the tape. If you are not familiar withregular aerobic exercise, you should seek professional assistance and visit your doctor for aclearance to exercise vigorously.

On the day of the test, if you are suffering any injury or illness that is likely to worsen as aresult of participation, or you are not in good general health, you are advised not toparticipate in the test and to provide a medical certificate.

- Preparation

To ensure you have the best possible chance of successfully completing the test, followthese guidelines:

- Seek assistance from a suitably trained fitness professional to develop an exerciseprogram to improve your cardiovascular fitness.

- Maintain a healthy diet and keep your weight under control.

- Prepare well in advance. Aim to exercise regularly (at least 3 times per week) forseveral months prior to application. Your best chance at preparing is to maintain yourfitness, rather than just train for a specific event.

- To improve your aerobic (heart/lung) fitness, you need to participate in exercise suchas jogging, cycling, swimming for at least 20 minutes at a time, 3-4 times per week.

On the day of the test:

- Do not eat a heavy meal in the 2 hours before the test (it is strongly advisable that youhave eaten some food in the 4 hours preceding the test).

- Wear suitable sports attire and non-slip footwear with laces securely fastened.

- Ensure you are well hydrated.

- The day before the test, refrain from participating in heavy exercise.

- Do not exercise on the day of the test, other than a gentle warm up.

- Perform a general body warm up activity and stretching exercises, prior tocommencement of the shuttle run.

- Applicant Instructions

You will receive the following instructions on the day of the test. Please read these and makesure you understand what is required of you. Be sure to ask any questions in advance ofparticipation.

“The Shuttle Run Test is a test for aerobic fitness. You will be allocated a number. The conesyou see are 20 metres apart. You will listen to the instructions on the tape and then be givena five-second count down to start the test. You will be required to run back and forth betweenthe two cones, keeping up with the bleeps on the cassette. The timing of the bleeps starts offvery slow, but gets progressively faster.

You are required to place one foot either on or behind the 20 metre mark at the end of eachshuttle. If you arrive at the end of a shuttle before the bleep sounds, you should turn (bypivoting) and wait for the bleep, then resume your running. If you do not reach the line at thebleep, you must continue to the line, touch it, then turn and run to the other side.(Demonstration provided).

You will be required to continue to run until you have reached level 9.6. This will takeapproximately 10 minutes. When the cassette calls level 9.6, you must continue to the 20metre line and wait to hear the instructor tell you to stop. This is the end of the test. It isrecommended that you cool down by walking and drink some water.

At any stage in the test, if you fail to reach the line at the bleep and are also outside thedesignated area, an official will call out your number and give you a warning (e.g. Number 3,warning). If you fail to reach the line and are not inside the designated area a second andsuccessive time (within a given level) you will be called out and withdrawn (e.g. Number 3,out). If you are withdrawn from the test you will be deemed to have not completed the test.”

- Disqualifications

You will be withdrawn from the test under the following circumstances:

- If you run outside of your lane and block the way, or crash into another applicant.

- If your shoelace becomes undone, threatening to trip you up and possibly causedanger to yourself and/or others.

- If, at the discretion of the Instructor, you appear to be experiencing serious healthdifficulties.

If you successfully complete the shuttle run test, you will then be asked to proceed to theFirefighter Task Course test.

On successful completion of the shuttle run, you will be asked to proceed to the simulatedFirefighting Task Course test.

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A total of 5 aptitudes are assessed in this part:

1. Work at height;

2. Work in enclosed space;

3. Manual dexterity;

4. Balance and co-ordination; and

5. Physical endurance/strength

Each aptitude is a vital component of fire fighting. You will need to successfully complete eachtask.

Task 1 - Balance Beam


To test your balance. The beam will be 5 metres long with a width 10 cm and 30 cm off theground (approximate size of a roof bearer that a Firefighter may be required to walk along).


Wearing workwear you are to walk smartly along this beam to the end without stopping, stepoff, turn around, and return back along the beam.

If you fall or lose your balance you are to return to the start and try again.

- Success Criteria

Three attempts are provided to an applicant. Upon successful completion of this task you willbe directed to your next task.

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Task 2 - Tunnel Crawl


This task is designed to test the applicant's ability to operate in a confined darkenedenvironment and to identify if wearing a facemask or the confined space restricts yourcapacity to do this.


During this task you are to wear workwear and a breathing apparatus facemask. You will beable to breathe normally. You will need to listen and follow the instructions given to you bythe instructor.

You will move and crawl through a darkened area using a rope guideline for direction. Aninstructor will be with you at all times monitoring your performance. You must not remove thefacemask until indicated by the instructor.

If you feel you cannot continue, you are to stop and inform the instructor. You will be assistedfrom the darkened area and deemed to have not successfully completed this task.

- Success Criteria

Applicants who follow all instructions in the darkened area and do not remove the facemaskduring the task will have successfully completed this task.

The following fire fighting tasks (3 to 7) must be completed consecutively without abreak. An instructor will guide the applicant between tasks to ensure there is no delaybetween tasks. Applicants may not run.

Fire fighting requires considerable muscular strength and endurance. The fire fighting taskcourse is designed to test an applicant's endurance and ability to perform basic strenuoustasks that Firefighters must perform. The course is a series of tasks, which are simulations ofactual tasks performed on the job. These tasks must be completed consecutively without abreak.

Instructions for each activity will be given to each applicant prior to commencement of thetasks. Applicants will not be provided with detailed instruction during the course.Applicants will be provided with fire fighting tunic, gloves, breathing apparatus (no facemask)and safety helmet, but must provide their own non-slip footwear.

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Task 3 - Ladder Raise and Lower


This test is designed to simulate the critical task of raising a ladder from the ground to theroof or window of a building or structure. It primarily tests an applicant’s upper body muscularstrength and endurance.


You are to lift this ladder from the ground and raise it sliding the hands from side to side onthe outside of the ladder, from underneath, until the ladder is hard against the wall. As soonas the ladder touches the wall (reaching the vertical position), the instructor will indicate tolower the ladder, sliding the hands from side to side on the outside of the ladder, until it isreturned to the ground. You must control the ladder at all times.

- Success Criteria

Applicants who complete this task and do not lose control of the ladder (where an instructorhas to intervene) will have successfully completed this task.

Successful applicants will be directed to the next task.

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Task 4 - Hose Drag and Hold


This test is designed to simulate the critical task of holding a charged line at a fire incident. Ittests your muscular strength and endurance of both the upper and lower body.


You are to pick up the charged hose and hold as follows: one hand is placed on the nozzle ofthe hose and the other hand grasps the hand grip with the hose tucked under the arm. Youare to hold the hose steady for 60 seconds and to resist against the force exerted by thewater. The flow will be reduced and you will then advance the hose 15 metres to a markedarea. You will have 60 seconds to complete this 15 metre advance. At the completion of theadvance, the flow will be increased and you will have to hold the hose for a further 60seconds.

For safety reasons the hose will have safety lines from it held by TFS personnel to ensurethat the hose is controlled at all times.

- Success Criteria

Applicants who successfully advance the hose and hold it steady without losing control, orrequiring the intervention of the Safety Officers will be directed to the next task.

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Tasks 5 & 6 - Tower / Ladder Climb and Container Haul


The tower / ladder climb tests an applicant's ability to climb heights and is also used toidentify whether you will be able to work at heights. This test is designed to simulate thecritical tasks of climbing stairs/ladders and hauling equipment up several floors throughvertical distance. It tests your aerobic capacity, lower body muscular endurance and upperbody muscular strength and endurance.


Once you have placed the hose on the ground you are to proceed as quickly and as safelyas possible to the tower. A safety harness and line will be fitted to you before you ascend theladder. You will be required to climb the ladder to the platform (vertical height ofapproximately 15 metres) and climb into the tower cage.

When climbing, grasp the rungs, not the sides. When climbing up concentrate on placementof hands and feet. Remember to move smoothly, safely and continuously.

Once at the platform you will be instructed to haul a 15kg weight (plastic drum containing 15litres of water) for a length of 8 metres and place it on the platform floor. You will need to liftthe weight using a method of “hand over hand”. You will then descend the ladder to theground where the safety harness will be removed and move on to the next task.

Should you lose control of the drum on your first attempt or require the intervention of theSafety Officer, you will be given a second opportunity to complete the task.

- Success Criteria

The successful applicant will have raised the drum without intervention by the Safety Officerwithin two attempts. The applicant will then proceed to the next task.

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Task 7 - Casualty Rescue


This test is designed to simulate the critical task of rescuing an injured casualty from a firescene. It tests the applicant’s aerobic and anaerobic capacity and both the upper and lowerbody muscular strength and endurance.


You are to hold the 70kg (approximately) rescue mannequin under the arms, gripping itacross the chest. You are to walk backwards with this mannequin around the marked courseand back, a distance of 60 metres. This task will be conducted on a flat asphalt/concretesurface.

Once you have completed this task, place the mannequin on the ground. You havecompleted all sections of the Fire Fighting Task Course and you will be directed to an area toremove your protective equipment.

You are able to place the mannequin on the ground during this task in order to readjust yourgrip or compose yourself. The task must be completed within a reasonable timeframe.

- Success Criteria

The successful applicant will have completed all aspects of the task without assistance.

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5. FURTHER SHORTLISTING

Once the physical assessment stage has been successfully completed, the psychologicalquestionnaires are processed.

The selection panel considers the information gathered from the aptitude, physical andpsychological assessments. Written applications are again reviewed.

The selection panel will invite those applicants who have best performed across all these aspectsto an interview.

You will be advised within approximately 2 weeks of the physical assessment whether you will beinvited to an interview.

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6. INTERVIEWS

Interviews will be held in both the South and North of the State.

The interview will be conducted by the selection panel. The purpose of the interview is to gatherfurther information from you and for you to ask any further questions of the panel. It is intended tobe a two-way discussion.

The interview panel will ask you a range of questions that are based on the selection criteria,particularly those under Knowledge, Skills and Attributes. The panel may also ask you somequestions to clarify feedback received from your psychological assessment.

You will be advised within approximately 2 weeks of the interviews whether you are required toparticipate in the medical assessment.

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7. MEDICAL ASSESSMENT

The final stage of the selection process is to participate in a medical assessment.

The medical assessment is necessary to make sure that you are medically able to work under therigorous conditions, both physically and mentally, of fire fighting. The assessment guidelines arebased on the inherent requirements of the job of a Firefighter.

The costs of the medical assessment will be met by the TFS.

There are a range of medical conditions which may indicate a person is not medically able to be aFirefighter. It is not possible, however, to state that a person may not become a Firefighterbecause the person has a specified medical condition. The specific nature of the individual’scondition will need to be taken into consideration. As a result, a medical review by a specialist orspecialists may be required if the medical assessment shows a person has a condition, which maybe of concern.

Following the receipt of above information the selection panel will make recommendations to theChief Officer for appointments.

You will be advised whether you have been successful and have been nominated for appointmentas soon as possible after the interview. The timing may depend on the availability of medicalpractitioners.

Note: The TFS policy is that applicants will not be given the opportunity to re-sit or undertake anytest or tests for which they have been unsuccessful with their current application.

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STARTING WORK WITH THE TASMANIA FIRE SERVICE

On appointment as a Trainee Firefighter, you will undertake the 12 week Recruit Course at ourCambridge training complex. You will also be on probation for the first six months of youremployment. Probation starts on the day you begin the Recruit Course.

This marks the beginning of career long competency based learning. Trainee Firefighters becomecompetent in all facets of fire fighting including the use of breathing apparatus, driving fireappliances and fighting bushfires as well as all types of structural fires. Both day and night trainingis conducted. Qualified instructors assess each trainee's performance throughout the inductioncourse. If, for some reason, a trainee is not performing to the required level, the instructors willprovide advice and assistance.

The course is not a competition! Each person on the course has a confirmed position at the end ofit as long as they are competent, however, continuing employment is dependent on the traineebeing competent at the end of the course and satisfactorily completing the probation period. TFSalso retains the right to have all Firefighters medically and/or physically assessed at any stage oftheir careers.

Further information about your career once you’ve joined the TFS is available in this Kit.

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THE CAREER OF A FIREFIGHTER

Why be a Firefighter

Duties of our Firefighters

Career Paths

Conditions of Employment

WHY BE A FIREFIGHTER?

Some of the reasons why our Firefighters enjoy their work

- “I’m someone who can be relied on to help anyone at anytime”

- “It’s a job where I serve the community”

- “I’m part of team of good workmates who look after each other”

- “We have the opportunity for promotion through training and career advancement”

- “It’s a hands-on job where you can be working inside and outside”

- “The community really appreciates what we do”; and

- “There’s hardly a dull moment. I love coming to work.”

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DUTIES OF A FIREFIGHTER

The TFS is a dynamic place to work. There is a broad range of work performed and we value theefforts and the role of our people in doing this work.

At the front line of our operations, Firefighters perform a variety of challenging and rewarding tasksincluding:

- attending emergency incidents such as house fires, bush fires;

- providing emergency care;

- keeping up health and fitness levels;

- regular training to learn and maintain the skills you need in the job;

- promoting fire safety awareness in the community; and

- maintaining appliances and equipment.

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CAREER PATHS

Introduction

Firefighter Career Path

Leadership Career Path

Technical Specialist Career Path

Fire Investigation Career Path

District Management and Volunteer Support Career Path

Training and Development Career Path

Community Fire Safety Career Path

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Introduction

The TFS believes employees who are successful at gaining a job as a Trainee Firefighter areembarking on a career that should be personally rewarding. We invest a significant amount of timeand effort providing opportunities to enable employees to further their careers.

A career in the fire fighting industry is a career of learning. Movement between all positions in thecareer path requires the gaining and maintenance of competencies issued under a nationallyrecognised training package.

As part of your career, you will need to invest time in undertaking study and assessments tocomplete the competencies. Whilst a significant amount of training to gain and maintaincompetencies occurs when on shift, you will still need to make time available when not at work toundertake personal study and revision.

The Tasmania Fire Service actively encourages Firefighters to move into career paths outside thebrigade environment as part of their development. This exposure helps to create a greaterunderstanding of the TFS, its role and the services we deliver to the community, which helpsofficers to develop in the areas of leadership and strategic management.

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Firefighter Career Path

The immediate career path for a Trainee Firefighter is to become a fully qualified Firefighter. This isachieved when you reach the classification of Senior Firefighter. It will take at least 3 years ofcontinually acquiring competencies required by the TFS to reach this goal. Whilst thecompetencies may at times be gained within 3 years, you will still need to have 3 years experiencebefore you can become a Senior Firefighter.

There are interim steps within this career path however. They are:

Firefighter after 6 months – has gained the competencies required by the TFS and has 6 monthsexperience;

Firefighter after 12 months - has gained the competencies required by the TFS and has 12 monthsexperience; and

Firefighter after 24 months - has gained the competencies required by the TFS and has 24 monthsexperience.

First Class Firefighter - has gained the competencies required by the TFS and has 36 monthsexperience.

The position of Senior Firefighter is the next position in the career path. The TFS requires allFirefighters to reach this classification. A Senior Firefighter is a First Class Firefighter who hasgained a number of additional competencies required by the TFS.

Once you have become a Senior Firefighter, opportunities to develop a range of different careerpaths start to become available.

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Leadership Career Path

Many Firefighters choose the leadership career path. This career path provides greaterresponsibilities in the management of emergency incident, people and resources.

The first step in this career path is to become a Leading Firefighter. A Senior Firefighter canachieve this position by completing a range of competencies and successfully participating in theLeading Firefighter Assessment Block which is held once a year.

A Leading Firefighter is qualified to Station Officer level, which is the first level of supervision in theTFS. A Station Officer is a crew leader and controls the response to an emergency incident. ALeading Firefighter becomes a Station Officer by successfully applying for a vacant position andbeing appointed on merit.

A Station Officer can gain further competencies to become a Senior Station Officer, who maymanage a group of stations or a shift of Firefighters.

The leadership career path within the brigade culminates with the positions of District Officer andthen Brigade Chief. A District Officer may manage all the operations of a brigade or take onspecialised management responsibilities within the brigade. The Brigade Chief is the head of thebrigade and holds statutory responsibilities under the Fire Service Act 1979.

There are opportunities to move into higher levels of management outside the brigade, includingRegional Officer, Deputy Chief Officer and Chief Officer.

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Technical Specialist Career Path

Some Senior Firefighters and most Leading Firefighters and Station Officers develop their careerinto specialist areas within the brigade. These include:

- Breathing Apparatus

- Driver On & Off Road

- Emergency Care

- High Angle Rescue

- Technical Rescue (Confined Space, Trench, Urban Search and Rescue)

The role of the technical specialist is to train other operators, develop systems of work and trainingpackages, and provide technical advice at emergency incidents.

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Fire Investigation Career Path

All officers in career brigades are trained to investigate the causes of fires. There are times,however, when specialist fire investigators are required to do the investigation. This may be due toa fatality, a major industrial structural fire, a major risk to life or other special circumstances.

The TFS has two specialist Fire Investigation Officers. You will need to have advanced to at leastthe position of Leading Firefighter to be able to apply for a position as a Fire Investigation Officer.

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District Management and Volunteer Support Career Path

The TFS has 236 volunteer brigades throughout the Tasmania. The district management providessupport and co-ordination to these brigades by helping with the managing of resources, assistanceat emergency incidents, the co-ordination of training and the development of fire managementplans.

Opportunities to move into this unit commence from Station Officer level.

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Training and Development Career Path

The TFS role of providing emergency response and community safety services to the Tasmaniancommunity requires our career and volunteer Firefighters to be trained to undertake theseactivities. The TFS is a Registered Training Organisation and provides and assesses nationallyrecognised competencies. Training Officers co-ordinate the delivery and assessment of training toboth career and volunteer members. Except for some programs for volunteer members, theTraining Officer does not undertake the actual delivery of training.


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Community Fire Safety Career Path

The Community Fire Safety Division develops and implements strategies aimed at preventing firesin the first instance, and educating and training members of the community to respondappropriately to fires and other emergencies when they occur.

These services are provided to the community by a number of business units:

TasFire Training

TasFire Training delivers a range of accredited training programs to the public and private sectorson a cost-recovery basis. This service improves safety in the workplace by training employees tohandle emergencies effectively and safely. The unit also develops evacuation plans forworkplaces.

Opportunities to move into this unit commence from Senior Firefighter level.

Community Education

Community Education improves fire safety in the community through education programs andpublicity campaigns. The Unit delivers a range of fire safety education programs, predominantlythrough schools, community groups and charity organisations.

Opportunities to move into this unit commence from Senior Firefighter level.

Building Safety

The role of the Building Safety Unit is to improve fire safety in buildings. The primary focus is onreducing the incidence and impact of fire in health care facilities, licensed premises, schools, officebuildings and factories. Fire safety in these buildings is achieved predominantly through theapplication and administration of building fire safety legislation, codes and standards.


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CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT

Wage Rates

Deductions

Salary Sacrifice

Superannuation

Hours of Duty

Overtime

Leave

Smoke Free Workplace

Uniforms and Protective Clothing

Personal Presentation

Transfers

Reviews

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Wage Rates

The wage rate paid to Firefighters is a composite rate. It includes all allowances, shift rates andpenalties. The rate you will receive will depend on your classification.

The Tasmanian Fire Fighting Industry Employees Award 2000 (federal) and Enterprise Agreementsets the pay rates and conditions for Firefighters. Current Firefighter wage rates are shown below:

Classification From 12/9/02 From 11/9/03

Trainee Firefighter $32,042 $33,004

Firefighter after 6 months $34,178 $35,204



1st Class Firefighter $42,723 $44,005

Senior Firefighter $44,859 $46,205

Leading Firefighter $46,568 $47,965

Station Officer $51,268 $52,806

Senior Station Officer $53,404 $55,006

District Officer $61,842 $63,697

Wages are paid fortnightly by direct deposit into bank or credit union account. Your wages can bedirected to more than one institution or account.

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Deductions

You are able to arrange for a number of deductions to be made from your salary (e.g. medicalinsurance, life insurance, or union membership etc).

Tax deductions are made automatically. You may elect to pay at a lower rate by filling in a generalexemption form, or a higher amount by advising a set additional amount per fortnight.

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Salary Sacrifice

You may salary sacrifice a portion of your salary to superannuation. Further details are availableon the Office of the State Service Commissioner’s web site:http://www.ossc.tas.gov.au/salarysacrifice/.

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Superannuation

All Firefighters are required to join and contribute at a rate of 7% to the State Fire CommissionSuperannuation Scheme. The TFS also contributes to this scheme at a rate that varies from timeto time. The minimum rate paid is that required by the Superannuation Industry (Supervision) Act1993 (Cth), currently 9%.

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Hours of Duty

Firefighters are rostered shift workers working a 38 hour week. The rostered shift cycle, however,requires an average of 42 hours per week to be worked over an eight-week cycle. Additional hoursare compensated as part of salary or as leave days. The normal shift cycle is as follows:

Day 1 On Day Duty (0800 hrs to 1800 hrs -10 hours)

Day 2 On Day Duty (0800 hrs to 1800 hrs -10 hours)

Day 3 On Night Duty (1800 hrs to 0800 hrs -14 hours)

Day 4 On Night Duty (1800 hrs to 0800 hrs -14 hours)

Days 5, 6, 7 and 8 are Off Duty.

Firefighters may also be required to work periods of non-rostered shift work. The hours during thisperiod are to be worked over an 8 week cycle to average 320 hours. The usual pattern is to work 5x 8 hour days or 4 x 10 hour days.

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Overtime

Occasionally the TFS may require an employee to work reasonable overtime. Overtime is only tobe worked with the prior approval of the TFS.

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Leave

Recreation Leave

Rostered shift workers receive 52.25 consecutive days recreation leave each year. This leave istaken on a rotating leave roster. According to the current roster, you will have 32 days recreationleave every 7 months.

Non-rostered shift workers receive 31.25 working days recreation leave each year.

Sick Leave

Two weeks (84 hours for rostered shift workers, 80 for non-rostered shift workers) sick leave iscredited annually with any unused leave accumulating to the next sick leave year. Medicalcertificates are required to be provided for all absences except for three separate single day ornight absences per year. A statutory declaration is, however, to be provided by the Firefighter foreach single day absence.

Parental Leave

After twelve months continuous service, parents are entitled to a combined total of 52 weeksunpaid parental leave on a shared basis in relation to the birth or adoption of their child. Forfemales, maternity leave may be taken and for males, paternity leave may be taken. Adoptionleave may be taken in the case of adoption.

Parental leave can only be taken by one parent at a time, in a single unbroken period, howeverboth parents can simultaneously take:

- for maternity and paternity leave, an unbroken period of up to one week at the time of thebirth of the child;

- for adoption leave, an unbroken period of up to three weeks at the time of placement of thechild.

Female Firefighters are also entitled to 12 weeks paid maternity leave and are able to accessrecreation and long service leave entitlements during the 52 week parental leave period.

Paternity leave for male Firefighters is unpaid although employees may use recreation and longservice leave (but not sick leave) as part of their paternity leave during the 52 week parental leaveperiod. Paternity leave may not be taken if your wife/partner has approved maternity leave from heremployer.

Carers Leave

You may be granted up to 10 days leave in any one sick leave year from your sick leaveentitlement to care for a member of your immediate family or household who needs your supportwhile they are ill. You may access either single days or multiple days to the maximum. You willneed to provide a medical certificate indicating that you were required to be the carer for the sickperson.

Long Service Leave

You will be entitled to long service leave after 10 years service with the Tasmania State Service.Following the initial entitlement of 65 days, a further 6.5 days is credited annually. It is possible forlong service leave accrued in some other jurisdictions, e.g. Commonwealth GovernmentDepartments to be transferred to your entitlement in the Tasmania Fire Service.

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Smoke Free Workplace

The TFS does not allow smoking in or near any TFS building or motor vehicle.

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Uniforms and Protective Clothing

All Firefighters are issued with uniform and protective clothing at no cost to the individual. If anyarticle is damaged in the course of work it will be replaced as soon as possible. Some clothingissues occur annually. Others are issued on an as and when required basis.

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Personal Presentation

The TFS has a Standard for Personal Presentation that outlines the way Firefighters need topresent themselves when at work for safety and presentation reasons. It covers a range of areasincluding hair, facial hair, jewellery, and make up.

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Transfers

Firefighters may be transferred between career brigades within Tasmania. They may also betransferred to non-rostered shift work. The TFS will usually seek expressions of interest fromFirefighters before making a decision to transfer. If expressions of interest are not received, aFirefighter will be transferred to the position.

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Reviews

The State Service Act allows employees certain review rights if aggrieved by a decision made inrespect of the following matters:

- Appointment either by selection or nomination;

- Position classification;

- A performance evaluation or staff appraisal;

- A redeployment declaration;

- Ability to discharge duties;

- Counselling or a fine in respect of an offence;

- The finding of an inquiry in respect of an offence; or

- The action taken by the Head of Agency after considering the findings of an inquiry.

You may also request a review if you feel you have not received fair or equitable treatment. Forexample:

- Harassment or intimidation by an employee;

- Any discriminatory treatment of an employee; or

- Decisions which may have an adverse effect on an employee's career within the StateService.

The TFS aims to resolve any grievances internally if possible. If you feel aggrieved by anymanagement decision, you should first approach your Supervisor. However, at times it is notpossible to resolve these grievances. Where this has not been possible, the seeking of a reviewmay be appropriate. Further information can be obtained from the Office of the State ServiceCommissioner.

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TASMANIA FIRE SERVICE

The information in this section is intended to help introduce you to the Tasmania Fire Service(TFS) by providing an overview of the organisation.

Vision & Role

TFS Values

Equal Employment Opportunity and Diversity

State Service Employment

Organisational Structure

Health, Safety and Wellbeing

VISION & ROLE

The vision and role of an organisation sets out what its long term aim and its purpose for existing.

In the TFS:

Our Vision is a Tasmanian community, safe from the impact of fire and other emergencies.

Our Role is to protect life, property and the environment from the impact of fire and otheremergencies. We provide a rapid emergency response and promote fire safety in partnership withthe community.

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TFS VALUES

At the core of the TFS is a set of basic values and behaviours that determines the way memberswork together. Typically, these values and behaviours are similar to what people uphold ineveryday life, such as honesty, respect and trust.

In the TFS we are developing a set of the core values that will reflect the way in which we will work.The following values are being discussed in our work groups for adoption as agreed values:

Commitment Consideration Fairness Honesty

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EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY AND DIVERSITY

At the TFS we want a workforce where diversity in all areas is valued, particularly in the areas ofgender and ethnicity. It is our view that the way we achieve our goals will be improved if we havepeople from a wide range of backgrounds and social groups contributing to our organisation.

The TFS is developing processes to ensure all employees are given an equal opportunity tosucceed in their work and career. The strategies will encourage all employees to value thedifferences in each other regardless of how they arise.

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STATE SERVICE EMPLOYMENT

The TFS is part of the Tasmanian Government and the State Service. As a result, the TFS and itsmembers are required to follow same State Service “rules” that cover other government agencies.

In particular, the TFS is covered by the State Service Act 2000, which includes a set of Principlesand a Code of Conduct. As a part of the State Government, the way in which TFS membersbehave and work together needs to align with these State Service Principles and Code of Conduct.

State Service Principles

The State Service Principles provide a framework of how the State Service (e.g. TFS) operatesand what people can expect from their dealings with the State Service.

For the TFS, basically the Principles say we should:

- have a workplace that is free from discrimination;

- give all members of the community an equal opportunity to join;

- select and promote people based on merit;

- develop leaders;

- encourage communication, consultation, co-operation and input from members;

- have a fair, safe and rewarding workplace;

- perform our tasks in a impartial, ethical and professional way;

- be accountable for our actions; and

- deliver our services to the community fairly.

Code of Conduct

The following Code of Conduct is adapted from the State Service Act 2000 and sets reasonableand common sense standards for conduct and behaviour based on the Principles.

The following summarises how the Code of Conduct requires people to work:

- Behave honestly and with integrity.

- Act with care and diligence.

- Treat everyone with respect and without harassment, victimisation or discrimination.

- Comply with Australian Law.

- Uphold the Principles.

- Comply with TFS policies, procedures & instructions.

- Maintain confidentiality.

- Avoid & disclose conflicts of interest.

- Use TFS resources in a proper manner.

- Not provide false or misleading information.

- Not improperly use information, status, power or authority.

- Behave in a way that doesn’t adversely affect the integrity & good reputation of the TFS.

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ORGANISATIONAL STRUCTURE

The TFS is an emergency service organisation represented by 240 brigades and support divisions.These brigades consist of 4 full-time career brigades and 236 volunteer and retained brigadesstrategically located in urban and rural population centres throughout the State.

Operations Division

The Operations Division is headed by the Deputy Chief Officer. The Division consists of RegionalManagement, Brigades, FireComm, Training Services and the Fire Management Unit.

Regional Management

The career brigades, volunteer brigades, officers and members are managed in each region by ateam of career officers consisting of a Regional Officer, Deputy Regional Officer (South and Northonly), District Officers and Field Works Officers.

Districts & Regions

Brigades and Groups are formed into larger geographic areas referred to as Districts, and eachDistrict is part of a Region, which is the largest functional unit within the TFS. There are threeregions and ten districts across the State.

Brigades

Brigades are the smallest operational units within the TFS. Each brigade is made up of a BrigadeChief, officers who lead the brigade, and members who may perform fire fighting or other roles.

Career brigades are located in the cities of Hobart, Glenorchy, Clarence, Launceston, Burnie andDevonport and are represented by at least 285 full time fire fighting personnel who are employeesof the TFS.

FireComm

FireComm is a 24 hour staffed communications facility that is responsible for the statewide co-ordination of emergency response activities.

Training Services

The role of Training Services is to plan, develop, support, and review structured training programsfor both the career and volunteer members of the TFS.

Fire Management Unit

The Fire Management Unit (FMU) is responsible for the development of policies and strategies andthe review of fire management issues on a statewide basis. The FMU also assists and supportsRegional and District Officers in the implementation of fire management related functions andresponsibilities, maintains and provides spatial and operational information, develops firemanagement tools and techniques, and assists in the co-ordination of activities in support of majorincidents.

OTHER DIVISIONS

In addition to the Operations Division, the three other major divisions within the TFS areCommunity Fire Safety, Corporate Services and Human Services.

Community Fire Safety

The Community Fire Safety Division provides a range of services through four key business units:Community Education, Building Safety, TasFire Equipment and TasFire Training.

Corporate Services

The Corporate Service Division is divided into five distinct areas; Finance, Administration,Information Systems, Engineering Services and Communication Services.

Human Services

The Human Services Division provides a range of services, with specialists focusing on volunteersupport, occupational health and safety and managing diversity.

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Tasmania Fire Sevice Operational Functional Organisation

DirectorCorporate Services

DirectorHuman Services

Fire Investigation

District OfficerBrigade Operations

District OfficerDelevopment & Learining

Firefighters

Station Officers

A PlatoonShift Co-ordinator

Firefighters

Station Officers

B PlatoonShift Co-ordinator

Firefighters

Station Officers

C PlatoonShift Co-ordinator

Firefighters

Station Officers

D PlatoonShift Co-ordinator

Deputy Regional Officer/Brigade Chief

Volunteer Brigades

Regional Officer

Deputy Chief Officer

DirectorCommunity Fire Safety

Chief Officer

HEALTH, SAFETY AND WELLBEING

The TFS is committed to having a safe work place and safe systems of work.

The role of Firefighter requires our employees to respond to emergencies and sometimes work inpotentially hazardous situations. The TFS places great importance on ensuring its people areprotected from injury by having:

- The best available personal protective equipment;

- Effective occupational health and safety programs and practices;

- Continuous training to maintain competencies; and

- Rigorous checking and maintenance of tools, equipment and appliances.

No Firefighter is expected to unreasonably risk their safety in performing the job.

Workers Compensation

Compensation is payable if you suffer personal injury by accident or are disabled as the result ofan injury or disease arising out of your employment. You are covered by compensation while atwork and while attending an approved TFS activity. You are not covered during your normal travelto and from work.

Employee Assistance Program (EAP)

Any Firefighter can seek confidential assistance from the EAP contract provider - ITIM (Ph: 1800337 068). Support is available for a wide range of issues included work-related, stress, financial orrelationship issues.

ITIM is an organisation that specialises in assisting government and industry bodies by providingcounselling services.

EAP services are normally limited to three visits. At the conclusion of three visits, referrals can bemade to alternative providers, if necessary.

Critical Incident Stress Management (CISM)

The Tasmanian Emergency Services Critical Incident Stress Management Program wasestablished in 1988 to support the State’s emergency care providers, in the interest of staff healthand well being. Its purpose is to lessen the impact of "critical incidents", to minimise potential longterm effects and to promote a healthy, supportive work environment. It provides a range of servicesto fulfil this purpose.

All CISM Services are strictly confidential and no recording of the content of sessions ismade.

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Documents

TRAINEE FIREFIGHTER RECRUITMENT PROCESS - … · Aptitude and Psychological assessment; 4. Physical assessment; ... The written test covers three general areas: ... tunic, workwear,