Seasonal Forest and Fire Operations Officer (formerly Project Firefighter)

These positions form part of a team of FFMVic field staff located across Victoria that deliver land management activities and respond to bushfire and other emergencies.

In addition to emergency response, as a Seasonal Forest and Fire Operations Officer (Seasonal FFOO) you’ll play a critical role in land management through:

  • mulching, mowing, slashing and spraying
  • maintaining fuel breaks
  • maintaining the public land road network
  • recreation site maintenance
  • fencing and trail maintenance
  • planned burning

If you like working outdoors and want to be part of a great team that helps protect the community and makes Victoria safer, we’d love to hear from you!

Why become a Seasonal FFOO?

As a Seasonal FFOO, you’ll have the opportunity to work in Victoria’s great outdoors while receiving extensive training to enhance your skills. You’ll work alongside great people who are delivering on our commitment to keeping Victoria safer.

  • Working Outdoors: You’ll get to work outdoors surrounded by nature in some of the most beautiful and remote parts of the state.
  • Teamwork: You'll work closely with a diverse team including other firefighters and emergency responders and support staff to help protect Victoria from bushfires.
  • Sense of Purpose: Being a Seasonal FFOO brings a great sense of purpose and personal achievement knowing that your efforts contribute to protecting communities and the environment.
  • Skill Development: You’ll receive extensive training in fire behaviour, safety protocols, plant and equipment operation and much more. The skills and experience you’ll gain as a Seasonal FFOO is a great start for a career in environment or emergency management.
  • Travel Opportunities: Deployments can occur anywhere across the state providing opportunities to travel and work in different locations. Some of our former Seasonal FFOO have been deployed to support firefighting efforts across Australia and internationally.
  • Earn and Learn: You will be paid to learn and develop your new skills in an industry where the opportunities are endless.

For further information about these positions and locations, please refer to the attachments below.

Designated Aboriginal Positions

International Applicants

For information specific to those applying from outside Australia, please click on the below link:

Where are FFOOs based?

It doesn’t matter if you’re looking for a sea change, tree change or a job in your local community, with 76 locations across Victoria, there’s a Seasonal FFOO position to suit you.

Have you considered the benefits of relocating to a regional community? Regional living offers a relaxed lifestyle, shorter commutes and a genuine connection to the community.

Seasonal FFOO Workcentre Locations Map

Are you ready?

Training and support will be provided and positions are open to people who:

  • are an Australian citizen, permanent resident or hold a valid work visa for the employment period
  • are 18 years old as of 1 October 2025
  • satisfy pre-employment screening and checks
  • complete a medical and task-based fitness assessment (completed during the recruitment process). Visit our FFMVic Firefighting and Employment page for more information about medical and fitness requirements.
  • become an accredited general firefighter (completed during onboarding)
  • hold a current manual driver’s licence (A, I & V conditions not suitable for employment)

Employment occurs between October and May dependent on seasonal requirements, with salaries commencing from $1,074 per week plus superannuation. Flexible work arrangements such as part-time employment may be available. Please indicate your interest in the 'Additional Comments' section at the end of the application form.

New recruits will be required to attend a minimum 2-week training camp.

We are committed to a diverse and inclusive workplace that reflects the Victorian community. For First Nations people, we have designated Aboriginal positions available. Under s.12 of the Equal Opportunity Act 2010. Only Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander people are eligible to apply for these positions and confirmation of Aboriginality will be required. We recognise the significant responsibility to enable self-determination, be accountable to Traditional Owners and provide opportunities to strengthen First Peoples’ connection to Country. We are committed to creating a culturally safe environment, where individuals feel safe, valued, and able to celebrate their culture, and spiritual and belief systems.

Successful candidates will be employed by the agency in control of that Workcentre (DEECA or Melbourne Water), under the relevant agency enterprise agreement.

Applications for the 2025-2026 season open Thursday 3 July 2025 and close Sunday 27 July 2025.