First and foremost, while this is a voluntary position, it is considered a job and as such, your application will be treated as a job application, and the system of application along with the induction and vetting process will be no different to any job application process, with the criteria being high to conform with our standards.
Under no circumstances should you assume that this is just fun and games as it is not, it is a very serious and critical position especially considering we are here to save lives, protect people and property from fire and render humanitarian services.
The role of Fire Rescue involves the protection of life and property by combating, extinguishing and preventing fires. The work involves training for and participating in fire fighting duties, providing emergency care for sick and injured persons and fire prevention activities. Other duties include routine maintenance of fire apparatus, as well as regular training in new fire fighting techniques and practices.
The role of a fire fighter involves some difficult physical work as well as the skill to apply previously acquired knowledge to work effectively as part of a team in emergency situations. The physical and mental demands of fire fighting are largely underestimated. Because of this, many applicants are overwhelmed by the screening procedures we use in the selection of new recruits. Demanding mental, physical and behavioral standards are absolutely necessary to insure the selection of individuals who are capable of successfully performing their duties.
New recruits need to be aware that you will have statutory responsibilities in the role, and that you are required to follow policies and procedures, there are rules and regulations, a rank structure is used and this means you must be able to take and accept a senior member such as an officer or executive officer giving you a directive in the course of your duties and you are required to carry out that directive.
A successful fire fighter, in addition to performing assigned duties, must also be a good student. With this role, comes a requirement to complete compulsory courses, usually on weekends and at a venue not necessarily in our area. While these are not every weekend, can be up to 6-8 weekends in any one year and depending how keen you are to learn and take free education, could even be more weekends.
There is also a requirement to attend Monday night trainings @ 1830--> 2100hrs every Monday except public holidays or if on brigade authorised leave. While leave is available, you must contact the CFO or DCFO to obtain the authorised leave because 3 consecutive 'absents' are grounds for removal from the roll. You must however attend a minimum of 50% of all training musters in any given year regardless of any absences or leave..
The brigade has a set of rules which must be adhered to if you are to remain a member.
The physical demands of fire fighting are sometimes high. Hence fire fighters must be in reasonable physical form. Fire fighters are often required to perform a series of physical tasks for extended periods of time while wearing heavy protective clothing and gear. And often times, peoples' lives depend on how well fire fighters perform these tasks.
Effective teamwork is essential in an emergency situation. In addition, fire fighters are in frequent contact with the public for the purposes of the role. Hence, behavioral skills such as the ability to get along and relate to fellow members and the public are important as well.
Training will cover some or all of the following areas:
· Fire fighting methods/fire command
· Equipment operation and maintenance
· Fire science concepts
· Fire apparatus
· Defensive driving education, techniques and applications
· Fire extinguisher and fog nozzle operation
· Ladder usage
· Salvage and overhaul operations
· Fire fighting safety practices
· Basic emergency medical procedures
· Departmental rules and regulations
· Fire service organization and chain of command
A firefighter is required to wear personal protective equipment that weighs approximately 45-50 pounds while working an emergency scene and performing strenuous tasks. These tasks are performed under duress and in a variety of situations.
Firefighters are also exposed to all types of weather conditions and situations. Fire crew are required to wear the appropriate uniform in clean condition fastened and worn correctly. According to brigade rules and in line with Health and Safety, you must obey all lawful orders issued, and the wearing of appropriate uniform is a standing order.
Firefighters working on a medical aid incident might encounter situations where they may have to lift and carry victims. Some medical callouts can upset some, so good communication with other members is a good idea to ensure you get the support you may need.
Finally, you must attend callouts to further your skills. Callouts offer on the job training and while you may not attend all of them, you should try to attend as many as you can. You must attend a minimum of 25% of ALL callouts attended by SBVRFF and this is measured in any 3 month period.
Some key attributes we are looking for:
· ·Shows enthusiasm and a desire to get on with the job
· ·Manages own time well, is organised and delivers on commitments
· ·Maintains a high level of personal fitness appropriate to the requirements of the position
· ·Offers ideas, shares suggestions and accepts constructive feedback
· ·Is committed to full co-operation with, and assistance of volunteer brigades and individual volunteer fire fighters
· ·Demonstrates a professional courteous attitude
· ·Accepts their role within the team and contributes fully to the teams success
· ·Enjoys working with and forming good relationships with other team members and various community groups
You will be covered with an Insurance cover for death and disablement while on duty.
To be accepted into the Shelly Beach Rural Fire Force, you will be required to have a Medical clearance either by your local G.P. of your choice and Pass a Security Screening Police check.
You will be placed on the National Record of Learning system which enables you to collect recognised NZQA unit standard credits for all courses/exams you have completed and passed. You will receive a Certificate of Acknowledgement for passing each of your courses/exams. Most courses and exams are paid for by Rodney District Council.
Trainees and fire fighters responding to call outs are effectively on the work place as soon as they respond to a call out. They are required to adhere to laws covering speed limits on roads and driving practices when responding to a call out – there is nothing to be gained by having an accident responding to a call out, you put your own and others lives at risk.
Trainees and fire fighters are required to observe all laws governing consumption of alcohol and being under the influence of drugs. If you have had enough alcohol to make it illegal to drive on the roads, or you are on medication which stipulates your reactions will be impaired or you are not recommended to operate machinery, then under no circumstances should you attempt to attend training or a call out.
The Acts relevant to this role are but not limited to:
Forest and Rural Fires Act 1977
Forest and Rural Fires Regulations 2005
Local Government Act 2002
Civil Defence Emergency Management Act 2002
Fire Service Act 1975
If you feel you could be part of the team, you can handle the training and discipline, and would like to join up and do your bit for the community, then all you need to do is take that first step and apply.
Contact Adam on 027 4690241 or ring the station on (09) 4202503 and leave a message.
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