
FUEL YOUR CAREER WITH PURPOSE
The Rural Fire Service (RFS) is the lead combat agency for bushfires in NSW. For over 100 years we have been a significant part of the history and landscape of NSW. Working closely with other agencies we respond to a range of emergencies including structure fires, motor vehicle accidents and storms that occur within rural fire districts.
The RFS is widely acknowledged as the largest volunteer fire service in the world with almost 2,000 Rural Fire Brigades and a total volunteer membership of more than 70,000. In addition, over 1100 staff members are employed across the state.

BE A PART OF SOMETHING SPECIAL AND JOIN THE RFS!
MITIGATION CREW
Join our Mitigation Crews! Our crews are entry-level positions perfect for anyone who loves the outdoors. The crews work on a range of exciting & rewarding activities including hazard reduction work and AIDER program activities.
OPO PROGRAM
Join our Operational Officer (OpO) Program! The program is a unique opportunity to gain experience in a wide range of RFS activities in district and regional roles, as well as other specialised sections across the organisation.
COMMS CENTRE
Join our Operational Communications Centre (OCC)! The OCC operates 24/7 providing high-level communications support to our Districts across NSW in the form of call receipt and dispatch of emergency fire services resources.
CORPORATE ROLES
Our diverse corporate teams provide essential support to the operational functions of the RFS. Together, they form the backbone of the organisation, working behind the scenes to keep the RFS running smoothly.
LOVE WHERE YOU WORK
At the Rural Fire Service, we are proud of the vital work we do, and we are just as proud of the people behind it. As an RFS staff member, you will be part of a purpose-driven organisation that values your wellbeing, supports your growth, and recognises the importance of balance in all areas of life. Here’s what you can expect when you join us:
REGIONAL INCENTIVES
- Free access to the Welcome Experience, a service to help essential workers and their families move to regional NSW with ease. This service supports staff to find housing and childcare, supports partners to find employment, and connects staff with the local community
- An additional week of annual leave for staff based in our Western Zone
- Access to our Remote Area Allowance to support employees based in specific locations
WELLBEING
- Partnership with Fitness Passport giving eligible staff and their families access to more than 845 gyms and pools across NSW.
- Access to a range of initiatives through the Your Health Matters Program, such as annual health checks, online health & fitness magazines and Your Health Matters quartlery packs
- Free access to our Member Assistance Program (MAP) for all RFS members and their immediate families
FLEXIBILITY
- One ‘Agreed Absence’ leave day each calendar month
- Flexible work arrangements in accordance with applicable instruments
- Leave entitlements, including sick leave, annual leave, carers leave and parental leave
- Salary packaging options to maximise your take-home pay
- Annualised Conditions Allowance may also apply, depending on role and location
DEVELOPMENT
- Ongoing learning and professional development programs tailored to a range of roles and career stages
- A culture that values continuous improvement and personal growth
- Opportunities to grow within one of Australia’s most respected emergency service organisations
Helpful Information for Applicants
Find clear answers to common questions about applying, assessments, and more.
The RFS offers a range of operational and non-operational roles across the state. These include roles in fire management, logistics, community engagement, planning, administration, IT, HR, and more.
Applications are submitted online through the RFS Careers portal. To apply, you will need to create a profile, upload your resume, and complete the application form for the desired position.
Yes, you can apply for multiple roles if you meet the eligibility requirements for each. Be sure to tailor your application to each position.
Yes, it is possible to be both an employee and a volunteer, as long as there is no conflict of interest and the roles are clearly defined.
Yes, you must be an Australian citizen, permanent resident, or hold a valid visa that permits work in Australia. Proof of your right to work in Australia is required during the recruitment process.
Refer to the role description to understand whether a driver licence is required for the role. For some roles, a valid driver license is essential, and some operational roles may require specific licencing such as a medium rigid or heavy vehicle licence.
Refer to the role description to understand whether a Working with Children Check is required for the role. Some roles may require a valid Working with Children Check, particularly if they involve working with young volunteers, school programs, or community groups.
Having a police record does not automatically disqualify you from joining the RFS. However:
- The RFS conducts a Nationally Coordinated Criminal History Check as part of the recruitment process for all roles.
- Having a police record does not automatically disqualify you.
- Each case is assessed individually, considering the nature of the offence, its relevance to the role, and how much time has passed since the incident. You may be asked to provide additional information or context.
Refer to the role description to understand the essential requirements for the role including relevant qualifications.
The RFS values a diverse and inclusive workplace and is committed to ensuring our employees represent the diversity of the communities that we serve. Applications are encouraged from people of all backgrounds, including women, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, and individuals with disabilities.
You will need to provide a resume, cover letter, copies of relevant qualifications if applicable, and proof of identity (e.g. a driver’s license or passport).
Yes, you can withdraw your application at any time via the RFS careers portal or by contacting the Recruitment Team via Recruitment@rfs.nsw.gov.au.
If you encounter difficulties completing your application on the RFS careers portal try the following steps:
- Check your browser, ensure you are using an up-to-date Google Chrome browser.
- Clear cache, clear your browser’s cache and cookies, as this may resolve loading issues.
- Review file uploads, ensure your resume and other documents are in the correct format (e.g. PDF or Word) and do not exceed the size limit.
- Contact the RFS Recruitment Team via Recruitment@rfs.nsw.gov.au and provide a brief statement outlining the issue that you are having.
If you notice an error after submitting your application, log in to the RFS careers portal to check if you can edit your application. If editing is not possible, contact the RFS Recruitment Team at Recruitment@rfs.nsw.gov.au with the correct information. Include any supporting documents needed to clarify the error.
After submitting your application, you will receive an acknowledgment email. Shortlisted candidates will be contacted for further assessment, which may include interviews, reference checks, and pre-employment screening.
The recruitment process may vary depending on the role. Typically, it includes submitting an online application, completing assessment tasks, undertaking employment checks, and, for some roles, participating in pre-employment medical or fitness screening.
You can track your application status through the RFS careers portal. Log in to your account to view updates about the progress of your application.
A recruitment (talent) pool is a group of candidates who have successfully completed a comparative assessment process and are deemed suitable for a particular role. These pools remain active for 18 months, during which time you may be contacted if a matching vacancy arises.
If you are currently on a recruitment pool, you do not need to reapply. Recruitment pools have an expiry of 18 months, you will need to reapply once this tenure expires.
If you are unsure whether you are on an existing recruitment pool, or wish to update your location preferences, please email Recruitment@rfs.nsw.gov.au.
Everyone should have fair and equal access to job opportunities. We’re committed to inclusive hiring practices and understand that workplace adjustments are sometimes needed. Any necessary adjustments should be requested in the application process to ensure that we can support you. Please review Adjustments for Individual Needs for more information.
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