Not sure how to become a firefighter in NSW? Well now is the time to learn. This is your best chance to get a paid and permanent role as a firefighter.
Fire and Rescue are now running their largest recruitment campaign for ongoing firefighters. Read this guide below for details on how to submit your online application.
And then, read this guide for what to expect and how to prepare for the full FRNSW recruitment process.
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NSW Firefighter Pay and Job Overview
| Organisation / Entity | Fire and Rescue NSW |
|---|---|
| Job Category | Emergency Services | Permanent Fire Fighting Campaign |
| Job Location | Sydney Region |
| Job Reference Number | 493645 |
| Work Type | Full-Time |
| Closing Date | 17/03/2025 – 11:55 PM |
| Pay for Recruit Firefighter (as at 26 February 2023): | Recruit Firefighter: $1,397.60 per week Firefighter: $1,612.62 per week |
About NSW Fire And Rescue Firefighter Recruitment
Being a firefighter is no ordinary job. It’s a role that demands resilience, adaptability, and a commitment to protecting lives. The work is varied, challenging, and deeply rewarding, often placing you in high-pressure situations where people face injury, danger, and loss. Firefighting requires quick thinking, teamwork, and endurance, both physically and mentally.
Fire and Rescue NSW are first responders to all kinds of emergencies, ready to assist anyone, anywhere, anytime. As a member of a highly skilled, ethical, and professional team you will work along side team-mates from all walks of life, united by a shared dedication to safety, education, and prevention.
As one of the largest urban fire and rescue services in the world, Fire and Rescue NSW respond 24/7, delivering rapid and reliable assistance in times of crisis. Beyond emergencies, firefighters work alongside communities and other emergency services to prevent disasters, protect the environment, and minimise damage to property.
Why Become a Permanent Firefighter in NSW?
If you’re looking for a rewarding, secure career in emergency services, this is your opportunity to join the public sector as a permanent firefighter with Fire and Rescue NSW (FRNSW).
FRNSW is running its largest recruitment campaign yet to fill firefighter vacancies across NSW, with most positions based in metropolitan Sydney. As the lead agency for urban firefighting, FRNSW plays a critical role in protecting communities, responding to emergencies, and delivering fire prevention education.
This is a great opportunity, as all candidates will be progressed through to the first round of assessments, and you don’t need to prepare a cover letter. The main task you’ll need to complete is to gather paperwork to support your application.
A Work-Life Balance That Works for You
As a permanent firefighter, you’ll work on a structured shift roster, most commonly a 24-hour shift pattern:
- Work: 1 x 24-hour shift (8 AM – 8 AM)
- Rest: 24 hours off
- Work: 1 x 24-hour shift
- Time Off: 5 consecutive days
This eight-day repeating cycle provides predictability, allowing firefighters to plan their personal commitments, study, or pursue external employment. FRNSW recognises the importance of work-life balance and offers flexible rostering to support family and carer responsibilities.
Career Growth and Entitlements
As a permanent firefighter, you’ll receive ongoing training to support your career development, from recruit training to specialised skill-building as you progress. FRNSW invests in its firefighters, ensuring continuous learning and professional growth.
You’ll also have access to generous leave entitlements, including:
✔ Annual leave
✔ Sick leave
✔ Parental leave
✔ Long service leave
✔ Consolidated leave
These benefits are provided under the Crown Employees (Fire and Rescue NSW Permanent Firefighting Staff) Award 2022.
How To Become A Firefighter in 2025
To apply for this round of Permanent Firefighter Recruitment, you will need to apply online at the FRNSW careers page.
Applying online you need to gather documents and answer some questions.
Online Application Questions
I’ve started an application and here are some of the questions from FRNSW you’ll need to answer:
- What is your current residency status in Australia?
- Do you consent to providing Fire & Rescue New South Wales with proof that you are an Australian citizen, a permanent resident of Australia or a citizen of New Zealand.
- Do you have any of the following qualifications:
- Higher School Certificate (Year 12) or equivalent
- Trades Qualification
- Certificate III (any discipline)
- Tertiary qualifications
- Current FRNSW Retained Firefighter (Minimum 3 years experience)
- I have not obtained any of the mentioned qualifications
- What type of NSW driver’s licence (or state or territory equivalent) do you currently hold?
- Do you agree to undergo a criminal records check?
- Have you received a voluntary redundancy package from a NSW Government agency in the last 12 months?
Permanent Firefighter Recruitment Essential Requirements
To apply to be a part of this firefighter recruitment round, you’ll need to confirm and provide supporting documentation that you meet the essential requirements for the role:
- HSC or equivalent higher education qualification
- NSW driver licence
- MR licence (required before placement, not at time of applying)
- Australian or New Zealand Citizenship, or Permanent Resident
Candidates must get an MR licence before being placed into a role. Fire and Rescue NSW do not pay for this. To apply for a MR licence, click here.
Firefighter Driving History Check and Criminal History Check
You will also need to provide FRNSW with a copy of your driving history. This driving history check will be assessed as part of your application. If you have a record that includes a conviction for drink driving, it is unlikely that you will get through to the next round.
You’ll also need to consent to a full criminal history check as part of your application.
FRNSW Firefighter Application Process
This large recruitment has more steps and tasks for you to complete than typical public service roles.
Click the link below to read all the details you need to know for this firefighter recruitment process.
