| Organisation / Entity | NSW Rural Fire Service |
|---|---|
| Job Location | Glendenning, Western Sydney |
| Work Type | Full-time – Ongoing |
| Base Pay | $41,851 – $73,755 |
| Closing Date | 10/11/2024 |
Embarking on a Career with the NSW Rural Fire Service
A career with the NSW Rural Fire Service (NSW RFS) offers unique experiences that are both challenging and rewarding. As the world’s largest volunteer fire service, the NSW RFS plays a crucial role in protecting communities from bushfires and other emergencies.
By joining as a Support Officer, you become an integral part of this mission, ensuring that frontline members have the equipment and resources they need to perform their duties effectively.
Volunteering with the NSW RFS is an excellent way to gain first-hand knowledge of the organisation’s culture and operations. It allows you to build valuable contacts within the agency, which can enhance your job application and provide you with a referee who understands your capabilities and dedication.
Why the Support Officer Role is a Great Opportunity
Support Officer NSW Rural Fire Service: A Hands-On Role with Impact
The Support Officer position is a dynamic role that directly contributes to the efficiency and effectiveness of the NSW RFS. You’ll be responsible for ensuring that members have access to essential equipment, playing a vital part in purchasing and supply processes. This role is perfect for individuals who enjoy logistical challenges and want to make a tangible difference in emergency services.
By facilitating the smooth operation of equipment supply chains, you help frontline firefighters focus on what they do best—protecting communities and saving lives. This position not only provides you with valuable experience in supply chain operations, firefighting and procurement but also offers the satisfaction of contributing to a noble cause.
How to Apply for the Support Officer Position at NSW RFS
Navigating the Recruitment Process
To apply for the Support Officer role, you need to prepare a comprehensive application that includes a cover letter and an up-to-date resume. The cover letter should be in PDF format and directly address the essential requirements listed by the NSW RFS.
Application Checklist:
- Cover Letter (PDF format): Address all essential requirements.
- Up-to-Date Resume: Highlight relevant experience and qualifications.
- Online Application: Respond to two targeted questions (maximum 500 words each).
Essential Requirements to Address in Your Cover Letter
- Current NSW RFS Bush Firefighter (BF) Certification or Equivalent:
- If you don’t have this certification, mention any related experience, such as fire prevention, emergency response, teamwork, and equipment maintenance.
- Current First Aid Certificate (HLTAID003 Provide First Aid) or Equivalent.
- Willingness to Participate in After-Hours and On-Call Rosters.
- Physical Capability to Perform Normal Field Activities (Non-Arduous).
- Understanding of Work Health & Safety Principles:
- Particularly in relation to the use of plant, equipment, and height safety issues.
- Current MR Driver Licence and Willingness to Travel.
- Availability to RFS Operations During Major Fire Activity.
Responding to Targeted Questions
This role requires you to address these target questions as part of your application.
1. Describe how you use different software in your workplace. List the programs that you have used and describe how you use the technology to improve efficiency or customer service outcomes.
- Tip: Highlight specific software tools, how you’ve used them, and the positive outcomes achieved.
2. Describe a time you have provided support to a team in the delivery of a key project. What strategies did the team adopt to ensure the project was successful, and what was your contribution?
- Tip: Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your response.
Need help with a different role?
Get a free expert application guide and sample cover letter for any NSW Government vacancy — a must to avoid wasting time with a bad application.
Crafting Your Application: An Example
Example Cover Letter for Teddy
Teddy is currently a supervisor working in a large distribution centre/warehouse, where he holds the additional responsibility of a fire warden. This role has provided him with training in managing small-scale emergencies, giving him hands-on experience in quick decision-making and understanding emergency protocols in a high-risk, fast-paced environment.
Outside of work, Teddy is a committed volunteer at his local soccer club, where he serves as a committee member. This position has deepened his understanding of volunteer culture and strengthened his ability to communicate and lead in a non-professional setting. His role has taught him to navigate different perspectives, often collaborating with people of varying backgrounds and skill levels.
Teddy’s experience in both formal and informal leadership roles has made him enthusiastic about taking on larger responsibilities that allow him to blend his supervisory and emergency management skills with his commitment to community-driven service.
Teddy’s goal is to expand his expertise beyond handling small emergencies in the workplace, seeking opportunities to manage larger-scale safety and risk management initiatives.
Re: Application for the Support Officer Position
Dear Hiring Manager,
I am writing to express my interest in the Support Officer position with the NSW Rural Fire Service in Glendenning, as advertised. With a strong background in logistics, emergency response, and volunteer coordination, I am confident in my ability to contribute effectively to your team.
As a highly skilled emergency responder, I bring extensive experience and a commitment to the essential requirements for this role.
While I do not currently hold the NSW RFS Bush Firefighter (BF) Certification, my role as a certified fire warden at a large distribution centre has honed my capabilities in emergency response. I oversee evacuation procedures, conduct safety drills, and manage small-scale emergencies, which has equipped me with strong fire prevention, teamwork, and communication skills essential for effective emergency coordination.
I maintain a current First Aid Certificate (HLTAID003 Provide First Aid), completed in June 2024, ensuring I am prepared to provide immediate assistance in emergency situations. Additionally, I am fully prepared to participate in after-hours and on-call rosters, recognizing the importance of being available during emergencies, as demonstrated in previous roles requiring flexibility beyond standard hours.
In terms of physical readiness, I am in excellent condition, fully capable of performing the normal field activities expected in this role. I also have a comprehensive understanding of Work Health & Safety (WHS) principles through my supervisory experience, where I ensure strict compliance with safety protocols, particularly around equipment use and height safety. My familiarity with the Work Health and Safety Act 2011 and related legislation underscores my commitment to maintaining a safe work environment.
With a current MR Driver Licence and the willingness to travel as needed, I am well-prepared for the logistical demands of this role. Furthermore, I am available to support operational management during major fire activity, leveraging my background in emergency response and logistics to contribute effectively during critical situations.
Responses to Targeted Questions
Describe how you use different software in your workplace.
As a supervisor in a large distribution centre, I rely on a variety of software programs to improve operational efficiency and enhance customer service. A primary tool is the Warehouse Management System (WMS), specifically SAP and Oracle, which I use to monitor inventory levels, process orders, and manage shipments. This system allows me to ensure that stock levels are accurate and that orders are processed and dispatched promptly, contributing to reliable, timely deliveries for our customers.
Microsoft Excel is another essential tool in my role, where I use it for data analysis and reporting on key performance metrics. By generating these reports, I can identify trends, pinpoint areas for improvement, and monitor the progress of initiatives over time. These insights enable me to make data-driven decisions that enhance the productivity of our operations.
Communication tools like Microsoft Teams and Outlook play a vital role in maintaining clear and efficient communication with team members and stakeholders. I use these platforms to coordinate meetings, schedule tasks, and share updates, which keeps everyone aligned and informed, even in a fast-paced environment.
Lastly, I use Safety Management Software to record incidents, conduct risk assessments, and implement corrective actions. This software helps maintain a safe work environment and ensures compliance with safety regulations. Through these tools, I have successfully streamlined operations, reduced errors by 15%, and boosted customer satisfaction by ensuring timely, accurate order fulfilment.
Describe a time you have provided support to a team in the delivery of a key project.
Our distribution centre recently undertook a project to implement a new automated sorting system to increase operational efficiency. As a supervisor, my role was to support the team during this transition, helping to ensure that we continued to meet daily operational targets while integrating the new system.
To achieve this, our team adopted a phased implementation strategy, introducing the new system gradually to avoid disrupting existing processes. I organised and led training sessions to familiarise team members with the new technology, developed user manuals for quick reference, and established a support system to promptly address any issues that arose.
The result was a successful project that was completed ahead of schedule, achieving a 20% increase in sorting efficiency. My contributions in training and supporting the team played a pivotal role in the project’s success. This approach allowed the team to adapt to the new system smoothly, with minimal downtime, and ultimately improved our productivity and service delivery.
I am excited about the opportunity to bring my skills and experience to the NSW Rural Fire Service. The Support Officer role aligns with my passion for community service and emergency response. I believe my background makes me a strong candidate, and I am eager to contribute to your team’s important work.
Thank you for considering my application. I look forward to the possibility of discussing how I can contribute to the NSW RFS.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
Preparing for the Interview and Next Steps
Interview Tips for the Support Officer Role at NSW RFS
If you progress to the interview stage, congratulations! This is your opportunity to further demonstrate your suitability for the role. The NSW Public Service Commission provides a tool with a variety of example interview questions to help you prepare.
Access the Capability Application Tool
Key Tips:
- Understand the Role: Be clear about the responsibilities of a Support Officer and how your experience aligns.
- Demonstrate Your Skills: Provide specific examples of your skills in action.
- Show Your Commitment: Express your passion for emergency services and community support.
- Prepare Questions: Have thoughtful questions ready to show your interest in the role and organisation.
Conclusion
Embarking on a career with the NSW Rural Fire Service as a Support Officer is a significant step towards making a meaningful impact in your community. This role offers a blend of logistical responsibilities and community service, providing a platform for personal and professional growth.
Remember, even if you don’t meet every single requirement, your unique experiences and dedication can set you apart. Volunteering, relevant certifications, and a genuine passion for the role are highly valued.
We wish you the best of luck with your application. If you secure the role, let us know—we’d love to celebrate your success!
If you found this guide helpful or have any questions, don’t hesitate to get in touch—we’re here to support you on your path to a rewarding career in the public sector.
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