As a Fire Communications Officer (FCO), you'll offer that support on a much wider scale, as the community's first point of contact in an emergency.Your guidance in those critical first minutes of an emergency will provide individuals with support to minimize damage to people, property or environment.
Fire Communications Officers are an integral part of Queensland's emergency response, and work in the control room at our Communication Centres around the state.They respond to calls for information and advice in emergency situations and coordinate the dispatch of emergency service resources and personnel.
In the course of a day, you may receive calls about:Structural and environmental firesMotor vehicle entrapmentSwift water and technical rescueStorms and natural disastersIn this role, the support you provide on a daily basis will make a huge impact on the lives of everyday Queenslanders.
Have you got what it takes?Responding to emergency triple zero (000) calls, a Fire Communications Officer needs to be the ultimate multi-tasker, able to quickly coordinate multiple streams of information with the appropriate responses when lives are on the line.Managing high stress, high stakes situations, you'll need excellent communication skills and the ability to keep yourself and others calm under pressure.You'll also need to be able to type and input data at speed, and with a high degree of accuracy.PrerequisitesMandatoryMinimum two (2) years full time paid general work experience, or equivalentSuccessful completion of Year 10 or equivalentAustralian/New Zealand Citizen or Australian Resident StatusHighly DesirableCurrent, valid Working with Children Blue Card* from Blue Card Services QueenslandDue to possible delays and lengthy application process associated with obtaining a Blue Card, it is highly recommended applicants apply for a Blue Card as soon as possible or at time of application for the role of fire communications officer, to ensure requirements of the State Panel Interview can be met.
PRIOR TO MAKING AN APPLICATION: Please note that an email address and internet access will be required to submit your application and receive ongoing communication throughout the selection process. You will not be able to change your email address or update your personal details once you have submitted your application. The typing test and online testing will require access to a personal computer - it cannot be performed on a mobile phone, tablet or work computer.
Fire Communications Officers must also contend with the potential disruption the role may have on their personal lives. Most often work 4 days on 4 days off with 2x10hr day shifts followed by 2x14hr night shiftsRegularly work weekends, public holidays, including Christmas, and are called for duty during major emergenciesNote: Fire Communications Officer roles are offered on a Permanent Part-Time basis only, with the exception of Central Region – Rockhampton, where roles are offered as Permanent Full-Time.
Permanent Part-Time FCO roles would include a minimum of 0.25 of full-time hours (i.e. 20 hours of 80 hours/fortnight); percentage of agreed hours is negotiated with the regional centre; increased hours may be offered subject to operational activities.
Casual FCO hours may vary week to week; there are no set amount of hours or days.
The Selection ProcessComplete Typing TestComplete Online AssessmentsInterviewSatisfy a Criminal History CheckComplete Psychological AssessmentsMedical AssessmentThere are seven (7) Fire Communications Centres across Queensland that you can attend to gain a greater understanding of the role. Please select your preferred Fire Communications Centre from the list below to request an onsite visit.
Note: We continue to maintain Pandemic Preparedness and all Fire Communications Centres will follow the direction and advice as issued by the Queensland Government Health Officials / Public Health Directions. Please be aware that some centres may not be available for site visits during heightened periods.
If you are successfulIf you are one of the successful applicants who are selected for offer of employment, your role will be secured on the completion of our Fire Communications Officer 13 week Recruit Course. The Recruit Course takes place at the School of Fire and Emergency Services Training (SFEST) in Brisbane. You will be fully remunerated for this full-time program at the recruit pay rate.
The course is comprised of practical and theoretical instruction, with assignments and tests to assess your competency throughout. To graduate, you must attain the required standard for each competency.
A 12 month probationary period applies upon commencement of the Recruit Course. If you are not employed on a full-time basis, your pay will revert to either part-time or casual rates following graduation and upon placement in your region and finalisation of the required training program.
Communications Officers as from 1st July 2023 Classification Base Rate Weekend Shift Night Shift 38 Hour Week Allowance Total Per Fortnight Recruit FCO (Casual) $27.89 Per Hour Plus shift and weekend penalties and 23% loading.
Please note: our Talent Acquisition Team is committed to ensuring that security, integrity and privacy is not compromised at any stage of the recruitment process and will carry out systematic ID checks and online test verification.
FAQ'sIf I have previously applied, do I have to apply again?How many times can I apply?When do applications open?What do I need to add to the Statement of Suitability in my Candidate Profile?What does minimum 2 years full-time equivalent general paid work experience mean?What are the permanent part time hours that I will work if I get the job? #J-18808-Ljbffr