The Direct Entry Framework allows eligible career firefighting personnel from other Australian jurisdictional fire services to apply for positions within the South Australian Metropolitan Fire Service (MFS). This includes firefighters currently participating in Australian exchange programs with the MFS.

To be eligible for application through the Direct Entry Framework, candidates must meet the following mandatory criteria:

• Must be an Australian citizen or permanent resident.
• Must be a current full time Firefighter employed by an Australian Jurisdictional Fire Service (as listed below) with a minimum of 4 years’ experience.
• Must hold a minimum of Certificate II in Public Safety (Firefighting and Emergency Operations) or equivalent.
• Must hold a minimum Medium Rigid (MR) class Drivers’ Licence.
• Must hold a current First Aid certificate or equivalent
• Must meet expected standards of health, both physically and mentally within the MFS.

To be eligible you must currently work as a Firefighter or a Senior Firefighter in one of the MFS recognised Australian Jurisdictional Fire Service:

• Australian Capital Territory Fire and Rescue
• Australian Defence Force
• Aviation Rescue Fire Fighting Service
• Department of Fire and Emergency Services Western Australia
• Fire and Rescue New South Wales
• Fire Rescue Victoria
• Northern Territory Fire and Rescue Service
• Queensland Fire and Emergency Services
• Tasmania Fire Service
• Ventia

Please note that this process does not apply to current MFS retained employees, South Australian Country Fire Service (CFS) volunteers or firefighters based internationally.

The MFS will conduct direct entry applications through an expression of interest process.

Interested applicants must complete an online application which requires the following:

• Confirm employment (evidence of employment)
• Applicants contact information
• Confirmation of meeting pre-requisite (mandatory) conditions
• Written submission addressing the specified criteria from the Firefighter Position Information Document (PID)
• Certificates or record of training
• Concise personal resume
• South Australian Public Sector Pre-employment declaration.

To apply, please fill complete your Direct Entry Framework Application here.

At this stage in time, there is no closing date as we are trying to determine the interest in the process.

All applications submitted to the South Australian Metropolitan Fire Service (MFS) will be reviewed to confirm eligibility for the screening and selection process. This process consists of several key elements:

• Validation of training and qualifications against MFS requirements.
• Personality and Behavioural Assessment (psychometric assessment)
• Interview
• Supporting document from current or previous line manager
• Physical Assessment Test (if required)
• Medical checks (if required)

This process is detailed below:

Application (online)

Assessment of application against the mandatory requirements. Applications will proceed where all requirements are met.

Validation of qualifications and training

Validation of qualifications will take place for each applicant. Applicants will be asked to provide either copies of their certificates or USI transcripts. Internal training records are not sufficient records for this purpose.

Where training occurred prior to 2015, original certificates will need to be sighted. Any training and qualifications post 2015 can be provided via USI transcript as evidence.  Currency checks will occur for all competencies relevant to the role.

Personality and behavioural assessment/psychometric assessment

All applicants will complete an online personality and behavioural assessment.  The assessment will not be used as a pass/fail process, however it will be utilised as a part of the interview process.

Interview

The interview offers candidates the chance to showcase their suitability for and understanding of the MFS Firefighter role. It’s an interactive session where the panel will get to know you better and learn how you have navigated various situations as a firefighter. The focus will be on operational and behavioural examples, allowing you to demonstrate your experiences, skills and personal fit for the MFS.

Physical assessment test

Applicants must complete the MFS Physical Assessment Test unless currently serving in the MFS on exchange with another Australian Firefighter service, in which case a performance validation may be accepted from the current Station Officer and Commander.

Applicants will be required to obtain medical clearance from a Medical Practitioner prior to completing the physical assessment.

Uniform sizing

Applicants attending in person will have uniform sizing conducted at the interview. Virtual attendees will have alternative arrangements made.

Medical checks

All applicants will be required to undertake a medical check against the MFS Firefighter Medical Conditions (PDF) (PDF). Where additional specialist checks are required, these will be coordinated by the MFS.

If you have recently undertaken a medical within your current Fire Service, this may be applicable. This will be determined on a case by case basis by the MFS Human Resources.

As part of the application process, mandatory pre-employment checks include:

• Working with Children's Check (or the equivalent for your state)
• Driver History Check (covering your previous 10 years of driver history)

Additionally, before an offer of employment is made, the following checks will be conducted:

• National Criminal History Check
• Professional reference check (peer and manager at current employing agency).
• Previous employer check

All offers of employment with the MFS will include a 12-month probationary period, during which applicants must successfully complete any required induction programs. Throughout this probationary period, quarterly evaluations will be conducted by supervising officers to assess performance and development.

Applicants entering through the Direct Entry Framework will begin their employment at the pay scale for 1st Class Firefighter Level 1.

All successful applicants will be required to complete a mandatory induction program before starting operational duties. This program will cover essential topics, including safe work practices, equipment familiarisation, and key information about the MFS.

The MFS Learning and Development department will assess your skills against the Direct Entry Skills Matrix relevant to the position.

The Officer leading the induction will collaborate with your supervising Officer and relevant Commander to finalise and implement your personalised induction plan.

During the probationary period, a structured plan will be in place to monitor your progress. This plan will be managed using the Reacquisition of Skills Matrix relevant to your position.

Performance reviews and development interviews will be conducted by your respective Station Officer throughout the probation period and at its conclusion. At the end of the 12 month probation, the MFS will evaluate your performance and determine whether a permanent employment offer will be extended.

Upon completing the probationary period, MFS Human Resources will review all requirements to ensure they have been met and that no performance, behavioural, or development issues have been identified. Based on this assessment, a recommendation for permanent employment will be prepared for the MFS Chief Officer's consideration.

If the Chief Officer approves the recommendation, you will receive a formal letter of offer for permanent employment with the MFS.

The MFS will engage with you regarding the Recognition of Prior Experience process once you have completed your 12 month probationary period. This process will not be conducted until then, regardless of your previous rank and experience.

Providing false information at any stage of the application process, without a valid explanation, will result in the automatic disqualification of your eligibility for employment. If employment is granted based on false information, it will lead to a review of the successful applicant’s position with the MFS. Integrity and honesty are paramount, and we expect all candidates to adhere to these values throughout the recruitment process.