Melbourne Water is calling on locals to help protect their communities and the environment during the upcoming bushfire season by becoming a seasonal project firefighter.
Issuing the call, Melbourne Water said it was recruiting 32 seasonal project firefighters in the Yarra Valley and Latrobe Valley, with applications open until Sunday (31 July).
“Melbourne Water firefighters form part of Forest Fire Management Victoria (FFMVic),” Melbourne Water said.
“They protect water catchments – which supply some of the highest quality drinking water in the world to Greater Melbourne – from bushfires,” it said.
“The seasonal project firefighter roles involve being on the frontline fighting bushfires, along with bushfire fuel reduction work and land management activities to reduce the risk of future bushfires.”
Melbourne Water said the six-month contracts began in November and applicants needed to live within 30 minutes of Healesville or Warburton, or 45 minutes from the Thomson Dam.
It said successful recruits would be fully trained and work alongside a range of fire management Agencies across the State.
“People who are community-minded and love the outdoors are encouraged to apply,” the organisation said.
Operations Officer and firefighter with Melbourne Water, Renelle Verkes invited people who wanted to protect and preserve the State’s catchments, who were fit and healthy and who would enjoy working with amazing people within FFMVic to apply.
“I find it incredibly rewarding, particularly being part of a close and professional team,” Ms Verkes (pictured left) said.
“You can sometimes work long shifts in hot and difficult conditions,” she said.
“It can be physically and mentally taxing, but you are in it together.”
Further information on the seasonal project firefighter roles can be accessed at this PS News link.
