Firefighting hopefuls can now apply for the 120 seasonal positions available within the City of Cape Town’s Fire and Rescue Service.
The annual recruitment drive aims to strengthen the City’s defences against vegetation fires between November and April.
Seasonal firefighters are expected to work at least 40 hours a week for the duration of their contracts. Their key tasks include firefighting duties under the guidance and supervision of firefighters and officers, preparing for emergency incidents, and creating fire breaks along the urban edge.
“The City’s Fire and Rescue Service responded to 8 202 vegetation fires between November 2021 and April 2022. Our seasonal recruits are critical to our efforts to protect lives and property during this busy period,” said Alderman JP Smith, the City’s Mayoral Committee member for Safety and Security. “The seasonal firefighters not only increase and strengthen our firefighting capabilities, but also provides skills and opportunity to those who are successful.”
Seasonal firefighters work alongside permanent staff and were introduced as an Expanded Public Works Programme (EPWP) in early 2009 to fund the appointment of an initial 40 seasonal firefighters. The programme has grown since then to 120 seasonals to increase resources and minimise the risk to lives and property, particularly where vegetation and mountain fires threaten the urban edge.
“All our firefighters risk their lives to save others not only endure long hours in unbearable heat, but they provide an indispensable service crucial to the safety and security of all our residents,” said Smith. “I encourage prospective seasonal firefighters to apply via the appropriate channels. They provide essential assistance to our permanent cohort making the service a force to be reckoned with over the busy summer season.”
The closing date for applications is Monday 19 September.
• Applicants must apply online via eRecruitment;
• No hard copy or emailed applications will be accepted;
• In order to apply online, applicants must first create an eServices Account on the City of Cape Town website at www.capetown.gov.za;
• Applicants may use any computer with internet access to apply. Smartphones are not compatible with this online application process and cannot be used to apply.
Shortlisted candidates will be required to undertake a compulsory fitness test, and when they pass the physical test will also be required to pass a written assessment and interview.
The fitness test includes: a reach test of 1,9 m; 2,4 km-run within a prescribed time (12 minutes for men and 13 minutes for women); 30 sit-ups within 60 seconds; 30 push-ups within 60 seconds; and a 50 kg dead load carry over 100 m. The top overall performers will be offered contracts as seasonal firefighters and will start their firefighting training on 1 November.
