Careers
The South Australian Country Fire Service (CFS) provides a rewarding and exciting career choice for people who are passionate about making a difference in their communities.
We are an integral part of the South Australian community and emergency services sector, and play a crucial role in protecting lives, properties and the natural environment.
The CFS employs people with a broad range of skills and backgrounds. A career with us allows you to serve your community in a meaningful way by supporting those in need.
As part of the CFS, you'll experience a range of diverse and dynamic experiences, and play a role in responding to incidents including bushfires, structure fires, vehicle accidents and natural disasters. No two days are the same, and as well as developing your professional knowledge and expertise, you’ll acquire valuable skills that can be applied across all aspects of your life.
The work you'll be involved with as part of the CFS also fosters a strong sense of camaraderie and teamwork, creating a positive and uplifting work environment. A place where your colleagues are often more than your workmates, they’re your friends.
What jobs are available with the CFS?
At the CFS, we’re always on the lookout for community-minded team players with operational and non-operational backgrounds to join our team.
Our workforce is comprised of professionals with skills in:
- Community engagement
- Bushfire management planning
- Contract management
- Training
- Governance
- Incident management
- Aviation
- Marketing, media and communications
- Compliance
- Work health and safety
- Policy
- Spatial analyst
- Risk and capability
All staff - even those in corporate roles - have the opportunity to contribute to response efforts during bushfires and other disasters, with plenty of training on offer.
On-call duties
As members of the CFS, our staff support the safety and wellbeing of South Australians, especially in times of need. During busy periods and throughout the fire season, all staff - operational and non-operational - are expected to undertake paid on-call duties as required.
From working in one of our incident control centres to firefighting on the front line, you’ll be provided with extensive training and generous salary allowances to ensure you can make a difference when it matters most.
Where are jobs with the CFS based?
Positions are available at our State Headquarters in Keswick, State Training Centre in Brukunga and across our six Regional Headquarters.
Our purpose-built and world-class State Headquarters is shared with the SES, MFS, and SAFECOM. It is designed to provide a sense of home for the whole sector, welcoming staff and volunteers from across the state.
Why work for the CFS?
No two days are the same
As an all-hazards agency, working for the CFS means no two days are the same. You could start your day in the office and end up on the front line in the blink of an eye. If you have a sense of adventure, love a challenge and want to support people and communities in their hour of need, then a career with the CFS is for you.
Deliver positive outcomes for SA communities
Working for the CFS means you can make a real and tangible difference to the safety and resilience of South Australian communities.
A focus on wellbeing
The wellbeing of our staff - both physical, and mental - is our top priority. In addition to our employee assistance program, staff have the opportunity to undertake mental health first aid training, and benefit from flexible and child-friendly working arrangements.
Support to succeed
From uniforms to technology, we’ll provide you with the tools, equipment and knowledge you need to succeed in your career with the CFS.
Commitment to diversity and inclusion
It is important to us that we reflect the diverse communities that we serve. We value the perspectives and experiences of people from all backgrounds and foster a culture where everyone feels welcome and has a sense of belonging.
We are improving access and inclusion for our staff living with a disability through the South Australian Emergency Services Sector’s Disability Access and Inclusion Plan 2020-2024. We are also pleased to have launched the South Australian Emergency Services Sector inaugural REFLECT Reconciliation Action Plan (RAP) this year, recognising our commitment to reconciliation.
Transitioning from volunteer to staff member
With more than 13,500 volunteers throughout South Australia, a significant number of our employees make the transition from volunteer to a rewarding career with the CFS.
While having a volunteer background provides a valuable understanding of operational activity, it isn’t a necessity, and full training is provided to all new staff members.
Current vacancies
To view current publicly available positions at the CFS, visit I WORK FOR SA, and select "South Australian Country Fire Service" on the agency dropdown tab.
All applications for roles with the CFS will need to be submitted online via I WORK FOR SA.