The NSW Fire Brigades' purpose is to enhance community safety, quality of life and confidence by minimising the impact of hazards and emergency incidents on the people, environment and economy of New South Wales. As one of the world's largest urban fire and rescue services, we manage fire emergencies in NSW's major cities and towns. We respond to rescues, hazardous materials incidents and possible terrorism activities across the State. We work with other government agencies to minimise the impact of bushfires, storms, floods, landslides, building collapses, motor vehicle accidents and other emergencies. We also run prevention and preparedness programs to prevent these emergencies and reduce their impact on the community.

Perhaps you have never really thought of yourself as an 'Action Woman or Man' but provided you are fit and healthy and have time to spare you could join the retained firefighter ranks of the NSW Fire Brigades.

It would give you the chance to make a real and worthwhile contribution to the community in which you live. You would get the chance to meet and help a whole range of local people. You can often fit this work in with your other responsibilities, including your family responsibilities.

A retained Fire Station is a Fire Station where 'part time', 'on call' retained firefighters work. The station is not a permanently staffed station, meaning the retained firefighters are 'on call' from home or work rather than on duty at the station. Retained Fire Stations respond to emergencies 24 hours a day.

Retained firefighters are men and women who are 'on call' to respond to a range of emergencies. These may be fires, floods, road traffic accidents or chemical spills. Retained Firefighters also visit schools and other community events to provide community education.

Many retained firefighters have other full or part-time jobs. Although they are 'on call' they are trained and capable of saving life and property.

We are an Equal Opportunity Employer and are committed to ensuring our workplace reflects the diverse communities we serve. We welcome applications from women, indigenous people and people from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds.

Retained Firefighters come in a range of shapes and sizes. Because you can't predict when you will be needed you have to be flexible and available at short notice. The chances are that you will be at home, working for yourself or working for a community-minded employer who can let you take time off from time to time at short notice. You don't need formal qualifications, but you do need common sense and enthusiasm.

There is the satisfaction of a job well done, and the camaraderie which comes from working together in challenging situations. You will receive training in the use of specialist equipment and more general skills, like first aid. These will be useful to you in all walks of life. You will also learn to be more self-reliant and confident. After all, if you can cope in an emergency you are ready for anything else that life might throw at you. You also get paid.