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Melbourne Water is calling for applicants to join its seasonal firefighting workforce, helping protect Melbourne’s major water catchments through the 2026-27 fire season. Applications open on 2 July 2026.
Each year, Melbourne Water deploys around 35 seasonal firefighters across some of Victoria’s most important water catchments.
Making up about one-third of the organisation’s total fire workforce, seasonal firefighters play a key role in safeguarding Melbourne’s drinking water from bushfires while supporting ongoing land and asset maintenance.
Melbourne Water General Manager Works Delivery, David Norman said forested catchments could take well over a century to recover from bushfires.
“It's important to boost seasonal firefighting capability as bushfire risk and impacts grow,” said Norman.
“Maintaining the road network, suppressing fires early and managing the fuel hazard with planned burning all help to protect our catchments – that’s why our efforts extend beyond the peak bushfire season.”
Beyond bushfire response, Melbourne Water’s firefighting workforce undertakes a variety of work, from bushfire response, maintaining access tracks, managing drainage, to supporting environmental management within the catchments.
Program Lead Delivery, James Wolff, who started at Melbourne Water as a seasonal firefighter in 2011 before transitioning into a full-time role, said the opportunity appeals in particular to people seeking hands-on, outdoor and physical work coupled with a strong sense of purpose.
“It’s a really rewarding opportunity and the best job I’ve ever had. You get to work in pristine environments, often closed to the public, contributing to something that directly benefits millions of Victorians,” said Wolff.
“It’s a very social and supportive environment, where you can build strong friendships while gaining valuable skills. We see people from all walks of life apply, and many return year-on-year.”
Applications open during 2-27 July 2026. Successful candidates will begin training in October before work commences.
The program includes accredited general firefighting training, as well as first-aid, chainsaw operation and four-wheel-drive training.
To find out more and apply, visit: Seasonal firefighters | Melbourne Water
