A friend’s recommendation leads to the perfect job

For new Knoxfield-based recruit Frances Walpole this was exactly her introduction to the role she is loving.

‘A colleague and friend from my previous job had been a PFF for many years and she had loved it and encouraged me to apply,’ Frances said.

‘I love working outdoors, challenging myself with new skills and working as part of a team so it seemed like the perfect fit.’

Before becoming a PFF, Frances worked for several years in the ski industry at Mt Buller and overseas while she studied.

‘After finishing my Masters of Environment and Sustainability I got a job with the Victorian fisheries authority,’ Frances said.

‘I was helping to breed and stock native/endangered fish species.’

‘But when the PFF roles came up I jumped at the chance to apply.’

Like all new PFFs Frances had to complete FFMVic’s general firefighters training.

‘Training was really intense,’ Frances said.

‘There was a lot of information to learn in four weeks!

‘On the whole it was really fun even though a lot of it had to be virtual this year.

‘It was a great opportunity to learn a lot from our really experienced and helpful trainers.’

Since completing training, Frances has continued to improve her skills, improving her crosscut skills during track clearing, and well as off siding for heavy machinery operators, brush cutting.

‘I have even got to go out on a few planned grassland burns which has been really exciting,’ Frances said.

‘It was a great opportunity to experience how everyone works together and communicates.

‘It has also been good to learn more about fire behaviour.’

To register your interest in becoming a project firefighter for the 2022/23 season visit the Firefighting and Employment page.