Standing on the wing of firefighting aircraft is a far cry from Trevor’s day-to-day role as a Planning Officer.
“Sometimes I still need to pinch myself when I’m at an airbase or an airport, working with such incredible machines. It really is a dream come true.”
In his daily role, Trevor assesses and reviews planning applications referred from local councils and other authorities in Hume Region.
“A usual week for me involves managing and monitoring incoming planning applications and correspondence, loading new applications onto Our Case Management System and preparing final response letters to council.”
Hot refueler role
Trevor has answered the call during some of the state’s most devastating bushfires in his emergency role as a hot refueler.
“A hot refueller is responsible for refuelling aircraft whilst they are still running. This allows the pilots and crew to remain operational with minimal downtime.”
“The quicker we can get the aircraft refuelled and back in the air, the quicker we can get back to containing fires and protecting life and property,” Trevor said.
Trevor has been deployed to several major fires, including the 2013 Harrietville fires, and the 2019-2020 Black Summer fires.
“During each event, I spent almost 6 weeks in total away from home.”
“I enjoy being able to spend some time outdoors and being able to help and contribute to the Department’s fire response in times of crisis. Plus, it also provides some variety outside my regular substantive day-to-day office role, which is nice.”
Trevor started with the Department in 2010 and has held several emergency roles, including radio operator and general firefighter, before beginning his role as a hot refueller in 2011.
“I was always passionate about aviation and aircraft growing up. To have an emergency fire role which allows me to work around and close to aircraft, really is a dream come true for me. I’m very lucky.”
Trainees undergo rigorous practical training to become hot refuelers, Trevor explains.
“This includes starting with cold or dry runs to practice refuelling techniques without fuel. This is followed by supervised hot refuelling exercises.”
Reaccreditation occurs every 12 months, requiring personnel to complete similar training exercises and demonstrate their skills in both cold and hot refuelling to maintain their accreditation.
Join our ranks as Project Firefighters for the 2024/25 season
Forest Fire Management Victoria is recruiting Project Firefighters for the 2024/25 season from 4-28 July 2024.
This is your chance to make a profound impact, protect our communities, and preserve the beauty of our natural landscapes.
Recruitment window
4 to 28 July 2024
Opportunity
Open to all, with designated positions available for Aboriginal applicants, affirming our commitment to diversity and inclusion.
For more information on the roles and responsibilities, and to join this fulfilling journey, please visit firefighter and employment.
Page last updated: 15/06/24