Wildland Firefighter Jobs 2026

Wildland Firefighter Jobs 2026 – Grade 12 Required | Apply Online

If you’re physically fit, disciplined, and passionate about protecting communities and the environment, the City of Cape Town is offering an exciting opportunity to join its Fire Services Department as a Seasonal Wildland Firefighter. This role is ideal for motivated individuals with a Grade 12 qualification who are ready to take on a physically demanding but rewarding career in emergency services.

Successful applicants will receive practical and theoretical firefighting training while working alongside experienced professionals to help combat vegetation fires across the City of Cape Town.

Job Overview

About the Role

Wildland Firefighters play a vital role in protecting lives, property, and natural vegetation from dangerous fires. The position involves responding to wildfire emergencies, maintaining firefighting equipment, supporting station operations, and participating in continuous firefighting training.

The role requires excellent physical fitness, teamwork, discipline, and the ability to perform effectively under pressure. Firefighters may be deployed to any designated fire station within the City of Cape Town and should be prepared for emergency call-outs, shift work, and adverse weather conditions.

Key Responsibilities

As a Seasonal Wildland Firefighter, your duties may include:

• Responding to vegetation and wildland fire emergencies.
• Assisting experienced firefighters during firefighting operations.
• Operating firefighting equipment safely and effectively.
• Inspecting, cleaning, and maintaining firefighting tools and equipment.
• Cleaning and maintaining firefighting vehicles.
• Performing general fire station housekeeping duties.
• Assisting with the maintenance and clearing of firebreaks.
• Participating in practical and classroom firefighting training.
• Attending ongoing skills development programmes.
• Following occupational health and safety procedures.
• Working effectively within a firefighting team.
• Maintaining operational records and completing assigned duties.

Minimum Requirements

To qualify for this opportunity, applicants must have:

• Grade 12 (Matric).
• Be at least 18 years old.
• Willingness to complete practical and theoretical firefighting training.
• Ability to work at any designated City of Cape Town fire station.
• Willingness to work shifts, weekends, public holidays, and overtime when required.
• Ability to work under physically demanding conditions.
• Good teamwork and communication skills.
• Ability to remain calm during emergencies.
• No criminal record.

Advantageous

Although not compulsory, the following will be beneficial:

• Previous firefighting experience.
• Fire-related training.
• Experience working in emergency response environments.

Physical Fitness Assessment

Shortlisted candidates must successfully complete the compulsory physical fitness assessment.

The assessment includes:

• Reach Test: Minimum reach of 1.9 metres
• 2.4 km Run
  • Male candidates: 12 minutes
  • Female candidates: 13 minutes
• 30 Push-ups within 60 seconds
• 30 Sit-ups within 60 seconds
• Carrying two 25 kg drums over a distance of 100 metres

Candidates are encouraged to prepare thoroughly by improving their cardiovascular endurance, upper-body strength, and overall fitness before attending assessments.

Recruitment Process

Applicants who successfully complete the fitness assessment will proceed to additional recruitment stages, which may include:

• Mathematics assessment
• English comprehension assessment
• Formal interview
• Criminal record verification
• Medical examination
• Drug screening
• Identity and security verification

Only candidates who successfully complete all recruitment stages will be considered for appointment.

Working Environment

Wildland Firefighters work in demanding operational environments that may include:

• Mountain and vegetation fire zones
• Extreme temperatures
• Smoke-filled environments
• Long operational hours
• Emergency call-outs
• Weekend and public holiday shifts

Successful candidates must be comfortable working outdoors and performing physically intensive duties.

Skills and Personal Attributes

The City of Cape Town is looking for candidates who demonstrate:

• Physical fitness and endurance
• Strong teamwork skills
• Discipline and reliability
• Good communication abilities
• Ability to follow instructions
• Problem-solving skills
• Calmness under pressure
• High levels of responsibility
• Commitment to public safety
• Positive work ethic

Why Apply?

This opportunity offers:

• Valuable emergency services experience.
• Practical firefighting training.
• Exposure to professional firefighting operations.
• An opportunity to serve and protect local communities.
• Competitive annual remuneration.
• Skills that can support future careers in emergency services.

If you’re passionate about public safety, enjoy working outdoors, and are prepared for the physical demands of firefighting, this seasonal opportunity could be the ideal starting point for your career.

How to Apply

Interested applicants should submit their applications through the official City of Cape Town recruitment platform before the closing date.

Closing Date: 14 August 2026

Late applications will not be considered.

Reference

Source: City of Cape Town Fire Services – Seasonal Wildland Firefighter Vacancy (Reference No. SS 48/26 Ext.).

CLICK HERE TO APPLY

Skhumbuzo Shandu

Skhumbuzo Shandu is the founder of Careers With Shandu, a platform dedicated to helping South Africans access job opportunities, learnerships, and career development resources.
He focuses on sharing clear, practical, and up-to-date information to help matriculants, graduates, and job seekers navigate applications and build their careers.
Through his work, he aims to make opportunities easier to understand and accessible to everyone, especially young people entering the workforce.