Learner firefighters at Kouga Local Municipality

The Municipality is committed to promoting employment equity in accordance with its approved Employment Equity Plan and encourages applications from candidates who meet the stipulated requirements and demonstrate a genuine interest in serving and protecting the community.

The successful candidates will have an opportunity to contribute towards the protection of lives, property, infrastructure and the natural environment within the Kouga Municipal area. Firefighting is an essential emergency response service that requires dedication, discipline, courage, teamwork and the ability to make sound decisions under pressure.

Learner Firefighters will be expected to demonstrate professionalism, responsibility and a willingness to perform duties in challenging and sometimes dangerous environments. The position offers candidates an opportunity to apply their existing firefighting knowledge and technical training while developing practical experience in municipal fire and rescue operations.

Firefighting is not limited to responding to fires. It also involves preventing emergencies, protecting communities, responding to hazardous incidents, assisting with disaster management activities and promoting public awareness about fire safety.

Purpose of the position

The primary purpose of the Learner Firefighter position is to support the Municipality’s fire and emergency services in protecting members of the public, municipal property, private property and the surrounding environment against fire-related incidents and other emergencies.

The successful candidates will be required to participate in firefighting operations, emergency response activities, fire prevention initiatives and other duties associated with municipal fire and rescue services.

They must be prepared to respond to emergencies promptly and effectively while following established operational procedures, safety standards and instructions from supervisors.

Learner Firefighters must demonstrate the ability to remain calm in stressful situations, assess potential dangers and work effectively with colleagues and other emergency response personnel.

The Municipality seeks individuals who are dependable, disciplined, physically capable and committed to providing quality emergency services to the community.

Minimum requirements and qualifications

Applicants must possess a Grade 12 certificate or an equivalent recognised qualification. Candidates must also have the required firefighting and hazardous materials training, demonstrating that they have acquired the necessary theoretical knowledge and technical competencies to participate in firefighting and emergency response operations.

The following qualifications and competencies are required:

• Grade 12 certificate.
• Firefighter One qualification in accordance with NFPA 1010, previously NFPA 1001.
• Firefighter Two qualification in accordance with NFPA 1010, previously NFPA 1001.
• Hazardous Materials Awareness qualification in accordance with NFPA 470.
• Hazardous Materials Operational qualification in accordance with NFPA 470.
• First Aid Level 3 certificate.
• A valid Code B or Code C1 driver’s licence.

Applicants must demonstrate an understanding of firefighting principles, fire suppression methods, emergency response procedures and the safe handling of firefighting equipment.

Knowledge of hazardous materials and the risks associated with chemical spills, dangerous substances and other potentially harmful incidents will be essential.

Candidates should have an understanding of the importance of personal protective equipment, operational safety procedures, emergency communication systems and the need to follow instructions during emergency situations.

Required skills, knowledge and competencies

The successful candidates must possess good interpersonal and communication skills and demonstrate the ability to work professionally with colleagues, supervisors, members of the public and other emergency service providers.

Applicants must have good attention to detail, particularly when inspecting equipment, identifying possible hazards, assessing emergency scenes and carrying out operational responsibilities.

The ability to handle stressful conditions is essential. Firefighters regularly encounter dangerous, unpredictable and emotionally demanding situations. Applicants must therefore demonstrate emotional stability, self-discipline and the ability to remain focused when dealing with emergencies.

The following additional competencies are required:

• Good verbal and written communication skills.
• Strong teamwork and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to work independently when required and under supervision.
• Ability to follow instructions and comply with operational procedures.
• Good problem-solving and decision-making abilities.
• Attention to detail and awareness of workplace safety.
• Knowledge of firefighting equipment and its appropriate use.
• Ability to work effectively in high-pressure environments.
• Understanding of fire prevention and emergency response procedures.
• Sound knowledge of applicable fire and disaster management legislation.
• Willingness to learn, develop and improve professional competencies.
• Responsible conduct, honesty, discipline and commitment to public service.
• Ability to adapt to changing emergency situations and operational demands.
• Ability to communicate effectively with members of the public during emergencies.

Applicants must also be able to speak, read and write in at least two of the official languages commonly used within the Kouga Municipal area, namely Afrikaans, English and isiXhosa.

Effective communication is important when providing emergency assistance, sharing operational information, interacting with residents and communicating safety instructions to members of the public.

Key responsibilities and duties

The appointed Learner Firefighters will be expected to assist with the implementation of municipal firefighting and emergency response activities.

Their responsibilities will include:

• Responding to fire emergencies and participating in operations aimed at controlling and extinguishing fires in residential, commercial, industrial and natural environments.
• Assisting with the preparation, inspection, cleaning and maintenance of firefighting equipment, vehicles and protective clothing.
• Ensuring that firefighting equipment and operational resources are properly maintained and ready for emergency deployment.
• Assisting with emergency rescue operations where required and within the limits of their training and competence.
• Participating in hazardous materials response activities in accordance with applicable safety procedures.
• Providing basic emergency assistance and first aid within their qualifications.
• Supporting fire prevention programmes and public fire safety awareness campaigns.
• Assisting with the identification of potential fire hazards in residential, commercial and public environments.
• Participating in practical training exercises, emergency drills and operational readiness programmes.
• Following instructions from supervisors and complying with established emergency response procedures.
• Ensuring that personal protective equipment is used correctly during firefighting and rescue operations.
• Assisting with the protection of lives, property, infrastructure and the natural environment.
• Maintaining professionalism and discipline when interacting with members of the public.
• Reporting equipment defects, operational challenges and potential safety risks to the relevant supervisors.

Learner Firefighters must understand the importance of protecting vulnerable members of society and minimising the impact of emergencies on communities.

All duties must be performed in accordance with applicable municipal policies, occupational health and safety requirements, fire safety legislation, disaster management legislation and instructions issued by the relevant supervisors.

Special conditions of employment

The nature of firefighting requires employees to work in demanding environments and under conditions that may change without warning.

Applicants must therefore be prepared to:

• Work outdoors and be exposed to different weather conditions, including extreme heat, cold, rain and strong winds.
• Operate in hazardous locations and areas that may present significant risks to personal safety.
• Work at considerable heights above ground level.
• Access difficult-to-reach areas during emergency operations.
• Work shifts according to the operational requirements of the Municipality.
• Work weekends, public holidays and night shifts when required.
• Perform additional duties and extended working hours during emergencies.
• Carry heavy firefighting equipment and perform physically demanding tasks.
• Wear protective clothing and equipment for extended periods.
• Participate in physical training and emergency preparedness exercises.

The position requires employees to be physically fit and able-bodied to perform the demanding duties associated with firefighting and emergency response services.

The work may involve lifting heavy equipment, carrying hoses, climbing ladders, moving through difficult terrain and responding to emergencies in challenging environmental conditions.

Applicants must understand that firefighting is a physically and mentally demanding occupation that requires constant alertness, discipline and strict adherence to safety procedures.

Salary and benefits

Salary: R72 000.00 per annum.

Benefits: As per the Municipality’s standard conditions of service.

The appointment will be on a contractual basis for a period of twenty-four months, subject to the Municipality’s applicable employment conditions and operational requirements.

Application procedure

Interested candidates who meet the minimum requirements are invited to submit a formal application for consideration.

Applications must be accompanied by the following supporting documents:

• A completed municipal application form.
• A comprehensive and updated curriculum vitae.
• Copies of relevant qualifications and certificates.
• A copy of the applicant’s identity document.
• A copy of a valid Code B or Code C1 driver’s licence.

Applicants must ensure that all supporting documents are clear, legible and properly arranged to ensure that the information can be assessed during the recruitment process.

The application must be compiled and submitted electronically as ONE PDF DOCUMENT ONLY.

The official municipal application form can be obtained from the Kouga Local Municipality website:

Applicants are encouraged to ensure that all required documentation is included before submitting their applications. Incomplete applications or applications that do not comply with the stated submission requirements may not be considered.

Applications must reach the Human Resource Manager no later than the stipulated closing date and time. Late applications will not be accepted.

Closing date: 6 November 2026.

Closing time: 12:00.

Enquiries

For further information regarding this vacancy or the application process, interested applicants may contact:

• Contact person: Ms. Z. Gxuluwe.
• Telephone: 042 200 200.

Applicants are encouraged to familiarise themselves with the requirements and conditions of the position before submitting their applications.

Disqualification

Applicants are advised that certain actions or circumstances may result in immediate disqualification from the recruitment process.

The following may lead to disqualification:

• Canvassing or attempting to influence Councillors or any other persons involved in the recruitment and selection process.
• Submission of fraudulent qualifications, false information, misleading statements or altered supporting documents.
• Attaching more than one PDF document when submitting an application.

The Municipality reserves the right to verify the authenticity of all qualifications, certificates, identity documents, driver’s licences and other information supplied by applicants.

Applicants must ensure that their application form, comprehensive CV and all supporting documents are combined into a single PDF file before submission.

Vetting and selection process

Shortlisted candidates will be subjected to the Municipality’s recruitment and selection procedures, which may include vetting, reference checks and assessments.

These processes are intended to verify the information supplied by applicants and establish their suitability for the position.

By submitting an application, candidates acknowledge and agree that the Municipality may conduct the necessary background checks as part of the recruitment process.

The selection process will consider the qualifications, relevant training, competencies, experience and overall suitability of candidates in relation to the requirements of the position.

Candidates must ensure that all information provided in their applications is accurate and truthful. Any discrepancies discovered during the verification process may affect the outcome of the application.

Important notice to applicants

The Municipality reserves the right not to make an appointment following the recruitment and selection process.

Applicants who do not receive communication from the Municipality within thirty days after the closing date should consider their applications unsuccessful.

Candidates are encouraged to ensure that their contact details are correct and that all information submitted is accurate and up to date.

Kouga Local Municipality appreciates the interest of all applicants and encourages suitably qualified individuals who are passionate about emergency services, community safety and public service to apply.

Apply for learner fire fighters