City of Cape Town Wildland Firefighter Vacancies 2026 | Apply for Seasonal Firefighter Jobs Before 14 August 2026

The City of Cape Town has officially opened applications for Seasonal Wildland Firefighter Vacancies 2026. If you have a Grade 12 certificate, are physically fit, and are passionate about protecting communities and the environment, this is an excellent opportunity to gain valuable firefighting experience while serving one of South Africa’s largest metropolitan municipalities.

The City is seeking dedicated and hardworking individuals to join the Fire Services Department within the Safety and Security Directorate on a six-month non-permanent contract. Successful applicants will receive specialised training and practical experience while assisting professional firefighters in responding to vegetation fires and carrying out essential fire prevention activities.

Whether you are interested in building a long-term career in emergency services or looking to gain valuable work experience in the public sector, this opportunity offers practical training, professional development, and exposure to one of the country’s busiest municipal fire services.

Applications are open to both internal and external candidates, and interested applicants are encouraged to submit their applications before the closing date.

Job Overview

• Employer: City of Cape Town
• Department: Fire Services
• Directorate: Safety and Security
• Position: Seasonal Wildland Firefighter
• Reference Number: SS 48/26 Ext.
• Employment Type: Seasonal Contract
• Contract Duration: Six (6) Months
• Location: Cape Town, Western Cape
• Basic Salary: R204,812 per annum
• Closing Date: 14 August 2026

About the City of Cape Town Fire Services Department

The City of Cape Town Fire Services Department plays an essential role in protecting lives, property, infrastructure, and the natural environment from fire-related emergencies. Every year, firefighters respond to thousands of incidents, including structural fires, veld fires, vehicle fires, hazardous material incidents, and rescue operations.

Wildland Firefighters form an important part of these operations, particularly during the dry season when vegetation fires become more frequent across the Western Cape.

The department is committed to maintaining highly trained firefighting teams capable of responding quickly and effectively to emergencies while ensuring the safety of residents, visitors, and surrounding ecosystems.

Joining the City of Cape Town Fire Services Department provides an opportunity to work in a professional emergency response environment while developing valuable practical skills that can benefit your future career.

About the Seasonal Wildland Firefighter Position

The Seasonal Wildland Firefighter position is designed to strengthen firefighting capacity during periods of increased wildfire risk.

Successful candidates will receive practical and theoretical firefighting training before participating in operational activities under the supervision of experienced firefighters.

The role requires individuals who enjoy working outdoors, are physically fit, can remain calm during emergencies, and are willing to work as part of a disciplined team.

Firefighters often work in challenging conditions that require determination, teamwork, and excellent physical endurance.

Duties and Responsibilities

Successful applicants will perform a wide range of operational duties, including:

• Assisting with firefighting operations under supervision.
• Responding rapidly to vegetation and wildland fires.
• Helping contain and extinguish fires.
• Protecting residential areas and surrounding vegetation.
• Assisting with emergency response activities.
• Operating firefighting equipment safely.
• Cleaning, checking, and maintaining firefighting equipment.
• Inspecting firefighting vehicles.
• Ensuring all firefighting tools remain operational.
• Carrying out daily fire station duties.
• Assisting with station maintenance.
• Clearing and maintaining fire breaks.
• Supporting community fire prevention initiatives.
• Participating in continuous practical and theoretical training.
• Following all occupational health and safety procedures.
• Completing operational reports and maintaining accurate records.
• Working professionally with supervisors and fellow firefighters.

Minimum Requirements

Applicants must satisfy all of the following minimum requirements:

• Grade 12 (Matric) certificate.
• Must be 18 years of age or older.
• Must be willing to complete practical firefighting training.
• Must be willing to complete theoretical firefighting training.
• Must be prepared to work at any Fire Station within the City of Cape Town.
• Must be available to work 40 hours per week.
• Must be willing to work rotating shifts.
• Must be available to work overtime when operationally required.
• Must be able to perform physically demanding work.
• Must be able to work effectively under pressure.
• Must be capable of working as part of a team.
• Must have no criminal record.

Previous experience in firefighting, forestry, disaster management, emergency response, conservation, or related industries will be considered an added advantage.

Physical Fitness Assessment

Firefighting is one of the most physically demanding careers. To ensure candidates are capable of safely performing operational duties, all shortlisted applicants must successfully complete the compulsory fitness assessment.

The assessment includes:

Reach Test

Applicants must successfully complete a reach test measuring 1.9 metres.

Endurance Run

Applicants must complete a 2.4-kilometre run within the following times:

• Male applicants: 12 minutes
• Female applicants: 13 minutes

Push-Up Test

Applicants must complete:

• 30 push-ups within 60 seconds

Sit-Up Test

Applicants must complete:

• 30 sit-ups within 60 seconds

Dead Load Carry

Applicants must carry:

• Two 25 kg drums
• Over a distance of 100 metres

These assessments evaluate strength, endurance, stamina, and physical readiness for firefighting duties.

Recruitment Process

Candidates who successfully complete the physical fitness assessment will proceed to additional recruitment stages.

These include:

Written Assessment

Applicants will complete assessments covering:

• Mathematics
• English comprehension

Interview

Shortlisted candidates will attend a structured interview where their communication skills, teamwork, and suitability for the position will be evaluated.

Criminal Record Verification

Candidates will be required to submit fingerprints or identity numbers for criminal background screening.

No privately obtained police clearance certificates will be accepted.

Medical Assessment

Applicants must undergo a comprehensive medical examination to confirm they are medically fit for firefighting duties.

Drug Screening

Successful candidates must also pass a compulsory drug test before appointment.

Skills and Personal Qualities

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

• Physical fitness.
• Discipline.
• Integrity.
• Professionalism.
• Teamwork.
• Good communication skills.
• Positive attitude.
• Reliability.
• Emotional resilience.
• Commitment to public safety.
• Ability to remain calm under pressure.
• Strong work ethic.
• Willingness to learn.

Why Consider a Career as a Wildland Firefighter?

Working as a Wildland Firefighter provides much more than seasonal employment.

The position offers practical experience in emergency response while allowing individuals to develop transferable skills valued across various industries.

Benefits include:

• Professional firefighting training.
• Emergency response experience.
• Improved physical fitness.
• Team leadership experience.
• Valuable public sector work experience.
• Exposure to disaster management operations.
• Strong addition to your CV.
• Opportunity to build a career in emergency services.

Many former seasonal firefighters continue their careers in municipal fire services, disaster management, emergency medical services, conservation, forestry, and environmental management.

Important Information for Applicants

Applicants should note the following:

• Appointment is for a six-month seasonal contract.
• Applicants must consent to the City of Cape Town processing personal information for recruitment purposes.
• Background screening will form part of the recruitment process.
• Certified copies of qualifications must be available upon request.
• Late applications may not be considered.
• If no feedback is received within three months after the closing date, applicants should regard their applications as unsuccessful.

How to Apply

Applications must be submitted online.

• Internal employees: Apply through the SAP Portal.
• External applicants: Apply via the official City of Cape Town Careers website.

Ensure that your application is completed accurately and submitted before the closing date.

Closing Date

14 August 2026

Applications submitted after the closing date are unlikely to be considered.

Start Your Firefighting Career with the City of Cape Town

If you are physically fit, motivated, and eager to serve your community, the City of Cape Town Seasonal Wildland Firefighter Programme offers an excellent opportunity to gain valuable operational experience while contributing to public safety.

Successful candidates will receive specialised training, practical workplace experience, and the opportunity to work alongside experienced firefighters in one of South Africa’s leading metropolitan municipalities.

Prepare your application, ensure you meet the physical fitness requirements, and apply before 14 August 2026 to be considered for this exciting opportunity.

For more firefighter vacancies, government jobs, internships, learnerships, apprenticeships, bursaries, and graduate opportunities across South Africa, visit seta-services.co.za daily and stay informed about the latest career opportunities.

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