Service Standard 6.1.2 Date of Issue 13 June 2012 Version Number 3.3 1. Purpose 1.1 All members of the NSW Rural Fire Service (NSW RFS) need to have the competencies (knowledge and skills) necessary to perform their assigned role/function/position in ways that are safe and effective. 1.2 This Service Standard specifies the minimum qualifications required to be eligible for appointment to key positions in the NSW RFS. 2. Policy Volunteer Qualifications 2.1 The minimum qualifications for volunteers are listed in Appendix 1. 2.2 Transition arrangements may apply when new qualifications are introduced and will be indicated in the appendices of this Service Standard. 2.3 Volunteer qualifications may be obtained through: (a) successful completion of training programs and related assessment activities, or; (b) the process of recognition of prior learning (RPL) in accordance with SS 6.1.3 Training in the NSW RFS. 2.4 Using a risk management approach, a District Manager may waive any of the requirements for volunteer qualifications in their area of jurisdiction, provided they are working to achieve compliance within a reasonable time and are satisfied that current operations can be conducted safely. 2.5 No manager, or anyone delegated work by them, may require a higher qualification than is specified in this Service Standard (e.g. no higher than Crew Leader Supervision (CLS) certification may be specified as a prerequisite for a member to become a Captain or Senior Deputy Captain). 2.6 Funds which have been allocated to a district, region or section for volunteer training and/or incident management training may not be used Service Standard 6.1.2 Page 1 of 14 13 June 2012
for any other purpose, including other forms of training and development for staff. 2.7 This Service Standard applies to Junior Members over 16 years who may achieve any of the qualifications so long as any risks are managed in accordance with SS 2.1.5 Child and Youth Participation in NSW RFS Activities and Appendix 1, Table H of this Service Standard. Staff Qualifications 2.8 The minimum qualifications for each staff position are specified in the relevant role statement or position description by the Manager, Volunteer Relations and Workforce Planning. These will normally be based on the guidelines given in appendix 2 (for district and regional staff) and Appendix 3 (headquarters staff). 2.9 A Director may waive any of the requirements for staff qualifications in their area of jurisdiction, provided the staff member is working to achieve compliance within a reasonable time and the Director is satisfied that the relevant current work can be conducted satisfactorily. 2.10 In exceptional circumstances (i.e. organisational realignment) the Director may waive the requirement for a staff member to hold the necessary qualification if it is felt the staff member possesses a demonstrated equivalent level of expertise for the role being undertaken. The staff member granted the exemption shall be encouraged to apply for the necessary qualification through the NSW RFS RPL process. Responsibilities 2.11 The Manager Volunteer Relations and Workforce Planning and the Manager Learning and Development, will review (and update if needed) the qualifications listed in the attached appendices on the annual anniversary of the publication date. 2.12 Each manager is to ensure qualifications are achieved by members, as listed in the Appendices of this Service Standard, for their area of jurisdiction, and in consultation with relevant senior members. 3. Links The NSW Public Sector Capability Framework The Standards for NVR Registered Training Organisations Vocational Education and Training (Commonwealth Powers) Act 2011 National Vocational Education and Training Regulator Act 2011 National Vocational Education and Training Regulator Regulations 2011 The Public Sector Training Package PSP04 Service Standard 6.1.2 Page 2 of 14 13 June 2012
The Business Services Training Package BSB07 The Public Safety Training Package PUA00 The Training and Education Training Package TAE10 SS 2.1.5 Child and Youth Participation in NSW RFS Activities SS 3.1.4 Remote Area Firefighter Fitness Training SS 5.1.9 Breathing Apparatus SS 6.1.3 Training in the NSW RFS 4. Who is responsible for implementing the Service Standard? Director Membership and Strategic Services 5. Amendments Reviewed to reflect the introduction of the National 13 June 2012 Vocational Education and Training Regulator and to align with the NSW Public Sector Capability Framework. Reviewed to include programs for junior and cadet members Service Standard 6.1.2 Page 3 of 14 13 June 2012
A. Mainstream Firefighting Roles Appendix 1 s - for Volunteers Fight a bush / grass fire under supervision Bush Firefighter (BF) Fight a village type fire (structure/vehicle) Village Firefighter (VF) Fight a fire without direct supervision Advanced Firefighter (AF) Lead a crew fighting a bush fire Crew Leader Wildfire (CLW) Lead a crew fighting a village type fire Crew Leader Village (CLV) Command a small incident, or a strike team or small sector of a larger incident Command a medium scale incident, or a large sector or division of a large incident Comments: Crew Leader Supervision (CLS) Group Leader (GL) The above requirements do not apply in rural remote brigades (see section headed Grassland Firefighting Roles ). Equivalent certification from another organisation is recognised. The relevant district manager may waive any of the requirements above in accordance with, and only in accordance with, clause 2.4 of this service standard. B. Grassland Only Firefighting Roles (e.g. farm based brigades) Fight a grassland fire under supervision Bush Firefighter Grassland (BFG) Fight a vehicle/structure fire in grassland areas Vehicle/Structure F/F in Grasslands (VSG) Lead a crew fighting a grassland fire Crew Leader Grassland (CLG) Coordinate large grassland firefighting Group Leader Grassland (GLG) Comments: Grassland firefighting qualifications are short programs tailored specifically for remote rural brigades (i.e. farm based brigades). They have no national recognition. Some specialist qualifications are also not required in remote rural brigades see the exemptions section under the Specialist Roles heading. VSG and GLG are not mandatory until 1 Oct 2012. The relevant district manager may waive any of the requirements above in accordance with, and only in accordance with, clause 2.4 of this service standard. Service Standard 6.1.2 Page 4 of 14 13 June 2012
C. Specialist Roles Provide advanced resuscitation Advanced Resuscitation Techniques (ART) Fight a village fire using an interior attack Breathing Apparatus Operator (BAO) Operate near a bush fire (not firefighting) Bush Firefighter Support (BFS) Provide catering services to firefighters Catering Assistant (CAT) Operate in a Firecom under supervision Communications Centre Assistant (CCA) Provide a Firecom service to units Communications Centre Operator (CCO) Coordinate maintenance of equipment Equipment Officer (EQO) Access bush fires by helicopter winch Helicopter Winch Skills (HWS) Supervise a prescribed burning operation Prescribed Burning Supervisor (PBS) Fight bush fires in remote bushland Remote Area Firefighting (RAF) Drive vehicles to and at incidents Rural Fire Driving (RFD) Provide first aid to injured/ill personnel First Aid Application (FAA) or equivalent Cross cut fallen timber with a chainsaw Trim and Cross Cut Fallen Trees (TFT) Fall simple trees with a chainsaw Tree Falling Intermediate (TFI) Fall problem trees with a chainsaw Tree Falling Fireline (TFF) Comments: EQO, RFD, TFT, TFI and TFF are not mandatory in remote rural (farm based) brigades. Equivalent certification from another organisation is recognised. The relevant district manager may waive any of the requirements above in accordance with, and only in accordance with, clause 2.4 of this service standard. D. Aviation Roles Provide air base services to air operations Air Base Operator (ABO) Manage air base services Air Base Manager (ABM) Coordinate air activities at incidents Aircraft Officer (AOF) Communicate on aviation radios Aircraft Radio Operator (ARO) Observe incidents from an aircraft Air Observer (AOB) Supervise air attack operations Air Attack Supervisor (AAS) Manage air operations at incidents Air Operations Manager (AOM) Operate surveillance systems from aircraft Aircraft Systems Operator (ASO) Drop incendiaries from an aircraft Air Incendiary Bombardier (AIB) Navigate an aircraft dropping incendiaries Air Incendiary Navigator (AIN) Service Standard 6.1.2 Page 5 of 14 13 June 2012
E. Incident Management Team (IMT) Roles Control serious (multi-agency) bush fires Incident Controller Major Incident (ICMI) Manage the control of major incidents Incident Management Control (IMC) Coordinate operations at large incidents Incident Management Operations (IMO) Coordinate planning at large incidents Incident Management - Planning (IMP) Coordinate logistics at large incidents Incident Management Logistics (IML) Assist any of the above within an IMT Incident Control System for IMTs (ICS) Comments: Transition arrangements apply during the introduction of ICMI, commencing 2012 Equivalent certification from another organisation is recognised. The relevant district manager may waive any of the requirements above in accordance with, and only in accordance with, clause 2.4 of this service standard. Note: Some of the above roles may be filled by RFS volunteers, RFS staff or personnel from kindred organisations. F. Trainer and Assessor Roles Provide face to face instruction RFS Fire Instructor (RFI) Gather evidence for assessment RFS Assessment Advocate (ASA) Assess the competency of personnel RFS Assessor (ASR) Coordinate local training and assessment RFS Training Coordinator (RTC) Comments: The new RFI (2005 or later) qualification covers the content of both the old RFI and the new ASA, and enables a member to both provide instruction and gather evidence for assessment. Service Standard 6.1.2 Page 6 of 14 13 June 2012
G. Community Safety and Liaison Roles Assist with community safety activities Community Safety Assistant (CSA) Facilitate community safety activities Community Safety Facilitator (CSF) Provide community liaison services Community Liaison Officer (CLO) Comments: Equivalent certification from another organisation is recognised. The relevant district manager may waive any of the requirements above in accordance with, and only in accordance with, clause 2.4 of this service standard. H. Junior Member roles Operate near a bush fire (not firefighting) Bush Firefighter Support (BFS) Provide catering services to firefighters Catering Assistant (CAT) Operate in a Firecom under supervision Communications Centre Assistant (CCA) Assist with community safety activities Community Safety Assistant (CSA) Provide first aid to injured/ill personnel First Aid Application (FAA) or equivalent Comments: junior members may complete modules from any NSW RFS training program and on completion of any national unit of competency be awarded a statement of attainment. Note: while junior members may achieve any of the competencies for NSW RFS qualifications, they are not awarded that qualification until they are 16 years of age except for those shown in the above table. The above table refers to the roles that junior members can actually perform operationally and does not restrict their access to training in any other roles and in accordance with SS 2.1.5 Child and Youth Participation in NSW RFS Activities. Service Standard 6.1.2 Page 7 of 14 13 June 2012
Appendix 2 s for Regional and District Staff Notes: The minimum qualification required for a position is that stated in the relevant position description or role statement. Appendices 2 and 3 are for guiding staff that specify those qualifications and provide information to members who want to know which qualifications to gain to help progress their career See Appendix 5 for a full explanation of the various levels quoted in the tables below. Where positions are combined the qualifications specified for both are needed. A. Management Positions Qualifications District Regional 8/9 10/11 12/13 + 10/11 General 10/11 Infra- 10/11 Member 10/11 Operations 12/13+ structure ship General Level 5 Level 6 Level 6 Level 6 Level 6 Level 6 Level 6 Level 6 Fire Risk Management Level 4 Level 5 Level 6 Level 1 Level 1 Level 1 Level 5 Level 1 Community Resilience Level 4 Level 5 Level 6 Level 2 Level 1 Level 1 Level 5 Level 1 Fire/Incident Level 5 Level 5 Level 6 Level 1 Level 1 Level 1 Level 5 Level 1 Management Learning and Level 3 Level 3 Level 3 Level 1 Level 1 Level 5 Level 3 Level 1 Development Specialist Level 1 Level 1 Level 1 Level 1 Level 1 Level 1 Level 1 Level 1 Fitness Level 3 Level 3 Level 3 Level 2 Level 3 Level 3 Level 4 Level 3 B. Services Positions Qualifications District Regional 4/5 6/7 8/9 8/9 8/9 8/9 6/7 8/9 General Infrastructure Member ship Operations General Level 1 Level 4 Level 5 Level 5 Level 5 Level 5 Level 4 Level 5 Fire Risk Management Level 3 Level 4 Level 4 Level 3 Level 3 Level 5 Level 1 Level 1 Community Resilience Level 3 Level 4 Level 4 Level 3 Level 3 Level 5 Level 1 Level 1 Fire/Incident Level 3 Level 4 Level 5 Level 4 Level 4 Level 5 Level 1 Level 1 Management Learning and Level 2 Level 3 Level 3 Level 3 Level 4 Level 3 Level 1 Level 1 Development Specialist Level 1 Level 3 Level 1 Level 1 Level 1 Level 1 Level 4 Level 4 Fitness Level 3 Level 3 Level 3 Level 3 Level 3 Level 3 Level 3 Level 3 C. Technical Positions Qualifications 1 2/3 4/5 6/7 General Level 1 Level 1 Level 3 Level 4 Fire Risk Management Level 1 Level 1 Level 1 Level 1 Community Resilience Level 1 Level 1 Level 1 Level 1 Fire/Incident Management Level 1 Level 1 Level 1 Level 1 Learning and Development Level 1 Level 1 Level 2 Level 3 Specialist Level 1 Level 2 Level 3 Level 4 Fitness Level 2 Level 2 Level 3 Level 2 Service Standard 6.1.2 Page 8 of 14 13 June 2012
D. Administrative Positions Qualifications District Regional 1 2/3 4/5 2/3 4/5 General Level 1 Level 2 Level 3 Level 2 Level 3 Fire Risk Management Level 1 Level 1 Level 1 Level 1 Level 1 Community Resilience Level 1 Level 1 Level 1 Level 1 Level 1 Fire/Incident Level 1 Level 1 Level 1 Level 1 Level 1 Management Learning and Level 1 Level 1 Level 1 Level 1 Level 2 Development Specialist Level 1 Level 1 Level 1 Level 1 Level 3 Fitness Level 2 Level 2 Level 2 Level 2 Level 2 E. Fleet Support Positions Qualifications 5/6 General Level 3 Fire Risk Management Level 1 Community Resilience Level 1 Fire/Incident Management Level 1 Learning and Development Level 2 Specialist Level 3 Fitness Level 3 F. Field Positions (e.g. Mitigation Works) Qualifications 1 2/3 General Level 1 Level 1 Fire Risk Management Level 1 Level 3 Community Resilience Level 1 Level 1 Fire/Incident Management Level 1 Level 3 Learning and Development Level 1 Level 1 Specialist Level 3 Level 3 Fitness Level 6 Level 6 Service Standard 6.1.2 Page 9 of 14 13 June 2012
Appendix 3 s for Headquarters Staff Note: Some positions may fall into more than one category due to the specific focus of Headquarters business units (e.g. Manager Learning and Development). In such cases either qualification may usually be used. In certain cases, more than one qualification may be required. Unless otherwise stated, fitness levels are Level 2. See Appendix 5 for full details of the various levels quoted in the tables below. A. Director Positions Qualifications General All Director Positions A Degree or Graduate Certificate in a relevant discipline B. Manager and Supervisor Positions Qualifications Level 6/7 Level 8/9 Level 10/11 Level 12/13+ General Level 4 Level 5 Level 6 # # - A Degree or Graduate Certificate in a relevant discipline C. Technical and Coordinator Positions Qualifications Level 4/5 Level 6/7 Level 8/9 Level 10/11 General Level 1 Level 4 Level 5 Level 6 D. Administrative and Support Positions Qualifications Level 1 Level 2/3 Level 4/5 Level 6/7 General Level 1 Level 2 Level 3 Level 4 D. (i) Headquarters OCSC Positions Qualifications Level A Level B General Level 1 Level 2 E. Field Positions (e.g. Mitigation Works) Qualifications Level 1 Level 2/3 General Level 1 Level 1 Fire Risk Management Level 1 Level 3 Community Resilience Level 1 Level 1 Fire/Incident Management Level 1 Level 3 Learning and Development Level 1 Level 1 Specialist Level 3 Level 3 Fitness Level 6 Level 6 Service Standard 6.1.2 Page 10 of 14 13 June 2012
Appendix 4 - Glossary of abbreviations for NSW RFS qualifications/programs Acronym Qualification / Program Acronym Qualification / Program AAS Air Attack Supervisor DA1 Development Assessment (level one) ABK Aviation Basic Knowledge DA2 Development Assessment (level two) ABM Air Base Manager EQO Equipment Officer ABO Air Base Operator EXT Extinguisher Training AF Advanced Firefighter FAA First Aid Application AFP Advanced Firefighter Principles GL Group Leader AFT Advanced Firefighter Technical GLA Group Leader Analysis AIB Air Incendiary Bombardier GLC Group Leader Command AIN Air Incendiary Navigator GLG Group Leader Grassland AOB Air Observer HWS Helicopter Winch Skills AOF Aircraft Officer ICMI Incident Controller Major Incident AOM Air Operations Manager ICS Incident Control System (for IMTs) ART Advanced Resuscitation Techniques ILC Inspect for Legislative Compliance ARO Aviation Radio Operator IMC Incident Management Control ASO Airborne Systems operator IML Incident Management Logistics ASA RFS Assessment Advocate IMO Incident Management Operations ASR RFS Assessor IMP Incident Management Planning BAO Breathing Apparatus Operator IPS Implement Prevention Strategies BAS Breathing Apparatus Support LDR Leadership and Team Skills BF Bush Firefighter MCS Machinery Supervision BFA Bush Fire Awareness MLO Media Liaison Officer BFG Bush Fire Grassland PBP Plan Prescribed Burn Programs BFS Bush Fire Support PBS Prescribed Burning Supervisor CAT Catering Assistant PLO Public Liaison Officer CBD Conduct Briefings & Debriefings PPS Protect & Preserve Incident Scene CCA Communications Assistant RAF Remote Area Firefighter CCC Command/Control/Communications RFD Rural Fire Driving CCL Catering Crew Leader RFI RFS Instructor CCO Communications Operator RTC RFS Training Coordinator CCS Communications Supervisor S44 Section 44 Controller CL Crew Leader SAF Monitor Brigade Safety CLG Crew Leader Grassland SI Safety Induction CLO Community Liaison Officer SWR Safe Working on Roofs CLS Crew Leader Supervision TCO Traffic Control Officer CLV Crew Leader Village TFF Tree Falling Fireline CLW Crew Leader Wildfire TFI Tree Falling Intermediate CSA Community Safety Assistant TFT Trim and cross cut Felled Trees CSC Community Safety Coordinator VF Village Firefighter CSF Community Safety Facilitator VSG Vehicle /Structure Fires in Grassland CSO Chain Saw Operator (now TFF/I/T) WFI Fire Investigation Wildfire CUS Customer Service Service Standard 6.1.2 Page 11 of 14 13 June 2012
Appendix 5 Table 1 Minimum RFS Qualifications for Staff Elements Level 1 Level 2 Level 3 Level 4 Level 5 Level 6 1 General No qualification specified A Certificate II in a relevant discipline, or equivalent expertise. A Certificate III in a relevant discipline, or equivalent expertise. A Certificate IV in a relevant discipline, or equivalent expertise. A Diploma in a relevant discipline, or equivalent expertise. An Advanced Diploma or Degree in a relevant discipline, 2 Fire Risk Management 3 Community Resilience 4 Fire / Incident Management No qualification specified No qualification specified No qualification specified RFS BF certification, or equivalent expertise, such as unit: - PUAFIR204A/B. RFS CSA equivalent expertise, such as unit: - PUAFIR208A/B RFS ICS certification or equivalent, such as: - 21588VIC or 22022VIC RFS AF certification or equivalent expertise in fire behavior (e.g. the underpinning knowledge of unit PUAFIR303A/B). RFS CSF equivalent expertise, such as the two units: - PUAFIR301A/B - PUACOM005A/B RFS CLS equivalent expertise, such as the unit: - PUAOPE001A/B (In a fire context) Plus RFS ICS certification or equivalent, such as: - 21588VIC or 22022VIC RFS RFI and ASR equivalent expertise, such as units: TAA/E DEL301A and ASS301A/402A/403A TAESS401A RFS PBS equivalent expertise, such as the unit: - PUAFIR407A/B RFS Community Liaison Officer (CLO) and / or Media Liaison Officer (MLO) equivalent expertise. Any one of the following RFS certifications: IML, IMP or IMO (or GL), or equivalent, such as any one of the units below: - PUAMAN002A/B - PUAFIR502A/B - PUAOPE005A/B or 22022VIC Certificate IV in Training and Education. RFS PBP equivalent expertise, such as the unit: - PUAFIR406A/B RFS Public Liaison Officer (PLO) equivalent expertise (e.g. in another agency). RFS IMC equivalent expertise, such as the unit: - PUAOPE007A/B, or - PUAOPE006A/B or equivalent. Tertiary qualification in a technical discipline relevant to the role, or equivalent expertise. Tertiary qualification in an emergency management or technical discipline relevant to the role. Tertiary qualification in an emergency management, or similar discipline, relevant to the role. 5 Learning and Development No qualification specified RFS RFI and ASA equivalent, such as units: TAA/E DEL301A and TAA/E ASS301A Diploma of Training and Education Certificate IV in Training and Education. A degree or higher in an adult education or training related discipline, plus a Certificate IV in Training and Education.. 6 Specialist No Holds all Specialist Specialist A specialist A specialist higher Service Standard 6.1.2 Page 12 of 14 13 June 2012
qualification specified 7 Fitness No requirement specified prerequisites for the specialist training listed in the position s accountabilities. No condition preventing working in a disability-friendly workplace. qualifications as listed in the position s accountabilities, (or the willingness to obtain). No condition preventing normal field activities of the job (i.e. non-arduous) qualifications as listed in the position s accountabilities. Good general health with no known significant risk factors or conditions. vocational qualification relevant to the position. Good general health and fitness confirmed by a medical examination. education qualification relevant to the position. Meets health and fitness standards specified for arduous work in the NSW RFS. Service Standard 6.1.2 Page 13 of 14 13 June 2012
UNIT CODE 22023VIC (new) or 21588VIC (old) 22022VIC (new) or 21588VIC (old) PUACOM005A/B * PUAFIR204A/B * PUAFIR208A/B * PUAFIR301A/B * PUAFIR303A/B * PUAFIR406A/B * PUAFIR407A/B * PUAFIR502A/B * PUAMAN002A/B * PUAOPE001A/B * PUAOPE005A/B * PUAOPE006A/B * PUAOPE007A/B * TAE40110 TAEDEL301A (new) / TAADEL301A (old) Appendix 5 Table 2 Definitions of Training and Course Codes UNIT NAME Course in Basic Wildfire Awareness Course in Australasian Inter-service Incident Management System (AIIMS) Foster a positive organisational image in the community Respond to wildfire Participate in community safety activities Undertake community safety activities Suppress wildfire Develop prescribed burning plans Conduct prescribed burning Develop incident control strategies Administer work group resources Supervise response Manage a multi team response Control multi-agency emergency situations Command agency personnel within a multi-agency emergency response Certificate IV Training and Education Provide work skill instruction (new) / Provide training through instruction and demonstration of work skills (old) TAEASS301A (new) / TAAASS301A (old) Contribute to assessment (new) / Contribute to assessment (old) TAEASS401A (new) Plan assessment activities and processes (new) TAEASS402A (new) / TAAASS402A (old) Assess competence (new) / Assess competence (old) TAEASS403A (new) / TAAASS403A (old) Participate in assessment validation (new) / Participate in assessment validation (old). * Both the current B version and the older A version are recognised. Both the new and old units/qualifications listed are recognised. Service Standard 6.1.2 Page 14 of 14 13 June 2012