Stellenbosch Municipality is inviting suitably qualified candidates to apply for 12 Learner Fire Fighter positions within the Fire & Rescue Services Department under the Community and Protection Services Directorate. These positions are offered on a 12-month contract and provide an excellent opportunity for individuals who are passionate about protecting communities, responding to emergencies, and building a career in firefighting.
The municipality is looking for motivated, disciplined, and physically fit candidates who are committed to serving the community. Successful applicants will work under the supervision of experienced firefighters while gaining valuable practical experience in firefighting, emergency rescue, fire prevention, and public safety services.
This opportunity is ideal for candidates who have already completed a Fire Fighter 1 (FF1) course and would like to develop their skills in a professional municipal fire and rescue environment.
Position Details
- Position Title: Learner Fire Fighter
- Number of Posts: 12
- Reference Number: FF1-12
- Department: Fire & Rescue Services
- Directorate: Community and Protection Services
- Contract Duration: 12 Months
- Salary: R174,899.90 – R227,049.79 per annum
- Closing Date: 13 July 2026
About the Opportunity
Firefighters play an essential role in protecting lives, property, and the environment. They respond to fires, vehicle accidents, rescue operations, hazardous situations, and medical emergencies while ensuring the safety of the public.
The Learner Fire Fighter programme provides successful candidates with practical workplace exposure and experience in all aspects of municipal firefighting. During the contract period, learners will participate in emergency response operations, training exercises, equipment maintenance, station duties, and community awareness programmes under appropriate supervision.
The position offers valuable hands-on experience that can strengthen future career opportunities within emergency services and firefighting.
Minimum Requirements
Applicants must satisfy all of the following minimum requirements:
- Grade 12 (National Senior Certificate)
- Proof of successful completion of a Fire Fighter 1 (FF1) course
- Medically fit
- Physically fit
- Mentally fit
- No criminal record
- Shortlisted candidates must provide proof of criminal clearance issued by the Local Criminal Record Centre
- Must currently reside within the Stellenbosch Municipal Area
- Must remain a resident of the Stellenbosch Municipal Area for the full duration of employment
- Proof of residential address
- Affidavit confirming residency
Failure to meet any of the minimum requirements may result in the application not being considered.
Additional Requirements
Suitable candidates should also demonstrate:
- Good interpersonal skills
- Strong communication skills
- Good problem-solving ability
- Ability to communicate in any two of the three official languages of the Western Cape:
- English
- Afrikaans
- isiXhosa
- Good overall health
- Ability to work effectively under pressure
- Willingness to work in emergency situations
- Commitment to teamwork
- Professional conduct at all times
Health and Psychological Requirements
The role of a firefighter requires individuals who are comfortable working in challenging and dangerous environments.
Applicants should not suffer from phobias associated with:
- Confined spaces (Claustrophobia)
- Heights (Acrophobia)
- Deep spaces (Bathophobia)
- Water (Aquaphobia)
- Blood (Hemophobia)
- Darkness (Achluophobia)
- Isolation (Autophobia)
- Corpses (Necrophobia)
These conditions may affect the ability to perform operational firefighting duties safely.
Key Responsibilities
Successful applicants will perform a wide range of duties under supervision, including:
- Responding to fire emergencies
- Participating in firefighting operations
- Assisting during emergency rescue incidents
- Rendering basic medical care where required
- Supporting fire prevention programmes
- Participating in firefighting training exercises
- Operating firefighting vehicles and equipment
- Maintaining firefighting equipment
- Cleaning and maintaining fire station facilities
- Inspecting equipment for operational readiness
- Assisting senior firefighters during emergency responses
- Promoting public safety awareness
- Protecting lives and property within the municipality
- Following operational procedures and safety regulations
- Completing assigned duties in accordance with the Fire Brigade Services Act (Act 99 of 1987)
Added Advantage
The following qualification will be considered beneficial:
- Valid Code B driver’s licence
Although not compulsory, applicants with a Code B licence may have an advantage during the selection process.
Physical Fitness Requirements
Firefighting is one of the most physically demanding professions. Candidates should be prepared to perform strenuous physical activities while wearing protective clothing and carrying firefighting equipment.
Applicants must possess the physical ability to:
- Lift heavy equipment
- Climb ladders
- Work in smoke-filled environments
- Handle rescue equipment
- Perform physically demanding rescue operations
- Work for extended periods during emergencies
All shortlisted applicants will undergo physical fitness assessments as part of the recruitment process.
Selection Process
Candidates may be subjected to:
- Verification of qualifications
- Criminal record checks
- Employment screening
- Physical fitness assessments
- Medical evaluations
- Driver competency testing where applicable
- Interviews
- Additional assessments considered necessary by the municipality
Only applicants who successfully complete the required evaluation process may be considered for appointment.
Important Conditions
Preference will be given to applicants who reside within the Stellenbosch Municipal Area, provided that they meet all minimum requirements.
Applicants who fail to submit all required supporting documents will not be considered.
Applications submitted after the closing date will not be accepted.
Hand-delivered applications will not be accepted.
Posted applications will not be accepted.
Only emailed applications sent to the specified email address will be considered.
The municipality reserves the right not to fill the advertised positions.
Required Documents
Applications should include:
- Completed official Stellenbosch Municipality application form
- Comprehensive Curriculum Vitae (CV)
- Certified copies of qualifications
- Certified copies of supporting documents
- Contact details of referees
- Proof of residential address
- Affidavit confirming residency
- Criminal clearance documentation if requested during shortlisting
Applicants are encouraged to ensure that all documents are complete before submitting their applications.
How to Apply
Applications must be emailed to the Human Resource Management Services using the email address provided for the Community and Protection Services Directorate.
- Email: [email protected]
The subject line or application should clearly indicate the reference number:
- Reference: FF1-12
The official Stellenbosch Municipality application form must accompany every application.
Application forms are available from the Stellenbosch Municipality website.
- Applicants are reminded that submission of an official Stellenbosch Municipality application form is compulsory. Application forms are available on the Stellenbosch Municipal website: https://stellenbosch.gov.za
Important Notes
Candidates should note the following:
- Only emailed applications will be accepted.
- Incomplete applications will not be considered.
- Supporting documents will not be returned.
- Receipt of applications will not be acknowledged.
- Canvassing any councillor, decision-maker, or member of the selection committee will result in disqualification.
- If no response is received within ten weeks after the closing date, the application should be regarded as unsuccessful.
Stellenbosch Municipality is committed to employment equity and encourages applications from designated groups, including persons with disabilities. Employment Equity principles will form part of the recruitment and selection process.
Why Apply for This Opportunity?
The Learner Fire Fighter programme offers valuable workplace experience within one of the Western Cape’s municipal emergency services. Participants gain practical exposure to firefighting, rescue operations, emergency response, fire prevention, equipment maintenance, and public safety while working alongside experienced professionals.
This opportunity allows candidates to build practical skills, strengthen their emergency response knowledge, and improve future career prospects within municipal fire services and related emergency management fields. Individuals who are dedicated to public service, physically fit, and passionate about helping communities during emergencies are encouraged to submit their applications before the closing date.
Closing Date: 13 July 2026