City of Cape Town Wildland Firefighter Jobs 2026

The City of Cape Town is inviting physically fit and motivated South Africans to apply for Seasonal Wildland Firefighter Jobs 2026. This six-month contract offers successful candidates the opportunity to receive practical and theoretical firefighting training while protecting communities, property and the environment from vegetation fires. If you have a Grade 12 qualification and are passionate about public safety, this could be your opportunity to start a rewarding career in emergency services.

Employer

Employer: City of Cape Town

Department: Fire Services

Directorate: Safety and Security

Position: Seasonal Wildland Firefighter

Location: Cape Town, Western Cape, South Africa

Programme Duration: Six Months

Employment Type: Seasonal Contract

Reference Number: SS 48/26 Ext.

Closing Date

Closing Date: 14 August 2026

Requirements

Applicants must:

• Be at least 18 years old
• Have Grade 12 (Matric)
• Be physically fit and medically capable of performing firefighting duties
• Be willing to complete practical and theoretical firefighting training
• Be willing to work shifts, weekends, public holidays and overtime
• Be able to work at any designated City of Cape Town fire station
• Have good communication and teamwork skills
• Be able to remain calm under pressure
• Have no criminal record

Advantageous

The following will be an added advantage:

• Previous firefighting experience
• Fire-related training
• Emergency response experience

Salary / Stipend

Salary: R204,812 per annum

Documents Needed

Applicants should prepare:

• ✔ Updated CV
• ✔ Certified copy of South African ID
• ✔ Certified Grade 12 certificate
• ✔ Proof of residence (if required)
• ✔ Driver’s licence (if required)
• ✔ Any additional supporting documents requested during the recruitment process

Physical Fitness Assessment

Shortlisted applicants must successfully complete the compulsory fitness assessment:

• Reach Test (minimum 1.9 metres)
• 2.4 km run
  • Male: 12 minutes
  • Female: 13 minutes
• 30 push-ups within 60 seconds
• 30 sit-ups within 60 seconds
• Carry two 25 kg drums over 100 metres

Candidates are encouraged to prepare thoroughly before the assessment.

Key Responsibilities

Successful applicants will:

• Respond to wildland and vegetation fire emergencies
• Assist experienced firefighters during operations
• Operate firefighting equipment safely
• Inspect and maintain firefighting tools and equipment
• Maintain firefighting vehicles
• Perform fire station housekeeping duties
• Help maintain firebreaks
• Attend practical and classroom firefighting training
• Participate in continuous skills development
• Follow occupational health and safety procedures
• Complete operational records and assigned duties

Recruitment Process

Successful applicants may undergo:

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

Working Environment

Wildland Firefighters should be prepared to work in:

• Mountain and vegetation fire areas
• High temperatures
• Smoke-filled environments
• Long operational shifts
• Emergency call-outs
• Weekends and public holidays

How to Apply

1. Visit the official City of Cape Town Careers website.
2. Search for Seasonal Wildland Firefighter (Reference SS 48/26 Ext.).
3. Create an account or sign in.
4. Complete the online application form.
5. Upload all required documents.
6. Review your application carefully.
7. Submit your application before 14 August 2026.

Official Application Link

https://www.capetown.gov.za/careers

Expert Guidance (YouthScope Editorial Team)

Career expert YouthScope Editorial Team advises applicants to prepare all required documents before applying. Ensure your CV is updated, your qualifications are certified where required, and submit your application well before the closing date to avoid technical issues. Always apply only through the employer’s official recruitment website and keep a copy of your confirmation for your records.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. Who can apply?

South Africans who meet the listed requirements, including Grade 12 and the physical fitness standards.

2. Is this a paid opportunity?

Yes. Successful applicants will receive a salary of R204,812 per annum.

3. What is the minimum qualification?

Applicants must have Grade 12 (Matric).

4. How long is the contract?

The Seasonal Wildland Firefighter contract is six months.

5. Where will successful applicants work?

Successful candidates will be placed at designated City of Cape Town Fire Services stations in Cape Town, Western Cape.

6. Is previous firefighting experience required?

No. Previous experience is advantageous but not compulsory.

7. What assessments must applicants complete?

Applicants may complete a physical fitness assessment, mathematics and English assessments, interviews, medical examinations, drug screening and security checks.

8. When is the closing date?

Applications close on 14 August 2026.

Disclaimer

YouthScope shares employment, internship, bursary and learnership opportunities from official employers to help South Africans access career opportunities. We are not the recruiting organisation and do not charge any application fees. Always verify information on the employer’s official website before submitting your application.

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✅ Published by: YouthScope Editorial Team

✅ Last Updated: 03 August 2026

✅ Information Source: Official City of Cape Town Fire Services Vacancy

✅ Status: Reviewed for accuracy

YouthScope shares career information to help South Africans discover opportunities. Applicants should confirm final details with the official organisation before applying.