About The Role
Trainee Emergency Services Officer (TESO) Program – Applications Now Open
Location: Whyalla, South Australia
Duration: 18-month fixed-term traineeship
Start Date: To be confirmed (approx end of September)
Assessment Date: Saturday, 23 August 2025
Ready to step up, challenge yourself, and make a real impact in your community?
Our TESO Program is your opportunity to launch a professional career in emergency response—supporting mining and industrial operations with the skills, mindset, and capability to protect life, property, and the environment.
With our first successful intake nearing completion, we’re excited to invite applications for the next 18-month Trainee Emergency Services Officer Program, starting to be confirmed.
What to Expect:
The program begins with a three-week intensive block course, delivering core practical and theoretical skills in firefighting, rescue, and medical response.
This is followed by 12 months of on-the-job training in a high-risk industrial setting, mentored by qualified Emergency Services Officers (ESOs) and Medical Emergency Services Officers (MESOs).
Your training is aligned to the nationally recognised Certificate III in Public Safety (Firefighting and Emergency Operations). During this training phase, trainees will also be required to successfully complete e-learning modules and formal verification of competencies to meet national qualification requirements.
A final six-month development phase consolidates your learning and prepares you to take on full responsibilities in industrial emergency response.
Important Note: This is a 12-hour shift role working a 7/7 day and night shift roster. Successful applicants must be able to fully commit to this pattern for the first six months—shift changes and leave are not available during this time except in emergencies.
What You’ll Do
- Participate in emergency response tasks and training scenarios
- Learn to operate and maintain firefighting, rescue, and medical equipment
- Support site safety initiatives and emergency preparedness activities
- Carry out confined space, road crash, technical, and rope rescue operations across the site, including the port facility
- Undertake security functions including control room operations, access control, and emergency communications
- Respond to real-world incidents under supervision
- Receive accredited training as a snake handler under South Australian regulations
Who We’re Looking For
We’re seeking motivated, team-oriented, success-focused individuals who are committed to personal and professional growth, and ready for the mental and physical demands of emergency services.
To be eligible, you must:
- Hold a clean National Police Clearance
- Applicants will be required to undertake a pre-employment medical prior to commencement.
- Have a full Class C driver’s licence (minimum) with no current demerit points
- Be physically fit for the demands of emergency response work (assessed during recruitment)
- Be comfortable working at heights, in confined spaces, and in hot, low-visibility environments while wearing breathing apparatus
- Be able to remain calm and functional when exposed to trauma, blood, reptiles, or other challenging environments
- Be available to commit fully to the shift roster, training, and development requirements
While this is a traineeship designed to teach you the required skills, any previous experience in fire, rescue, medical, or safety-related work is welcomed and will be considered during the selection process. However, no prior experience is necessary — we’re looking for people with the right attitude, commitment, and willingness to learn.
How to Apply
To be considered, please submit a written application (400–600 words) addressing the following:
- Tell us about yourself – your background, interests, and qualities that make you a great fit for this role
- What do you know about emergency response? – particularly in fire, rescue, and medical domains
- Why do you want to join the Trainee Emergency Services Officer Program?
- Can you commit to the 3-week intensive training block and the full shift roster?
- Are you physically and mentally prepared for the demands of the role?
Join the Whyalla Steelworks Emergency Response Team
This is your opportunity to gain a nationally recognised qualification and hands-on experience while serving your community and supporting one of South Australia’s most critical industrial operations.
Apply now to start your journey toward becoming a qualified Emergency Services Officer.
Shortlisted applicants will undergo a pre-employment medical, drug and alcohol testing, fitness evaluation, and emergency readiness assessment.
