Growing up on a farm, Paije Rose-Maher always felt at home outdoors. That early connection to nature led her to work experience with DEECA in 2019, where she got her first taste of land management and emergency response.
'I really enjoyed what the role involved,' Paije said. So much so, she completed a Certificate IV in Conservation and Ecosystem Management after finishing high school, this was the career path she aspired to follow.
Now with 2 seasons as a seasonal firefighter under her belt, Paije is thriving in a role that blends environmental stewardship with emergency response. 'It offers the chance to continue learning new skills, work in the bush, and be part of a rewarding job,' she said.
Depending on the day, Paije might be maintaining fuel breaks, implementing pest management strategies, or working on public land roads to ensure safe access. She's also involved in planned burns, from preparation, to lighting and patrolling the area.
When bushfires strike, Paije finds herself on the front line, helping with suppression, blacking out and mop-up efforts to protect public safety and assets.
An unexpected skill Paije has picked up is radio communication. 'I've learned how to use radios effectively to communicate with crews, relay information clearly, and follow proper radio protocols,' she said. 'Good communication is critical especially during planned burns or bushfire response, to keep everyone safe and ensure operations run smoothly.'
For Paije, the best part of the job is being outdoors and constantly learning about the local landscape. 'Being outdoors allows me to observe seasonal changes, native species, and how different parts of the environment interact,' she said. 'It's rewarding to build that knowledge while helping to manage and protect the bushland.'
A standout moment came during the Grampians bushfires, where Paije helped defend private farmland that backed onto actively burning bushland.
'It really resonated with me because I have grown up on a farm, so I understand how much work goes into maintaining the land and stock, and how important this is to people's livelihoods,' she said. 'Being able to help protect their property and stock in that moment was incredibly rewarding.'
Paije encourages anyone interested to give the role a go. 'If you enjoy being outdoors, value practical work and learning new skills, this job is for you,' she said.
'Take the time to understand what's involved, be open to learning new things and take any opportunities that come up, as you gain a lot of valuable skills and experiences along the way.'
'It's a great job, and I encourage everyone who is interested to give it a go!'
