How to Get a FIFO Job in Australia: A Practical Guide

Working in a Fly-In Fly-Out (FIFO) job in Australia can be a great way to earn a high income while enjoying a unique work-life balance. FIFO jobs are common in mining, oil and gas, and construction industries, where workers are flown to remote locations for shifts that last several weeks before returning home for their break.

If you’re interested in securing a FIFO job in Australia, this guide will walk you through everything you need to know, from qualifications and job hunting to tips for handling FIFO life.

What is a FIFO Job?

A FIFO (Fly-In Fly-Out) job means that instead of living near your workplace, you fly to a remote job site, work there for a set period (often 2-3 weeks), and then fly back home for your scheduled time off. These jobs are common in:

✅ Mining operations (gold, iron ore, coal, lithium, etc.)
✅ Oil and gas projects (offshore and onshore rigs)
✅ Construction work (major infrastructure projects)
✅ Remote hospitality roles (camps, catering, housekeeping)

Workers are provided with accommodation, meals, and transport to and from the job site. The long shifts and time away from family can be challenging, but the high salaries and extended breaks make FIFO jobs attractive.

How to Get a FIFO Job in Australia

1. Get the Right Qualifications & Certifications

Most FIFO jobs require specific training or certifications before you can apply. Here are the common ones based on the type of work you’re interested in:

🔹 Mining and Construction

✔ White Card (Construction Safety Induction) – Required for any construction-related work
✔ Working at Heights & Confined Spaces tickets – Useful for roles in scaffolding, rigging, or underground work
✔ HR or MC Driver’s License – Essential for truck and heavy machinery operators
✔ First Aid & CPR – Often mandatory for safety reasons

🔹 Oil & Gas Jobs

✔ Basic Offshore Safety Induction and Emergency Training (BOSIET) – Required for offshore oil and gas roles
✔ Dangerous Goods Handling – If you’re working with hazardous materials
✔ Helicopter Underwater Escape Training (HUET) – For offshore rig workers

🔹 Hospitality & Camp Jobs

✔ RSA (Responsible Service of Alcohol) – Needed for bar work
✔ Food Safety Certificate – For kitchen and catering roles
✔ Housekeeping or Hospitality Experience – Useful for camp accommodation jobs

📌 Tip: Even if you don’t have industry experience, getting these certifications can boost your chances of securing an entry-level FIFO role.

2. Find FIFO Job Opportunities

Once you have the right certifications, it’s time to start looking for FIFO job openings. Here’s where to find them:

🔹 Job Boards & Websites

• Seek (www.seek.com.au) – Search for “FIFO” or “fly-in fly-out” jobs
• Indeed (www.indeed.com.au) – Another popular site for FIFO job listings
• Workforce Australia (www.workforceaustralia.gov.au) – Government job portal
• Mining People International (www.mpi.com.au) – Specializes in mining jobs

🔹 Recruitment Agencies Specializing in FIFO Jobs

• Hays Recruitment (www.hays.com.au)
• Chandler Macleod (www.chandlermacleod.com)
• WorkPac Group (www.workpac.com)

🔹 Company Websites
Many FIFO employers advertise jobs directly on their websites, so check career pages of:

• BHP (www.bhp.com)
• Rio Tinto (www.riotinto.com)
• Fortescue Metals Group (www.fmgl.com.au)
• Woodside Energy (www.woodside.com.au)

📌 Tip: Networking is key! Join FIFO job groups on Facebook, LinkedIn, and industry forums to stay updated on job openings.

3. Prepare a Strong FIFO Resume & Cover Letter

FIFO jobs are competitive, so your resume needs to stand out. Here’s how:

✅ Highlight relevant skills – Focus on safety training, experience in remote work, and ability to work long shifts.
✅ List FIFO-specific certifications – Employers look for White Cards, First Aid, and relevant industry tickets.
✅ Emphasize teamwork & adaptability – FIFO work involves living and working in close quarters, so show that you can work well in a team.
✅ Include a cover letter – Explain why you want a FIFO job and how your skills match the role.

📌 Tip: Keep your resume concise (1-2 pages) and tailor it for each job application.

4. Get Ready for FIFO Life

FIFO work is unique and not for everyone. Before applying, consider these lifestyle factors:

🔸 Long Shifts & Roster Cycles – FIFO jobs often follow 2 weeks on / 1 week off or 3 weeks on / 1 week off rosters.
🔸 Remote Locations – You’ll be working in isolated areas, sometimes with limited phone or internet access.
🔸 Camp Life – You’ll stay in FIFO camps, which have shared facilities like dining halls and gyms.
🔸 Work-Life Balance – While you get long breaks, the weeks you’re on-site can be demanding.

📌 Tip: If you’ve never worked FIFO before, talk to current FIFO workers or watch YouTube videos about FIFO life to get a better idea of what to expect.

5. Pass Medical & Drug Tests

Before starting a FIFO job, you’ll likely need to pass a pre-employment medical test and drug/alcohol screening. These tests ensure you’re fit to work in remote and physically demanding environments.

📌 Tip: FIFO employers conduct random drug and alcohol tests on-site, so staying clean is essential for keeping your job.

6. Ace the FIFO Job Interview

If you get called for an interview, be ready to answer questions like:

✅ Why do you want a FIFO job? (Show your understanding of FIFO work and its challenges.)
✅ How do you handle working long shifts in remote locations? (Emphasize your resilience and adaptability.)
✅ Describe a time you worked in a team under pressure. (FIFO jobs require strong teamwork.)
✅ Are you comfortable with strict safety procedures? (Safety is a priority in FIFO work.)

📌 Tip: Show that you’re physically fit, mentally prepared, and reliable, as FIFO work demands discipline.

Final Thoughts: Is a FIFO Job Right for You?

FIFO jobs in Australia offer high salaries, career growth, and extended time off, but they come with challenges like long hours and time away from family. If you’re willing to work hard, adapt to remote life, and follow safety protocols, FIFO jobs can be an exciting and rewarding career choice.

Now that you know how to get a FIFO job, start preparing, apply with confidence, and take the first step towards a new adventure! 🚀

Have questions? Drop them in the comments below!

🔹 Know someone looking for FIFO jobs? Share this guide with them!