The 14 Hunter Fire and Rescue stations have positions vacant that they want filled.

Mark Cavanough, Acting Superintendent Maitland Command, said all up there were 20 retained positions available across the region.

"The biggest shortfall is in Dungog where we have six positions to fill," he said. "But there are three at Abermain and two at both Maitland and Kearsley," he said.

"Bellbird, Cessnock, Morpeth and Branxton all have vacancies as well.

"These are retained positions and it's an important role within the community. They do the same job as full time firefighters, but they're not required at the station full time. They're essentially on an on-call basis.

"They get paid a retainer, and a separate payment each time they go out on a job."

He said the positions are available to every day men and women ... "we have a diverse group of people throughout the community, men and women ... miners, police officers, teachers, stay at home mums and dads, you name it".

Applicants are interviewed to determine who is suitable, and training consists of two four-day blocks, or one eight-day block before they can go out with a crew.

Very few Hunter stations are manned 24/7 - the only one in the Lower Hunter is East Maitland. Rutherford, Cessnock and Salamander Bay are manned through the day Monday to Friday, with retained on-call staff covering all other hours.

All other stations are staffed by on-call firefighters only.

Acting Supt Cavanough was quick to point out the job entails more than just firefighting, but is varied and also includes community prevention activities.

"We deal with a range of situations," he said.

"It might be a house fire, but also dealing with hazardous material, or even getting a cat out of a tree.

"We also assist other emergency service agencies - it might involve the Rural Fire Service, the SES, police or ambulance, so the job is varied.

"We also do some door knocking to offer a fire safety assessment on houses, that sort of thing.

"It's a rewarding job because you're making a difference."

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