At a Glance
- Tasks: Provide aircraft rescue and firefighting services in a military aviation environment.
- Company: Join Babcock, a global leader in defence and engineering.
- Benefits: Generous holiday, pension scheme, health checks, and volunteering days.
- Other info: Full-time role with excellent career growth and work-life balance.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on safety and support flying operations.
- Qualifications: Must have ARFF qualification and strong teamwork skills.
The predicted salary is between 39705 - 39705 £ per year.
Help protect people, aircraft and operations in a unique defence aviation environment. At Babcock, we’re working to create a safe and secure world, together. If you join us, you can play your part as a Firefighter at RAF Woodvale, near Southport, Merseyside.
The role
As a Firefighter, you'll play a vital role in supporting safe flying operations by providing aircraft rescue and firefighting services within a military aviation environment. Working as part of a dedicated fire crew, you'll be responsible for responding to aircraft incidents, emergencies and rescue situations while ensuring operational readiness at all times.
This is an exciting opportunity to join a professional team where your expertise will directly contribute to the safety of aircrew, personnel and defence operations. You'll operate specialised firefighting equipment, support emergency response activities and help maintain the highest standards of readiness and compliance.
Day-to-day, you will be:
- Providing operational aircraft crash rescue and firefighting cover in support of flying activities.
- Maintaining and operating specialist firefighting vehicles and emergency response equipment.
- Responding to aircraft emergencies, incidents and practice exercises as part of the duty fire crew.
- Carrying out first responder duties and supporting emergency management activities.
- Completing administration, driving, housekeeping and other operational duties to ensure fire section readiness.
This role is full time, working Monday to Friday, 08:15 to 18:15, and is based on site at RAF Woodvale.
Essential experience of the Firefighter:
- Current or recent experience within a military or civilian operational airfield fire service.
- Knowledge and understanding of MOD or Defence Fire and Rescue procedures, documentation and reporting requirements.
- Strong awareness of emergency response and firefighting operations within an aviation environment.
- Good communication and teamwork skills.
- IT proficiency and the ability to maintain accurate records and reports.
Qualifications for the Firefighter:
- Valid Defence Fire and Rescue Headquarters approved Aircraft Rescue and Firefighting (ARFF) qualification.
- Current Operational Breathing Apparatus Wearers Assessment Certificate.
- Hold, or be able to obtain, a Defence Fire and Rescue Headquarters Operational Fitness Assessment Certificate.
- LGV Category C (Class 2) Driving Licence (desirable).
Security Clearance
The successful candidate must be able to achieve and maintain Standard (BPSS) / Counter Terrorist Check (CTC) / Enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service Check (EDBS) security clearance for this role. Many of the positions within our company are subject to national security clearance and Trade Control restrictions. This means that your eligibility for certain roles may be affected by your place of birth, nationality, current or former citizenship, and any residency you hold or have held.
What we offer
- Generous holiday allowance.
- Matched contribution pension scheme, with life assurance.
- Access to a Digital GP, annual health check, and nutritional consultations through Aviva DigiCare+.
- Employee shopping savings portal.
- Payment of Professional Fees.
- Reservists in the armed forces receive 10-days special paid leave.
- Holiday Trading is a benefit that allows UK Babcock employees to buy additional leave or to sell up to one working week of annual leave from their annual entitlement.
- ‘Be Kind Day’ enables employees to take one working day's paid leave a year (or equivalent hours) to undertake volunteering work with their chosen organisation or registered charity.
Babcock We’re Babcock — a global FTSE 100 organisation with over 26,000 people working together to make a difference. Here, you’ll be part of something bigger. From initial design to final decommissioning, your work will contribute to products and services that are essential to national security and public infrastructure. Together, we’re building a future that lasts — not just through the impact we make, but through meaningful careers that respect your work-life balance.
We are a disability confident committed employer. If you have a disability or need any reasonable adjustments during the application and selection stages, please email careers@babcockinternational.com with the subject header ‘Reasonable adjustments requirement’. We’re committed to building an inclusive culture where everyone’s free to thrive. We are happy to talk about flexible working – please ask about alternative patterns of work at interview.
Closing date: 17/08/2026
Firefighter employer: Babcock International
Babcock International is an excellent employer, offering a dynamic work environment at the Rosyth site in Scotland, where you can contribute to impactful construction and infrastructure projects. With a strong emphasis on employee growth, we provide ongoing training and development opportunities, alongside a collaborative culture that prioritises safety and compliance. Join us to be part of a team that values your contributions and supports your career advancement in the engineering field.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Firefighter
✨Get Involved with Local Fire Services
Join community groups or volunteer with local fire departments to get a foot in the door. It’s a great way to showcase your commitment to fire safety and emergency services while also making valuable connections in the field.
✨Attend Firefighting Job Fairs
Keep an eye out for firefighting job fairs and emergency services recruiting events in your area. These are goldmines for meeting staff from companies like Babcock International and other emergency services, giving you a chance to chat and make a lasting impression.
✨Connect with Industry Professionals Online
Utilise platforms like Facebook or LinkedIn to find fire service groups and forums. Engaging in discussions and sharing insights can elevate your profile and help us to learn from those already in the field, potentially leading to job openings.
✨Keep Your Training Up-to-Date
Make sure your qualifications are current! Pursuing additional training, like first aid or specialised firefighting courses, shows your dedication and might just set you apart from the crowd when applying for roles at Babcock International.
We think you need these skills to ace Firefighter
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Commitment to Safety:In the fire and emergency services sector, it's crucial to showcase your understanding of safety protocols and emergency response challenges. Mention any relevant training or certifications you've completed, like First Aid or Fire Safety courses, and highlight your commitment to public safety in your cover letter.
Highlight Your Teamwork Skills:This field is all about collaboration! Make sure your CV emphasises your ability to work in a team under pressure. Detail examples of teamwork from previous roles, volunteer work or community involvement. Hiring managers at Babcock International will love to see how you thrive in a group dynamic.
Detail Your Relevant Experience:When listing your experience, don't just mention your job titles – dig into your responsibilities and achievements that relate specifically to fire and emergency services. Include any volunteer work, internships, or projects that display your hands-on experience in this field, especially if you're transitioning from another area.
Craft a Strong Motivation Statement:As you're applying for a full-time role, it’s key to articulate why you want to join Babcock International specifically. Dive into your motivation for working in fire services, and how this aligns with your career goals. We want to see your passion for contributing to the community and the impact you wish to make!
How to prepare for a job interview at Babcock International
✨Know Your Emergency Protocols
Since you're eyeing a role in fire emergency services, brush up on the latest firefighting techniques and protocols. Understanding the fundamentals of fire behaviour, rescue operations, and safety measures will show that you’re not just passionate but also knowledgeable about the field.
✨Demonstrate Problem-Solving Skills
Expect situational questions that test your ability to make quick decisions in high-pressure scenarios. Think of examples from your previous experiences or training where you had to think on your feet—this will really highlight your suitability for the role and show that you can handle real emergencies.
✨Highlight Teamwork and Community Engagement
Fire emergency services rely heavily on teamwork, so come prepared to discuss how you've worked with others in stressful situations. Additionally, showcase any community involvement or outreach you've done—it's a great way to demonstrate your commitment to public safety and your understanding of community dynamics.
✨Be Ready to Discuss Your Training
Make sure you’re ready to talk about any relevant training or certifications you have. Whether it’s emergency response training or a first aid qualification, make it clear how these experiences prepare you for a full-time position in fire emergency services with Babcock International. It shows you’re proactive about your professional development!