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- Tasks: Respond to emergencies and support community safety initiatives.
- Company: Join the dedicated team at Bedfordshire Fire Service.
- Benefits: Flexible hours, training opportunities, and extra income.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in your community while gaining unique skills.
- Qualifications: Must be 18+, fit, and live within 6-8 minutes of the fire station.
- Other info: Apply by 31 July 2025; extensive training starts on 12 January 2026.
Join Bedfordshire Fire Service as an On-Call Firefighter! We are seeking candidates who can provide weekday and weekend availability.
Availability required:
- Monday - Friday daytime
- Weekends (Saturday and/or Sunday)
To be considered for this position, you must be available to provide weekend cover.
Do you want to be part of a close-knit team? Are you eager to gain unique skills and make a real difference in your community? Looking for a job that offers extra income and fits around your work and family commitments? If so, apply now.
Role of an On-Call Firefighter:
On-Call Firefighters respond to various operational incidents and contribute to Community Safety initiatives aimed at reducing fires, accidents, and associated injuries. They carry a pager and respond to emergency incidents as and when they happen and work alongside other dedicated professionals and community groups. Many on-call firefighters have primary jobs and therefore provide evening, daytime, or weekend cover. When they are on call, they may be at home, working from home, working for themselves or for a nearby company, or out in their local community - staying within a six-minute travel time of the fire station (or eight-minute travel time for Woburn fire station).
Availability:
We will discuss your availability early on to ensure it meets the Service needs. You will receive a retaining fee for your availability, along with additional payments for attending incidents, community activities, and weekly drill nights. We offer extensive professional training and development, including diversity and inclusion, health and safety, driver training, medical skills, and leadership development.
Entry Requirements:
To become an On-Call Firefighter, you must:
- Live or work within 6 minutes (8 minutes for Woburn) of your local fire station to respond quickly to emergency calls.
- Be at least 18 years old by the start of your employment.
- Be physically fit.
- Be confident in the water with the ability to swim and rescue yourself from calm water.
- Hold a full UK driving licence by the start of your employment.
For more details on the essential criteria required for the role, please see the attached job description and person specification. We have many On-Call opportunities across the county. These roles are demanding but offer the chance to make a significant impact. Apply now and be part of something extraordinary!
Key dates in process include:
- Application closing date: 31 July 2025
- Suitability meetings: between 11 August 2025 - 10 August 2025
- Online tests: between 11 August 2025 - 05 September 2025
- Practical tests: w/c 25 August & 8 September 2025
- Interviews: w/c 22 & 29 September 2025
- Offers to be sent: 10 October 2025
- Pre-employment appointments: w/c 20 October 2025
- Medical: w/c 27 October & 3 November 2025
- Training start date: 12 January 2026
For further information, please contact Recruitment via email recruitment@bedsfire.gov.uk.
This is a public-facing role and it is essential to have the ability to converse at ease with members of the public and provide advice in accurate spoken English.
This post will be exempt from the provisions of Section 4 (2) of the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 (Exceptions) (Amendment) (England and Wales) Order 2023. Therefore, applicants are not entitled to withhold information about convictions which for other purposes are spent under the provision of the Act.
The appointment will be made subject to satisfactory pre-employment clearances, including an enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) clearance at the level required for the role.
Bedfordshire Fire and Rescue Service's recruitment and selection procedures reflect our commitment to safer recruitment, and to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of Adults, Children and Young People and all staff and volunteers are expected to share this commitment.
Bedfordshire Fire and Rescue Service is an equal opportunities employer that welcomes applications from all sections of the community.
On-Call Firefighter Shefford - Shefford employer: Bedfordshire Fire and Rescue Service
Contact Detail:
Bedfordshire Fire and Rescue Service Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land On-Call Firefighter Shefford - Shefford
✨Tip Number 1
Make sure you understand the availability requirements for the On-Call Firefighter role. Being able to provide cover during weekdays and weekends is crucial, so consider your current commitments and how you can fit this role into your schedule.
✨Tip Number 2
Familiarise yourself with the local fire station's location and ensure you can meet the travel time requirements. This will not only help you in the application process but also demonstrate your commitment to being available when needed.
✨Tip Number 3
Engage with the community and show your interest in fire safety initiatives. Volunteering or participating in local events related to fire safety can enhance your understanding of the role and make you a more attractive candidate.
✨Tip Number 4
Prepare for the physical fitness requirements of the role. Start a fitness routine that includes swimming and strength training to ensure you meet the necessary physical standards when the time comes for testing.
We think you need these skills to ace On-Call Firefighter Shefford - Shefford
Some tips for your application 🫡
Understand the Role: Before applying, make sure you fully understand the responsibilities of an On-Call Firefighter. Familiarise yourself with the job description and the essential criteria required for the role.
Highlight Relevant Experience: In your application, emphasise any relevant experience or skills that align with the role. This could include teamwork, community involvement, or any previous emergency response training.
Availability Statement: Clearly state your availability in your application. Since the role requires weekend cover and specific response times, make sure to mention when you can be on-call.
Proofread Your Application: Before submitting, carefully proofread your application for any spelling or grammatical errors. A well-presented application reflects your attention to detail and professionalism.
How to prepare for a job interview at Bedfordshire Fire and Rescue Service
✨Show Your Availability
Make sure to clearly communicate your availability during the interview. Since this role requires weekday and weekend cover, being upfront about when you can respond to calls will demonstrate your commitment and reliability.
✨Emphasise Teamwork Skills
As an On-Call Firefighter, you'll be part of a close-knit team. Highlight any previous experiences where you've worked effectively in a team environment, showcasing your ability to collaborate and support others in high-pressure situations.
✨Demonstrate Physical Fitness
Physical fitness is crucial for this role. Be prepared to discuss your fitness routine and any relevant training you've undertaken. If you have experience in swimming or rescue techniques, make sure to mention that as well.
✨Prepare for Scenario Questions
Expect scenario-based questions that assess your problem-solving skills and ability to handle emergencies. Think of examples from past experiences where you had to think on your feet and make quick decisions, and be ready to share those stories.