Find a job 
Featured Companies 
Featured Universities 
For Companies At a Glance
- Tasks: Respond to emergencies and support community safety initiatives.
- Company: Join the Bedfordshire Fire Service, a dedicated team making a difference.
- Benefits: Flexible hours, retaining fees, and extensive training opportunities.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in your community while gaining unique skills.
- Qualifications: Must be 18+, physically fit, and live within 6-8 minutes of the station.
- Other info: Apply by 31 July 2025; training starts on 12 January 2026.
Join Bedfordshire Fire Service as an On-Call Firefighter! 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:
- 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 Woburn - Woburn 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 Woburn - Woburn
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with the local fire service and its community initiatives. Understanding their values and recent activities can help you demonstrate your commitment to community safety during interviews.
✨Tip Number 2
Make sure you are physically fit and ready for the physical demands of the role. Consider participating in local fitness classes or training sessions that focus on strength and endurance, as this will not only prepare you but also show your dedication.
✨Tip Number 3
Network with current or former on-call firefighters. They can provide valuable insights into the role and the application process, and may even offer tips on how to stand out as a candidate.
✨Tip Number 4
Be prepared to discuss your availability clearly. Since the role requires flexibility, having a clear plan on how you can meet the service's needs will demonstrate your reliability and commitment to the position.
We think you need these skills to ace On-Call Firefighter Woburn - Woburn
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 person specification to tailor your application accordingly.
Highlight Relevant Experience: In your CV and cover letter, emphasise any relevant experience or skills that align with the role. This could include teamwork, community involvement, or any previous emergency response training.
Demonstrate Availability: Clearly state your availability in your application. Since the role requires being on-call, mention how you can meet the six-minute travel time requirement and your flexibility for evening, daytime, or weekend cover.
Prepare for Assessments: Be ready for online tests and practical assessments as part of the application process. Review any physical fitness requirements and ensure you are prepared to demonstrate your swimming ability and other necessary skills.
How to prepare for a job interview at Bedfordshire Fire and Rescue Service
✨Know the Role Inside Out
Make sure you understand the responsibilities of an On-Call Firefighter. Familiarise yourself with the key duties, such as responding to emergencies and participating in community safety initiatives. This will help you demonstrate your commitment and enthusiasm during the interview.
✨Showcase Your Availability
Since this role requires flexibility, be prepared to discuss your availability clearly. Highlight how your current job or commitments allow you to respond quickly to calls, and reassure them that you can meet the six-minute travel requirement.
✨Emphasise Teamwork Skills
As an On-Call Firefighter, you'll be part of a close-knit team. Share examples from your past experiences where you've successfully worked in a team environment, showcasing your ability to collaborate and support others in high-pressure situations.
✨Prepare for Physical Fitness Questions
Physical fitness is crucial for this role. Be ready 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 it, as this will demonstrate your preparedness for the demands of the job.
