At a Glance
- Tasks: Respond to emergencies and contribute to community safety initiatives.
- Company: Join the Bedfordshire Fire Service and be part of a dedicated team.
- Benefits: Earn extra income, receive professional training, and enjoy flexible hours.
- Other info: Opportunities for career growth and a supportive work environment.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in your community while gaining unique skills.
- Qualifications: Must be 18+, physically fit, and live within 6-8 minutes of the fire station.
The predicted salary is between 20000 - 30000 £ per year.
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: 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.
- Have a full car (Cat B) driving licence (manual or automatic) with no pending issues that entitles you to drive in the UK without restrictions by the date of pre-employment checks. You will be required to provide evidence of this during the recruitment process.
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: 7 August 2026
- Suitability meetings between 3 August to 21 August 2026
- Written/Practical tests w/c 24 August & 31 August 2026
- Interviews w/c 14 and 21 September 2026
- Offers to be sent 28 September 2026
- Pre-employment appointments w/c 5 October 2026
- Medical w/c 19 and 22 October 2026
- Training start date 11 January 2027
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 Services 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. As a Disability Confident employer, we guarantee an interview to disabled applicants who meet the minimum criteria for the role. Reasonable adjustments are available throughout the recruitment process. As part of our commitment to the Armed Forces Covenant, we encourage applications from those who have served, are serving, or are part of a military family. Your skills and experience are valued here.
On-Call Firefighter Sandy - Sandy in Ravenstone employer: Bedfordshire Fire and Rescue Service
Bedfordshire Fire and Rescue Service is an excellent employer, offering a supportive work culture that prioritises employee welfare and inclusivity. With flexible hours and a commitment to professional development, this part-time Payroll Officer role not only provides competitive salary and benefits but also the opportunity to contribute meaningfully to the community's safety and well-being.
Contact Details:
Bedfordshire Fire and Rescue Service Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land On-Call Firefighter Sandy - Sandy in Ravenstone
✨Get in the Loop with Local Events
Fire and emergency services tend to have a strong community presence, so check out local safety fairs, open days at fire stations, or public safety workshops. It's a great way to meet people working in the field and to gain insights into temporary positions coming up soon!
✨Join Professional Networks
Sign up for groups like the Fire Fighters Association or local emergency service networks. These can be invaluable for staying updated on temporary job openings, as many roles are often filled through word-of-mouth before they even hit job boards.
✨Show Your Commitment to Community Safety
Pull together a portfolio showcasing any volunteer work or courses you've done related to fire safety, first aid, or emergency response. This can really help you stand out during interviews as it shows your dedication goes beyond just wanting a job.
✨Apply Directly with Us at Bedfordshire Fire and Rescue Service
When you see temporary roles at Bedfordshire Fire and Rescue Service, don’t hesitate! Apply through our website as soon as you can. The quicker we see your application, the better chance you have to impress us with your passion for fire safety and emergency services.
We think you need these skills to ace On-Call Firefighter Sandy - Sandy in Ravenstone
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Relevant Qualifications:Fire and emergency services are all about safety and quick thinking, so make sure your application highlights any relevant certifications! Include your first aid, CPR, or fire safety training on your CV, and don’t forget any past experiences in emergency situations. This will demonstrate your preparedness for the role at Bedfordshire Fire and Rescue Service.
Highlight Relevant Experience:When applying for a temporary role in fire-emergency services, emphasise any hands-on experience you’ve had, whether it's through volunteering with local fire departments or working on emergency response teams. Use specific examples that showcase your ability to work under pressure and react effectively in emergencies.
Be Ready to Adapt:Temporary positions often require flexibility. In your cover letter, mention how you can quickly adapt to new situations and environments. Maybe you've had experience stepping into high-demand roles before or filled in for others in emergency services—let Bedfordshire Fire and Rescue Service know you can handle it!
Keep It Concise but Impactful:When it comes to temporary applications, being succinct is key. Keep your CV and cover letter focused on the most relevant information that aligns with the role at Bedfordshire Fire and Rescue Service. A well-structured layout, without unnecessary fluff, can make all the difference in grabbing attention!
How to prepare for a job interview at Bedfordshire Fire and Rescue Service
✨Know Your Emergency Protocols
In fire and emergency services, it’s crucial to be familiar with relevant protocols and response strategies. Brush up on the different types of emergencies, standard operating procedures, and community resources you might need to utilise. This knowledge not only shows your preparedness but also your commitment to public safety.
✨Showcase Your Physical Fitness
For a temporary role in fire and emergency services, demonstrating your physical capabilities can really set you apart. Be ready to discuss your fitness routine and any relevant training you've had. If you have a portfolio of your certifications, like first aid or CPR, keep it handy—these can be game-changers!
✨Highlight Teamwork and Communication Skills
In this field, it’s all about working with a team and communicating effectively under pressure. Be prepared to talk about past experiences where you collaborated with others, especially in high-stress situations. Share examples that showcase your ability to lead or follow depending on the situation.
✨Be Ready for Scenario-Based Questions
Expect the interview to include scenario-based questions tailored to emergency situations. They might ask how you would respond in a specific crisis or what steps you’d take in a hazardous environment. Practise your responses to these scenarios to show that you're ready to think on your feet, even in a temporary capacity.
