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- Tasks: Join us as a Wholetime Firefighter and make a real difference in your community.
- Company: Be part of Bedfordshire Fire and Rescue Service, a supportive and inclusive employer.
- Benefits: Starting salary of £30,384, rising to £38,881, plus full training and career development.
- Why this job: Use your courage and compassion to inspire and protect others every day.
- Qualifications: Must be 18+, have a driving licence, and live within 10 miles of Bedfordshire.
- Other info: Dynamic role with shift patterns and opportunities for personal growth.
The predicted salary is between 30384 - 38881 £ per year.
Salary: Salary starting at GBP 30,384 whilst in development rising to GBP 38,881 when competent.
Basis: Full time
Package: Contractual Hours: 42
Region: Job Category: Response
Be the inspiration. For you. For them. For us. Step into a career where your courage, compassion and commitment can change lives.
Applicants are required to demonstrate on their application form that they meet the essential criteria outlined in the attached job description and person specification. These include:
- Be 18 years of age by date of employment.
- Live either within the Bedfordshire County border or within 10 miles of the boundary of the county of Bedfordshire at application stage (as determined by Bedfordshire Fire and Rescue Service's mapping system). You will be required to provide evidence of this during the recruitment process.
- 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.
- Have the right to work in the UK. You will be required to provide evidence of this during the recruitment process. Please refer to the document attached for a list of acceptable documents.
- Hold an ICT literacy/qualification or equivalent experience.
- Have experience of working in a team environment.
- Continually recognise and promote the value of EDI, both within FRS and the wider community in which we serve. Making a positive difference every time, with respect and professionalism.
- Ability to work rostered shifts including weekends and public holidays.
Please note: It is desirable for applicants to hold at least two GCSEs at grade 4 or above (or equivalent) in Maths and English. If you meet this criterion, please include the details in your application form and upload your certificates as evidence. If we receive a high volume of applications, we may use the desirable criteria when shortlisting.
How to apply
Before submitting your application, please review the information on our website: Become a Wholetime Firefighter | Bedfordshire Fire and Rescue Service and read the documents attached to the vacancy. Before you complete your application form you must be able to meet all the screening questions on the recruitment portal. When you are ready to submit your application, please select ‘Apply online’ through our recruitment portal.
Selection Process
The process timetable is attached, applicants must be able to attend all stages of the selection process, there will be no alternative dates available. Further information on each stage of the selection process can be found here: Become a Wholetime Firefighter | Bedfordshire Fire and Rescue Service.
The initial training course runs for 14 weeks, during which full attendance is required. You are unable to take any holidays or leave for the duration of the course. Successful completion of the selection process does not guarantee an offer of employment. Candidates who are successful may be placed on a holding list and offers will be made in line with the operational needs of the Service. All offers of employment are subject to satisfactory pre-employment checks and clearances.
If you are successful, you will join one of our watches across Bedfordshire on our wholetime duty shift system. You must be willing to serve at any community fire station within the Service. The shift patterns for a Wholetime Firefighter are:
- 42 hour week shift duty system (24-hour on-duty shift followed by 72 hours off)
- 42 hour week day-crewing duty system.
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. You will be expected to wear uniform that will be provided and adhere to the Service’s uniform standards.
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. 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.
Wholetime Firefighter - 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 Wholetime Firefighter -
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the Bedfordshire Fire and Rescue Service inside out. Familiarise yourself with their values, mission, and community initiatives. This will help you connect during interviews and show that you're genuinely interested in being part of the team.
✨Tip Number 2
Practice your interview skills with a mate or in front of the mirror. Focus on articulating your experiences in teamwork and how you embody courage, compassion, and commitment. The more comfortable you are, the better you'll perform!
✨Tip Number 3
Be ready for scenario-based questions. Think about situations where you've had to act quickly or support others. Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your answers and make them impactful.
✨Tip Number 4
Don't forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, keep an eye on the selection process timeline so you can prepare for each stage without any last-minute stress.
We think you need these skills to ace Wholetime Firefighter -
Some tips for your application 🫡
Know the Criteria: Before you start writing, make sure you understand the essential criteria outlined in the job description. We want to see how you meet these requirements, so tailor your application to highlight your relevant experience and skills.
Be Clear and Concise: When filling out the application form, keep your answers clear and to the point. We appreciate straightforward responses that get straight to the heart of what you want to say. Avoid fluff and focus on what makes you a great fit for the role.
Show Your Team Spirit: Since teamwork is key in this role, share examples of your experience working in a team environment. We love to see how you’ve collaborated with others and contributed to achieving common goals.
Apply Through Our Website: When you're ready to submit your application, make sure to do it through our recruitment portal. This ensures that your application is processed correctly and gives you the best chance of being considered for the role. Don’t forget to double-check everything before hitting 'submit'!
How to prepare for a job interview at Bedfordshire Fire and Rescue Service
✨Know Your Stuff
Before the interview, make sure you thoroughly understand the role of a Wholetime Firefighter. Familiarise yourself with the essential criteria and responsibilities outlined in the job description. This will help you answer questions confidently and show that you're genuinely interested in the position.
✨Showcase Teamwork Skills
Since teamwork is crucial in this role, prepare examples from your past experiences where you've successfully worked as part of a team. Highlight how you contributed to achieving a common goal, especially in high-pressure situations, as this will resonate well with the interviewers.
✨Demonstrate EDI Awareness
Be ready to discuss how you recognise and promote equality, diversity, and inclusion (EDI) in your work. Think of specific instances where you've made a positive difference in your community or workplace, as this aligns with the values of Bedfordshire Fire and Rescue Service.
✨Prepare for Shift Work Questions
Since the role involves working shifts, be prepared to discuss your flexibility and willingness to work weekends and public holidays. It’s a good idea to have a clear understanding of the shift patterns and express your readiness to adapt to them during the interview.
