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- Tasks: Respond to emergencies and assist in various incidents as an on-call firefighter.
- Company: Join the Dorset & Wiltshire Fire and Rescue Authority, serving your local community.
- Benefits: Earn extra income, gain valuable skills, and enjoy flexible hours.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in your community while developing essential life skills.
- Qualifications: Must be 18+, live or work near a fire station, and maintain good physical fitness.
- Other info: We encourage applications from diverse backgrounds and offer equal opportunities.
Summary Please note, the following stations are not currently recruiting: Bridport Christchurch Lyme Regis Warminster Weymouth Poole Additionally, Springbourne, Westbourne, Redhill Park and Westlea are crewed by wholetime firefighters only so are not open to applications for Oncall Firefighters.
For a full list of our On-call Stations please see – On-Call Firefighters On-call firefighters live or work close to their local fire station and can respond quickly to emergencies when paged.
On-call firefighters are paid for the amount of agreed hours they provide and respond to the fire station when required.
Unlike their wholetime colleagues, on-call firefighters are not based on fire stations full-time.
Who are On-Call Firefighters?
On-call firefighters are paid professionals who live and/or work within the local community They can be called to a wide range of incidents, such as commercial and domestic fires, road traffic collisions, rescues from height or water, animal rescue or flooding.
On-call firefighters come from every walk of life, for example they could be homemakers, retail workers, builders, farmers, office workers and directors of companies, together with those who are self-employed.
Around two thirds of the firefighters in Dorset and Wiltshire work on an on-call basis, making them hugely important to both the Service and the communities that they serve.
We are an equal opportunities employer, and we are committed to putting equality, diversity and inclusion at the heart of everything we do.
We welcome applications from all members of our community and encourage women, black, Asian and minority ethnic communities and the LGBTQ community to join us.
Have you got what it takes?
The role of a firefighter is very rewarding and it requires determination, courage, motivation, and a genuine desire to serve the community.
Successful candidates will become part of a well-trained workforce, earning additional income, and gaining skills such as first aid, driving qualifications and health Live or work near the fire station so you can respond quickly; Have a good standard of physical fitness Other Information Any offer of employment will be subject to full pre-employment checks which include identity checks, right to work in the UK, medical, negative drug test, receipt of satisfactory references, and an explanation of any gaps in employment in the last 3 years.
Which stations can I apply to?
You can apply for any of our on-call stations across our Service area.
When submitting an application, you will be asked to choose one station to apply for (you cannot apply for more than one at this stage).
For more information, please email
On-Call Firefighter employer: Dorset & Wiltshire Fire and Rescue Authority
Contact Detail:
Dorset & Wiltshire Fire and Rescue Authority Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land On-Call Firefighter
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with the specific fire station you want to apply to. Understanding their community and the types of incidents they typically respond to can help you tailor your approach and demonstrate your commitment to serving that area.
✨Tip Number 2
Engage with current on-call firefighters or local community groups related to the fire service. Networking can provide valuable insights into the role and may even lead to a recommendation when you apply.
✨Tip Number 3
Ensure you meet the physical fitness requirements by participating in relevant training or fitness programmes. Being able to demonstrate your fitness level during any assessments will strengthen your application.
✨Tip Number 4
Stay updated on the recruitment status of your chosen fire station. Since not all stations are currently recruiting, being proactive and ready to apply as soon as they open up can give you an edge over other candidates.
We think you need these skills to ace On-Call Firefighter
Some tips for your application 🫡
Understand the Role: Before applying, make sure you fully understand what being an on-call firefighter entails. Review the job description carefully and consider how your skills and experiences align with the requirements.
Tailor Your CV: Customise your CV to highlight relevant experience and skills that relate to firefighting and community service. Emphasise any previous roles that demonstrate teamwork, physical fitness, or emergency response capabilities.
Craft a Strong Cover Letter: Write a compelling cover letter that explains why you want to become an on-call firefighter. Share personal stories or motivations that showcase your commitment to serving the community and your readiness for the challenges of the role.
Check Application Requirements: Ensure you meet all application requirements, including age, location, and fitness standards. Double-check that you have the right to work in the UK and are prepared to provide any necessary documentation.
How to prepare for a job interview at Dorset & Wiltshire Fire and Rescue Authority
✨Know the Role Inside Out
Make sure you understand what being an on-call firefighter entails. Familiarise yourself with the types of incidents you may respond to and the skills required. This will show your genuine interest in the role and help you answer questions confidently.
✨Demonstrate Your Community Spirit
As an on-call firefighter, you'll be serving your local community. Be prepared to discuss your connection to the area and any previous community involvement. Highlighting your commitment to helping others will resonate well with the interviewers.
✨Showcase Your Physical Fitness
Physical fitness is crucial for this role. Be ready to talk about your fitness routine and any relevant training you've undertaken. If you have certifications in first aid or other emergency response skills, make sure to mention them.
✨Emphasise Teamwork and Communication Skills
Firefighting is a team effort, so it's important to demonstrate your ability to work well with others. Share examples of past experiences where you successfully collaborated with a team, and highlight your communication skills, especially in high-pressure situations.