At a Glance
- Tasks: Take emergency calls and coordinate fire crews to protect lives and communities.
- Company: Join a dedicated team in a vital role at our Service Control Centre.
- Benefits: Comprehensive training, shift patterns with time off, and a chance to make a real difference.
- Other info: Dynamic work environment with opportunities for personal growth and development.
- Why this job: Be the calm voice in emergencies and help save lives every day.
- Qualifications: 4 GCSEs including English and Maths or relevant experience; must be 17.5 years old to apply.
Overview
We are looking for passionate and dedicated Firefighters (Control) to join our team based in our Service Control Centre in Potterne. This is no ordinary role. You’ll be the calm, reassuring voice at the other end of the line when someone is potentially facing the worst day of their life. From coordinating fire crews to mobilising emergency resources, every call you take and every decision you make will help protect lives, homes and communities.
The Service Control Centre is crewed 24 hours per day, 365 days of the year, achieved by four watches on a rotating shift pattern averaging 42 hours per week. The pattern includes two consecutive day shifts (08:00 – 18:00), followed by two consecutive night shifts (18:00 – 08:00) and then four days off.
Applicants must be able to work days, nights, weekends and public holidays. Successful applicants will receive full and comprehensive training which will require dedication and a willingness to learn.
Responsibilities
- Take emergency calls from the public
- Liaise with partner agencies, including police, ambulance and local authorities
- Provide guidance and support to callers, which in some cases may be distressing
- Mobilise resources as required
- Work as part of a team to provide support to operational colleagues at incidents
Qualifications
- Have 4 GCSE passes – Grade A*–C / 9–4, including English and Mathematics; or equivalent Level 2 qualification; or higher‑level relevant qualification; or at least six months of relevant experience in an emergency service/military environment.
- Be a minimum of 17 and a half years of age at point of application; if successful, you must be 18 years old at the point of appointment.
- Commit to the shift working pattern.
- Be competent in the use of Microsoft Office and other software packages, with good keyboard skills.
Ideal Candidate
- Able to communicate confidently and clearly with both internal and external customers, demonstrating a positive and professional attitude and the ability to establish rapport with callers.
- Able to commit to the requirements of the development programme with a high degree of self‑motivation.
- Resilient when dealing with distressed callers in emergency life‑or‑death situations.
- Able to manipulate datasets and databases.
- Able to display professionalism in line with working as part of a uniformed, disciplined service.
For full details of the role and requirements please have a look at the job description and person specification. The closing date for applications is midnight on Sunday 23 November 2025.
Firefighter (Control) in Devizes employer: Dorset & Wiltshire Fire and Rescue Service
Join our dedicated team at the Service Control Centre in Potterne, where your role as a Firefighter (Control) will be both impactful and rewarding. We offer comprehensive training, a supportive work culture, and opportunities for personal growth, all while ensuring you are part of a team that values resilience and professionalism in high-pressure situations. With a rotating shift pattern that allows for work-life balance, you'll be equipped to make a real difference in the lives of those in your community.
Contact Detail:
Dorset & Wiltshire Fire and Rescue Service Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Firefighter (Control) in Devizes
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the role inside out! Familiarise yourself with what a Firefighter (Control) does, especially the skills needed to handle emergency calls. This will help you speak confidently about how you can contribute during interviews.
✨Tip Number 2
Practice your communication skills! Since you'll be the calm voice in distressing situations, try role-playing scenarios with friends or family. This will help you stay composed and articulate when it matters most.
✨Tip Number 3
Network like a pro! Connect with current firefighters or those in emergency services on platforms like LinkedIn. They can offer insights and tips that could give you an edge in your application process.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, you’ll find all the resources you need to prepare for the next steps in the hiring process.
We think you need these skills to ace Firefighter (Control) in Devizes
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion:When writing your application, let your passion for helping others shine through. We want to see that you genuinely care about making a difference in people's lives, especially in high-pressure situations.
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV highlights relevant experience and skills that match the job description. We’re looking for candidates who can communicate clearly and work well under pressure, so emphasise any experience that showcases these abilities.
Be Clear and Concise:In your written application, clarity is key. Use straightforward language and avoid jargon. We need to understand your qualifications and experiences quickly, so keep it simple and to the point.
Apply Through Our Website:Don’t forget to submit your application through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your details and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it’s super easy to do!
How to prepare for a job interview at Dorset & Wiltshire Fire and Rescue Service
✨Know the Role Inside Out
Before your interview, make sure you thoroughly understand what being a Firefighter (Control) entails. Familiarise yourself with the responsibilities, such as taking emergency calls and mobilising resources. This will help you answer questions confidently and show your genuine interest in the role.
✨Practice Your Communication Skills
As you'll be dealing with distressed callers, it's crucial to demonstrate clear and calm communication during the interview. Practice answering common interview questions out loud, focusing on how you convey your thoughts. You might even want to role-play with a friend to simulate the pressure of real-life scenarios.
✨Showcase Your Resilience
The ideal candidate needs to be resilient, especially when handling life-or-death situations. Prepare examples from your past experiences where you've remained calm under pressure or supported someone in distress. This will highlight your ability to cope with challenging situations effectively.
✨Be Ready for Shift Work Questions
Since the role requires commitment to a rotating shift pattern, be prepared to discuss your availability and willingness to work nights, weekends, and public holidays. Show that you understand the demands of the job and are ready to embrace the schedule.
