At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead and manage a dynamic USAR team, ensuring readiness for emergency operations.
- Company: Join the Devon and Somerset Fire and Rescue Service, committed to community safety.
- Benefits: Enjoy a competitive salary, training allowance, and opportunities for professional development.
- Other info: Flexible hours and a supportive environment for personal growth.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in your community while developing your leadership skills.
- Qualifications: Must be a competent Firefighter or Crew Manager with USAR qualifications.
The predicted salary is between 40500 - 49500 £ per year.
The Service have a Crew Manager – Special Operations USAR National Resilience Trainer post that we are accepting expressions of interest for. There will be an expectation for the appointed individual to remain in any permanent role for a minimum of 12 months, unless a promotion is obtained. This position is aligned to the USAR duty system and will attract a 12% training allowance, payable following a period of development in post.
About the Crew Manager – Special Operations USAR National Resilience Trainer role:
As our Crew Manager – Special Operations USAR National Resilience Trainer, you will be responsible, under the direction of the USAR Team Leader, for the day-to-day running of the duty USAR team and ensuring that appliances, equipment, and personnel attached to the team are effective and in a state of readiness to meet all normal emergency requirements. Additionally, you will assist with the management of Station 60 personnel, and out posted National Resilience trained Staff both Wholetime and callback.
Key responsibilities of the Crew Manager role will include:
- Inform and educate your community to improve awareness of safety matters
- Lead the work of teams and individuals to achieve their objectives and provide feedback
- Take responsibility for personal performance and develop your own skills to improve performance
- Establish and maintain effective working relations with people
- Contribute to the identification and planning of development needs of teams and individuals
- Investigate and report on events to inform future practice
- Lead and support people to resolve operational events
- Drive, manoeuvre and redeploy fire service vehicles to support the national training delivery function
What we're looking for in our Crew Manager:
- Knowledge of the Training for Competence framework
- Experience working in the field of National Resilience (e.g. USAR, HVP, LACE water rescue, rope rescue, safety at height and confined spaces)
- Sound operational knowledge and experience and an appreciation of the dynamic environment in which the USAR team operates
- Leadership skills: Has the potential to control situations and give directions to others in a positive and persuasive manner
- Good communication and interpersonal skills
- Self-organisation
- Self-control and diplomacy
- Flexibility and adaptability – provision of extended periods of operational response in respect of major incidents inside and outside Service’s geographic area
- Willing to work additional hours to meet the needs of the Service
- Analytical and problem-solving skills
- Maintenance of a high level of fitness
- Able to work at extreme heights and in confined spaces
Expressions of interest are invited from suitably experienced and qualified Firefighters and Crew Managers. Eligible applicants will need to meet the following criteria as a minimum:
- Be a competent, substantive wholetime Firefighter and been successful in the Crew Manager promotion board or be a substantive wholetime Crew Manager
- Be competent in the national qualification of USAR operations 1&2 Level 1 IC S
- Not subject to formal performance improvement actions, nor have any live disciplinary sanctions
The successful candidate will be expected to provide a base for their period of standby duty within 30 minutes of USAR's Station 60. From 1 April 2024, we have introduced development rates of pay for any new individuals moving into a development or an acting-up role. These pay rates are set out by the National Joint Council.
For more information concerning this position please contact SM Rich Harling. Closing date for applications is 23:59 on Sunday 27 September 2026.
Our values: We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and vulnerable adults, and all employees must share this commitment and adhere to the Services Safeguarding Policy. Fire and Rescue Authority roles are listed in Schedule 1 of the Rehabilitation of Offenders act 1974 (Exceptions) Order and as such it is our policy to require all applicants to disclose any criminal convictions (both spent and unspent) including driving offences, cautions and/or reprimands. Devon and Somerset Fire and Rescue Authority are committed to the rehabilitation of offenders, as such any positive disclosures will incorporate a reasonable and proportionate response.
As a Service and as individuals: We are proud to help. We are honest. We are respectful. We are working together. Devon and Somerset Fire and Rescue Service recognise and celebrate the vast diversity of the local communities we serve and aspire for this to be reflected in our workforce. We encourage candidates from diverse backgrounds, experience and beliefs, who share our values to join our team.
Location: Exeter
Contract type: Permanent
Crew Manager - Special Operations USAR National Resilience Trainer in Exeter employer: Dsfire
Devon and Somerset Fire and Rescue Service is an exceptional employer, offering a supportive work culture that prioritises the health, safety, and welfare of its employees. With a commitment to professional development and a focus on fostering an engaged safety culture, employees can expect meaningful growth opportunities while serving their communities in a vital role. Located in the picturesque counties of Devon and Somerset, this organisation not only values diversity but also encourages individuals from all backgrounds to contribute to its mission of keeping the public safe.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Crew Manager - Special Operations USAR National Resilience Trainer in Exeter
✨Get Some Hands-On Experience
If you're looking to land that full-time gig in emergency medical services, don't underestimate the power of hands-on experience! Volunteering with local ambulance services or first aid organisations can give you a great insight into the field and show potential employers you’re dedicated.
✨Connect with EMS Communities
Join local EMS associations or online groups where professionals chat about job opportunities and trends. These communities are goldmines for networking, and you might just overhear about openings at places like Dsfire that aren't even advertised yet!
✨Showcase Your Skills Through Certifications
Make sure you’re up to date with your certifications—CPR, first aid, and any relevant EMS training. Having these on your CV or mentioned in interviews can really set you apart from the crowd when applying for that full-time role.
✨Leverage Local Job Fairs
Don’t forget about job fairs, especially those focused on healthcare and emergency services. These events are perfect for meeting representatives from companies like Dsfire face-to-face and making a lasting impression. Plus, they often have a ton of insider info about the hiring process!
We think you need these skills to ace Crew Manager - Special Operations USAR National Resilience Trainer in Exeter
Some tips for your application 🫡
Highlight Relevant Certifications:In the emergency medical services world, certifications like EMT or Paramedic are crucial. Make sure to prominently display any relevant qualifications on your CV to show you’re qualified and ready to jump in.
Showcase Your Experience in High-Pressure Situations:This isn’t just about ticking boxes; we want to see how you’ve handled emergencies. Share specific examples from your past roles, focusing on your ability to stay calm and effective under pressure—this will really make your CV stand out!
Craft a Personal Cover Letter:Use your cover letter to express your passion for EMS. Share a brief story about why you got into this field and what drives you. This personal touch helps us connect with you beyond just your qualifications.
Emphasise Teamwork and Communication Skills:Being part of an EMS team means communication is key. Highlight your experiences working in teams, especially in stressful environments, and how you effectively communicate with both your team and patients. This will show us you can thrive in our fast-paced world.
How to prepare for a job interview at Dsfire
✨Brush Up on Your Medical Knowledge
As we're stepping into the emergency medical services world, it's crucial to have a solid grasp on medical protocols and procedures. Expect to face scenario-based questions where you'll need to demonstrate your decision-making skills in high-pressure situations, so reviewing your medical textbooks or guidelines might just give you the edge!
✨Showcase Your Communication Skills
In EMS, teamwork and communication can literally save lives. Be prepared to discuss how you've effectively communicated in past settings or during training exercises. They might throw in questions about managing stressful interactions with patients or colleagues, so highlighting your soft skills could really set you apart.
✨Familiarise Yourself With Local Protocols
Since you'll be serving the community, knowing the specific EMS protocols and guidelines of Dsfire is key. Research their operations and any recent changes they might have implemented. Demonstrating that you're well-informed about local practices shows your commitment and readiness to hit the ground running.
✨Prepare for Practical Assessments
Don't be surprised if your full-time interview includes a hands-on assessment. Practising skills like CPR, patient assessment, and using EMS technology will show you're ready for the rigours of the job. So gather your training materials and maybe even practice with a mate to simulate the scenario-based tests you might encounter.
