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- Tasks: Handle 999 emergency calls and support callers during various incidents.
- Company: Join the Royal Berkshire Fire and Rescue Service team.
- Benefits: Gain valuable experience in a vital role with a supportive team.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in people's lives while developing your skills.
- Qualifications: Dependable, calm under pressure, and good communication skills required.
- Other info: Flexible working hours, including nights and weekends, with opportunities for growth.
The predicted salary is between 24000 - 36000 £ per year.
The Thames Valley Fire Control Service (TVFCS) is a collaboration between Royal Berkshire Fire Authority, Oxfordshire County Council and Buckinghamshire and Milton Keynes Fire Authority. We are inviting applicants for the role of a Fire Control Operator to join the team. This is a vital position within TVFCS.
You will be supporting callers with a wide range of incidents as calls to fires are only a small part of our job. As a Fire Control Operator, you will:
- Receive and handle 999 emergency calls
- Gather and process critical information from callers
- Support callers during a wide range of incidents, including fires, road traffic collisions, chemical spills, flooding, and rescues
You will evaluate the situation, decide on the best course of action and mobilise resources in line with the incident using our command-and-control system to communicate to the fire appliances, stations and officers passing on the information gathered from members of the public or other agencies.
Ask yourself the following:
- Are you genuinely interested in people?
- Are you someone that others see as dependable?
- Can you get on with people from different cultures and backgrounds?
- Can you work as part of a close-knit team, and be able to react quickly when given direction from other team members?
- Are you able to work calmly, respond positively and work effectively when under pressure?
- Can you think on your feet and solve problems, multi-task and communicate quickly and clearly?
- Are you someone who can cope with routine, as well as changing demands?
- Do you have the sensitivity to deal with members of the public when they are distressed, confused and unsure of where they are?
- Are you committed to maintaining and developing your skills?
- Can you take responsibility for representing the Service when you are at work and when you are not?
- Are you prepared to work days, nights, evenings, weekends, and public holidays, including Christmas Day?
- Do you have a confident telephone manner and good IT skills?
Closing date for applications is 17 February 2026 at 17:00 hours. Initial selection assessments for accuracy and speed in typing will be on-line during week commencing 23 February 2026. Successful candidates will then be invited to complete further typing tests / teamwork assessment on-site and to visit the Control room at 09:30hrs on 2 March 2026. If successful after full completion of all the above, interviews will take place between 13 to 20 March 2026. Medicals will be carried out after successful interview – dates TBC. Anticipated first start date: End of April 2026 (dates to be confirmed).
Fire Control Operator – 3 year Fixed Term Contract – Royal Berkshire Fire and Rescue Service in Ascot employer: National Fire Chiefs Council Limited.
Contact Detail:
National Fire Chiefs Council Limited. Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Fire Control Operator – 3 year Fixed Term Contract – Royal Berkshire Fire and Rescue Service in Ascot
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the role inside out! Familiarise yourself with what a Fire Control Operator does and the types of incidents you’ll be handling. This will help you speak confidently about your understanding during any assessments or interviews.
✨Tip Number 2
Practice your communication skills! Since you'll be dealing with distressed callers, it’s crucial to sound calm and collected. Try role-playing scenarios with friends or family to get comfortable with responding to various situations.
✨Tip Number 3
Show off your teamwork skills! The job requires working closely with others, so think of examples from past experiences where you’ve successfully collaborated. Be ready to share these during your assessments.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, keep an eye on the timeline for assessments and interviews so you can prepare accordingly. We’re rooting for you!
We think you need these skills to ace Fire Control Operator – 3 year Fixed Term Contract – Royal Berkshire Fire and Rescue Service in Ascot
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Helping People: When you're writing your application, make sure to highlight your genuine interest in supporting others. We want to see that you care about people and can handle a variety of situations with empathy and professionalism.
Demonstrate Your Team Spirit: This role is all about teamwork, so don’t forget to mention your ability to work closely with others. Share examples of how you've collaborated in the past and how you can contribute to our close-knit team at TVFCS.
Be Clear and Concise: In your written application, clarity is key! Make sure your points are easy to understand and get straight to the point. We appreciate applicants who can communicate quickly and clearly, just like you'll need to do on the job.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets to us without any hiccups. Plus, it shows you’re tech-savvy, which is a big plus for this role!
How to prepare for a job interview at National Fire Chiefs Council Limited.
✨Know Your Role Inside Out
Before the interview, make sure you thoroughly understand the responsibilities of a Fire Control Operator. Familiarise yourself with the types of incidents you'll be handling and the command-and-control system used. This will help you answer questions confidently and show your genuine interest in the role.
✨Showcase Your People Skills
Since this role involves supporting callers in distress, it's crucial to demonstrate your ability to communicate effectively and empathetically. Prepare examples from your past experiences where you've successfully helped someone in a tough situation, highlighting your dependability and sensitivity.
✨Practice Under Pressure
Given the nature of emergency calls, being calm and collected is key. Consider doing mock interviews or role-playing scenarios where you have to think on your feet. This will not only boost your confidence but also prepare you for the fast-paced environment of the control room.
✨Be Ready for Teamwork Questions
As a Fire Control Operator, you'll need to work closely with others. Be prepared to discuss your experience working in teams, especially in high-pressure situations. Think of specific instances where you collaborated effectively and how you contributed to the team's success.
