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- Tasks: Answer 999 calls and mobilise fire resources to save lives.
- Company: Join Suffolk Fire & Rescue Service, a vital public service.
- Benefits: Flexible shifts, competitive pay, and the chance to make a difference.
- Why this job: Be at the heart of emergency response and protect your community.
- Qualifications: Experience in fire control and excellent communication skills required.
- Other info: Dynamic role with opportunities for personal growth and development.
The predicted salary is between 2000 - 2800 £ per month.
Firefighter Control Operators
Location: Beacon House, Ipswich, Suffolk IP1 5PB – Onsite
Salary: Firefighter (Control) in accordance with NJC Pay Scales (pro rata for part time)
Hours: Bank availability including weekend and bank holidays. Minimum of 2 shifts a month (24 hours – one 10-hour shift per month (8am – 6pm) and one 14-hour shift per month (6pm -8am). Additional hours may be offered to provide cover for absences or operational needs.
Contract: Permanent
Are you calm under pressure, quick-thinking, and passionate about helping others? Suffolk Fire and Rescue Service (SFRS) is seeking motivated individuals to join our team as Fire Control Operators in our Fire Control Room in Ipswich. This opportunity is open to both green and grey book applicants with previous fire control experience. This is your opportunity to be at the heart of emergency response in Suffolk, playing a vital role in saving lives and protecting communities.
As the first point of contact in an emergency, our Fire Control Operators are responsible for the rapid and accurate mobilisation of fire and rescue resources across the county. We are looking for individuals with the right mindset, strong personal qualities, and a genuine desire to learn and grow. If you are driven, resilient, and ready to make a real difference, we would love to hear from you.
Our control room operates 24/7, year-round, acting as a crucial link between the public and our operational firefighters. The role requires a minimum commitment of two shifts per month (a total of 24 hours): one 10-hour day shift (08:00–18:00) and one 14-hour night shift (18:00–08:00). Additional hours may be offered to support absences or operational needs. This is an exciting opportunity for those looking to contribute to a vital public service on a flexible, ad-hoc basis. Whether you’re returning to the role, semi-retired, or seeking to share your expertise in a more flexible capacity, we welcome your application.
Your responsibilities will include:
- Answering 999 calls, mobilising resources across Suffolk and liaising with senior fire officers, other agencies and emergency services.
You will need:
- Previous experience in fire control
- Excellent communication skills to build rapport and pass on information clearly, even in stressful situations
- Superior multi-tasking skills to thrive in a dynamic, high-pressure environment
- A clear and decisive mind and be able to make quick decisions
- Strong computer literacy and the ability to learn new systems quickly
- A genuine desire to help others and positively impact your community
- Robust resilience to meet the demanding nature of this crucial role
- Fast and accurate keyboard skills
- A confident telephone manner
For more information, please visit our Suffolk Firefighters website. If you have any questions or would like a casual conversation, please email sfrs.recruitment@suffolk.gov.uk
Firefighter (Control) – Suffolk Fire & Rescue Service in Ipswich 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 Firefighter (Control) – Suffolk Fire & Rescue Service in Ipswich
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the Suffolk Fire & Rescue Service inside out! Familiarise yourself with their values, mission, and recent news. This will help you stand out in interviews and show that you're genuinely interested in being part of the team.
✨Tip Number 2
Practice your communication skills! As a Fire Control Operator, you'll need to convey information clearly under pressure. Try role-playing emergency scenarios with friends or family to sharpen your response time and clarity.
✨Tip Number 3
Network with current or former Fire Control Operators if you can. They can provide insider tips on what the job really entails and what the interview process is like. Plus, it shows your commitment to learning from those already in the field!
✨Tip Number 4
Don't forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, it shows you're tech-savvy and ready to embrace the digital side of emergency response.
We think you need these skills to ace Firefighter (Control) – Suffolk Fire & Rescue Service in Ipswich
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 your community, so share any relevant experiences that highlight this.
Be Clear and Concise: In a role where communication is key, it’s important to be clear and concise in your application. Use straightforward language and get to the point quickly, showing us that you can convey information effectively, even under pressure.
Highlight Relevant Experience: Make sure to showcase any previous experience in fire control or similar roles. We’re looking for candidates who can hit the ground running, so don’t hold back on detailing your skills and experiences that align with the job description.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply through our website for a smoother process. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets to us directly, and you’ll find all the necessary details there to help you along the way!
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 key skills required, such as communication and multi-tasking, and think of examples from your past experiences that demonstrate these abilities.
✨Stay Calm Under Pressure
Given the nature of the job, it's crucial to showcase your ability to remain calm in stressful situations. Prepare for situational questions that may test your decision-making skills under pressure. Practising responses to hypothetical emergency scenarios can help you articulate your thought process during the interview.
✨Show Your Passion for Helping Others
The role is all about making a positive impact on the community. Be ready to discuss why you want to work in this field and how your personal values align with the mission of Suffolk Fire & Rescue Service. Sharing genuine stories about your desire to help others can really resonate with the interviewers.
✨Demonstrate Your Tech Savvy
As a Fire Control Operator, you'll need strong computer literacy. Brush up on any relevant software or systems you might encounter in the role. If you have experience with similar technologies, be sure to highlight that during the interview to show you're ready to hit the ground running.
