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- Tasks: Join a team dedicated to saving lives and serving the community.
- Company: Bedfordshire Fire and Rescue Service, a vital public service.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, training opportunities, and a chance to make a real difference.
- Why this job: Be a hero in your community and inspire others with your courage.
- Qualifications: Must be 18+, have a driving licence, and experience in teamwork.
- Other info: Dynamic role with shift patterns and excellent career progression.
The predicted salary is between 30384 - 38881 £ per year.
Be the inspiration. For you. For them. For us. Step into a career where your courage, compassion and commitment can change lives.
Applicants are required to demonstrate on their application form that they meet the essential criteria outlined in the attached job description and person specification. These include:
- Be 18 years of age by date of employment.
- Live either within the Bedfordshire County border or within 10 miles of the boundary of the county of Bedfordshire at application stage (as determined by Bedfordshire Fire and Rescue Service’s mapping system). You will be required to provide evidence of this during the recruitment process.
- Have a full car (Cat B) driving licence (manual or automatic) with no pending issues that entitles you to drive in the UK without restrictions by the date of pre-employment checks. You will be required to provide evidence of this during the recruitment process.
- Have the right to work in the UK. You will be required to provide evidence of this during the recruitment process. Please refer to the document attached for a list of acceptable documents.
- Hold an ICT literacy/qualification or equivalent experience.
- Have experience of working in a team environment.
- Continually recognise and promote the value of EDI, both within FRS and the wider community in which we serve. Making a positive difference every time, with respect and professionalism.
- Ability to work rostered shifts including weekends and public holidays.
Please note: It is desirable for applicants to hold at least two GCSEs at grade 4 or above (or equivalent) in Maths and English. If you meet this criterion, please include the details in your application form and upload your certificates as evidence. If we receive a high volume of applications, we may use the desirable criteria when shortlisting.
Before you complete your application you must be able to meet all the screening questions on the recruitment portal. When you are ready to submit your application, please select ‘Apply online’ through our recruitment portal.
Selection Process
The process timetable is attached, applicants must be able to attend all stages of the selection process, there will be no alternative dates available. The initial training course runs for 14 weeks, during which full attendance is required. You are unable to take any holidays or leave for the duration of the course.
Successful completion of the selection process does not guarantee an offer of employment. Candidates who are successful may be placed on a holding list and offers will be made in line with the operational needs of the Service. All offers of employment are subject to satisfactory pre-employment checks and clearances.
If you are successful, you will join one of our watches across Bedfordshire on our wholetime duty shift system. You must be willing to serve at any community fire station within the Service. The shift patterns for a Wholetime Firefighter are:
- 42 hour week shift duty system (24-hour on-duty shift followed by 72 hours off)
- 42 hour week day-crewing duty system.
This is a public-facing role, and it is essential to have the ability to converse at ease with members of the public and provide advice in accurate spoken English.
Salary: £30,384 rising to £38,881 when competent.
Wholetime Firefighter – Bedfordshire Fire and Rescue Service 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 Wholetime Firefighter – Bedfordshire Fire and Rescue Service
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the Bedfordshire Fire and Rescue Service! Research their values, mission, and recent initiatives. This will help you tailor your responses during interviews and show that you're genuinely interested in being part of their team.
✨Tip Number 2
Practice your interview skills with a mate or in front of a mirror. Focus on how you can demonstrate your courage, compassion, and commitment through real-life examples. The more comfortable you are, the better you'll perform!
✨Tip Number 3
Network with current firefighters or those in the service. They can provide insider tips and might even give you a heads-up about what to expect during the selection process. Plus, it’s always good to have connections!
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Make sure you meet all the essential criteria before hitting that 'Apply online' button. Good luck!
We think you need these skills to ace Wholetime Firefighter – Bedfordshire Fire and Rescue Service
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Us You Meet the Criteria: Make sure to clearly demonstrate how you meet the essential criteria in your application. Use specific examples from your experience that highlight your skills and qualifications, especially those related to teamwork and EDI.
Be Clear and Concise: Keep your application straightforward and to the point. Avoid jargon and make sure your writing is easy to read. We want to see your personality shine through, so don’t be afraid to let us know why you’re passionate about becoming a firefighter!
Double-Check Your Documents: Before hitting that submit button, ensure all your documents are in order. This includes your driving licence, proof of residency, and any qualifications. We need to see everything is up to scratch for a smooth recruitment process.
Apply Through Our Website: Remember to apply online through our recruitment portal. It’s the easiest way for us to receive your application and keep track of everything. Plus, it ensures you don’t miss out on any important updates during the selection process!
How to prepare for a job interview at National Fire Chiefs Council Limited.
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you thoroughly understand the role of a Wholetime Firefighter. Familiarise yourself with the essential criteria and responsibilities outlined in the job description. This will help you answer questions confidently and show that you're genuinely interested in the position.
✨Showcase Teamwork Skills
Since teamwork is crucial in this role, prepare examples from your past experiences where you've successfully worked as part of a team. Highlight how you contributed to achieving a common goal, especially in high-pressure situations.
✨Demonstrate EDI Awareness
Be ready to discuss how you recognise and promote equality, diversity, and inclusion (EDI) within a team or community setting. Share specific instances where you've made a positive difference, as this aligns with the values of Bedfordshire Fire and Rescue Service.
✨Practice Your Communication Skills
As a public-facing role, effective communication is key. Practice speaking clearly and confidently about your experiences and motivations. You might even want to do a mock interview with a friend to get comfortable with articulating your thoughts.
