At a Glance
- Tasks: Respond to emergencies and engage in community safety activities.
- Company: Join the innovative Buckinghamshire Fire and Rescue Service.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, flexible shifts, and career development opportunities.
- Other info: Exciting career with a supportive team and various shift patterns.
- Why this job: Make a real difference while developing essential skills in a dynamic environment.
- Qualifications: Must be 18+, hold a UK driving licence, and have Level 2 Functional Skills.
The predicted salary is between 30384 - 38881 £ per year.
Salary: £30,384 – £38,881 per annum
Working Hours: 42
Location: Headquarters, Aylesbury
We are looking for forward thinkers, keen learners, and great communicators who can keep their cool when things heat up! Becoming a Buckinghamshire Fire and Rescue Service Wholetime Firefighter can offer you a rewarding, exciting and varied career. Our crews respond to any type of major and minor incidents: from road, rail or air crashes, floods, chemical spills and fires to rescuing people trapped in confined spaces. When they are not answering the call for help, they play an active role in the community through safety advice events, education activities and campaigns.
As well as being physically fit enough to pull ladders, run hoses and wear breathing apparatus, candidates need a range of personal skills such as understanding, reliability, flexibility and the ability to work as a team.
The Wholetime Firefighters salary is in line with National pay scales at the time of advert:
- Basic annual wage for a Development firefighter: £30,384 during the initial basic training
- Once competent, the Firefighter role attracts a salary of £38,881
We run a flexible and sustainable workforce that maximises the contribution of all employees to changing service needs. All successful candidates can enhance earning potential through extra shifts. BFRS Wholetime Firefighters work various shift patterns, these currently include days, nights, and weekends.
Before applying, find out what it takes to become a Firefighter by visiting this page. It walks you through our vigorous recruitment process, covering what to expect at our residential Firefighter training and contains links to our Firefighters level 3 apprenticeship.
Who are we looking for?
- At least 18 years old by 10 January 2027
- Hold a full UK driving licence (must have passed test by completion of application form)
- Live within 20 miles of the Buckinghamshire and Milton Keynes border
- Have Level 2 Functional Skills (Basic & key skills builder function) BKSB or GCSEs in Maths and English Language A* - C (9 - 4). Proof of Certificates held will need to be provided.
- A confident swimmer
Please note that applicants who have already completed a Firefighter acquisition or are working within the sector, undertaking a Firefighter apprenticeship will be unable to apply. If you’re currently applying for or enrolled on an apprenticeship elsewhere in any sector, please make HR aware; failure to do so could impact your application.
We also look for candidates who have:
- A ‘Can Do’ attitude
- A keen interest in the Fire and Rescue Services
- A willingness to learn
- The ability to communicate effectively with a range of people
- The ability to work in a team environment
- The ability to achieve a good level of physical fitness
- The ability to follow instructions
- The ability to think about the bigger picture in a dynamic and challenging environment
The recruitment process consists of seven steps. You must pass each stage before moving on to the next:
- STEP 1: Online application link
- STEP 2: Online Psychometric testing
- STEP 3: Behaviour Workshop & Role Related Tests
- STEP 4: Interview & presentation
- STEP 5: Medicals & eyesight checks
- STEP 6: DBS checks, references, kit fitting
Please note that if you are successful with your initial application, you will be required to attend a number of events as detailed below:
- Behaviour workshop & Role Related Tests – w/c 3 August 2026
- Interview and Presentations – w/c 24 August 2026
- Medicals / Disclosure & Barring Service – September 2026
- Kit Fitting – October 2026
Please note the above dates are subject to change. Successful candidates will be issued with formal offers of employment. Once in role, the qualification achieved through the two-year apprenticeship period is Level 3 Operational Firefighter Apprenticeship.
If you would relish the opportunity of working for an innovative, forward-thinking, progressive fire and rescue service that encourages developing a range of skills to help serve the community, then we would love to hear from you. Everyone who works for us is required to have a DBS check. If you have any queries or concerns regarding this, please contact HR@bucksfire.gov.uk.
How to Apply: We are an equal opportunity employer. Applications from people of any colour, race, nationality, ethnic origin, religion, sex, sexual orientation, marital status or disability are welcome. If there are any adaptations or adjustments we can make to help you in your application, or with our recruitment process, please contact us via e-mail or telephone. It is our philosophy to embed equality, diversity, fairness, and inclusion into everything that we do. We view this as fundamental to achieve our vision of making Buckinghamshire and Milton Keynes the safest areas in England in which to live, work and travel.
Abatement & protected pension: If you are in receipt of a Firefighter’s pension, before taking up employment with Buckinghamshire & Milton Keynes Fire Authority you are required to notify Human Resources as Abatement Rules may apply.
Wholetime Firefighter in Aylesbury employer: Networking Women in the Fire Service
Buckinghamshire Fire and Rescue Service is an exceptional employer that offers a rewarding career as a Wholetime Firefighter in Aylesbury, where you can make a real difference in your community. With a strong emphasis on employee development, flexible working patterns, and a supportive work culture, we encourage our firefighters to grow their skills while responding to diverse incidents and engaging in community safety initiatives. Join us for a fulfilling career that not only challenges you physically but also allows you to contribute positively to the safety and well-being of those around you.
Contact Details:
Networking Women in the Fire Service Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Wholetime Firefighter in Aylesbury
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the recruitment process inside out! Familiarise yourself with each step, from the online application to the medical checks. This way, you’ll be prepared and can tackle each stage with confidence.
✨Tip Number 2
Practice your communication skills! As a firefighter, you'll need to work well in a team and communicate effectively under pressure. Try role-playing scenarios with friends or family to sharpen those skills.
✨Tip Number 3
Stay fit and active! Physical fitness is key for a firefighter. Incorporate strength training and cardio into your routine to ensure you're ready for the physical demands of the job.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, you’ll find all the resources you need to prepare for each step of the recruitment process right there.
We think you need these skills to ace Wholetime Firefighter in Aylesbury
Some tips for your application 🫡
Get to Know the Role:Before you dive into your application, take a moment to really understand what being a Wholetime Firefighter is all about. Check out our website for insights on the role and the recruitment process. It’ll help you tailor your application to show us you’re the right fit!
Show Off Your Skills:When filling out your application, don’t hold back! Highlight your communication skills, teamwork experience, and any relevant qualifications. We want to see how your unique background makes you a great candidate for the job.
Be Honest About Your Qualifications:Make sure you provide accurate information about your qualifications and experience. If you’ve got Level 2 Functional Skills or GCSEs in Maths and English, shout about it! Just remember, we’ll need proof of these certificates later on.
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, you’ll find all the info you need about the recruitment process there!
How to prepare for a job interview at Networking Women in the Fire Service
✨Know Your Stuff
Before the interview, make sure you understand the role of a Wholetime Firefighter. Familiarise yourself with the types of incidents you might respond to and the community activities involved. This will show your genuine interest and commitment to the role.
✨Show Off Your Team Spirit
Since teamwork is crucial in this job, be prepared to share examples of how you've successfully worked in a team before. Think about times when you had to communicate effectively or support your teammates during challenging situations.
✨Stay Cool Under Pressure
The interview may include scenarios that test your ability to think on your feet. Practice staying calm and collected while answering questions. Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your responses to situational questions.
✨Get Fit and Ready
Physical fitness is key for a Wholetime Firefighter. Be ready to discuss your fitness routine and any relevant training you've done. If you can, demonstrate your commitment to maintaining a good level of physical fitness, as it’s a big part of the job.
