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- Tasks: Take emergency calls and coordinate resources to protect lives and communities.
- Company: Join the passionate team at Dorset & Wiltshire Fire and Rescue Service.
- Benefits: Enjoy a secure pension, generous leave, and family-friendly policies.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in people's lives during their toughest moments.
- Qualifications: 4 GCSEs including English and Maths or relevant experience required.
- Other info: Comprehensive training provided; shift work includes days, nights, and weekends.
We are looking for passionate and dedicated Firefighters (Control) to join our team based in our Service Control Centre in Potterne. This is no ordinary role. You’ll be the calm, reassuring voice at the other end of the line when someone is potentially facing the worst day of their life. From coordinating fire crews to mobilising emergency resources, every call you take and every decision you make will help protect lives, homes, and communities.
The Service Control Centre is crewed 24 hours per day, 365 days of the year, achieved by four watches on a rotating shift pattern averaging 42 hours per week. The pattern includes:
- Two consecutive day shifts (08:00 – 18:00)
- Followed by two consecutive night shifts (18:00 – 08:00)
- Followed by four days off
Therefore, applicants must be able to work on days, nights, weekends and public holidays. Successful applicants will receive full and comprehensive training which will require dedication and a willingness to learn. This is a fantastic opportunity to join Dorset & Wiltshire Fire and Rescue Service, an organisation that is passionate about changing and saving lives. Our Fire Control staff are absolutely vital in helping to make our communities safer and healthier. Without them, we couldn’t do it.
We are proud to offer a wide range of employee benefits and strive to ensure that staff are valued and rewarded. From the security of the Local Government Pension Scheme, a generous annual leave allowance, a variety of family friendly policies including 39 weeks’ full pay during maternity leave (subject to qualifying criteria) to our dedicated health & well-being services.
As a Firefighter (Control) you will:
- Take emergency calls from the public
- Liaise with partner agencies, including police, ambulance and local authorities
- Provide guidance and support to the caller, which in some cases may be distressing
- Mobilise resources as required
- Work as part of a team to provide support to operational colleagues at incidents
You must:
- Have 4 GCSE passes – Grade A*-C / 9-4, including English and Mathematics; or equivalent Level 2 qualification; or higher-level relevant qualification; or have at least six months of relevant experience of working in an emergency service/military environment.
- Be a minimum of 17 and a half years of age at point of application; however, if successful, you will need to be 18 years old at the point of appointment
- Be able to provide a commitment to the shift working pattern
- Be competent in the use of Microsoft Office and other software packages, with good keyboard skills
For full details of the role and requirements please have a look at the job description and person specification. The closing date for applications is midnight on Sunday 23 November 2025.
Firefighter (Control) employer: Networking Women in the Fire Service
Contact Detail:
Networking Women in the Fire Service Recruiting Team
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 people's lives, especially in high-pressure situations.
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your application to highlight relevant experiences and skills that match the job description. We’re looking for specific examples of how you've handled emergency situations or worked in a team.
Be Clear and Concise: Keep your writing clear and to the point. We appreciate well-structured applications that are easy to read. Avoid jargon unless it’s relevant to the role, and make sure to proofread for any typos!
Apply Through Our Website: Don’t forget to submit your application through our website! It’s the best way to ensure we receive all your details correctly. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining our team at Dorset & Wiltshire Fire and Rescue Service.
How to prepare for a job interview at Networking Women in the Fire Service
✨Know the Role Inside Out
Make sure you thoroughly understand what being a Firefighter (Control) entails. Familiarise yourself with the responsibilities, such as taking emergency calls and mobilising resources. This will help you answer questions confidently and show your genuine interest in the role.
✨Stay Calm Under Pressure
Since this role involves handling potentially distressing situations, practice staying calm and composed. You might be asked how you would handle a high-pressure scenario during the interview, so think of examples from past experiences where you successfully managed stress.
✨Showcase Your Team Spirit
Emphasise your ability to work as part of a team. The job requires collaboration with various agencies and colleagues, so share examples of how you've effectively worked in a team environment. Highlight your communication skills and how you support others.
✨Prepare for Shift Work Questions
Be ready to discuss your availability for the shift pattern mentioned in the job description. Show that you understand the commitment required and express your willingness to adapt to the demands of the role, including working nights, weekends, and public holidays.
