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- Tasks: Handle 999 emergency calls and support callers during various incidents.
- Company: Thames Valley Fire Control Service, a collaboration of local fire authorities.
- Benefits: Onsite gym, health benefits, employee discounts, and a Local Government Pension Scheme.
- Why this job: Make a real difference by helping people in emergencies and working in a dynamic team.
- Qualifications: GCSEs in English and Maths, strong communication skills, and ability to work under pressure.
- Other info: Fixed-term contract with opportunities for future vacancies and career growth.
The predicted salary is between 28865 - 36937 £ per year.
Location – Service Headquarters, Calcot, Reading
Rota Pattern: 42-hour week across 4 days, comprising 2-day shifts (09:00 - 18:00) and 2-night shifts (18:00 - 09:00), followed by 4 days off
Salary: £28,865- £36,937 per annum (once competent)
Benefits: onsite gym, parking facilities, Benenden Health (discretionary private healthcare), My Lifestyle employee discount scheme, Blue Light Card and a Local Government Pension Scheme
About the role
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.
Why you might be a good fit
- Are you genuinely interested in people?
- Are you dependable and capable of working with people from different cultures and backgrounds?
- Can you work as part of a close-knit team and react quickly when given direction?
- Can you work calmly under pressure, respond positively, and communicate quickly and clearly?
- Can you think on your feet, solve problems, multi-task and prioritise?
- 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?
Essential requirements
- GCSEs in English and Mathematics (A–C or equivalent)
- Effective and confident written and oral communications
- Able to work calmly under pressure
- Able to prioritise tasks appropriately
- Flexible attitude and able to work days, nights, weekends and public holidays
Application and selection process
The successful candidate will demonstrate and promote behaviours in line with the Job Profile/Person Specification and our Behaviour Competency Framework as attached. The Behavioural Competency Framework helps identify behaviours that drive successful performance and will be assessed throughout the selection process.
We are recruiting for fixed-term contracts and creating a pool of candidates for future vacancies. If you are interested in applying, click Apply Now. Applicants will be expected to detail their personal skills, qualities and attributes against the Job Profile/Person Specification.
Appointment is conditional upon undertaking a Standard Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check. Rechecks will be required in line with the DBS and Recruitment of Ex-Offenders Policy. Please note we do not accept applications via Agencies or CVs without an accompanying application form. Closing date for applications is 17 February 2026 at 17:00 hours.
Initial selection assessments for accuracy and speed in typing will be online during the 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).
Compliance: The applicant is reminded to view our privacy information and policies on application. Our commitments include promoting equality, diversity and inclusion, safeguarding, and safer recruitment statements.
FIRE CONTROL OPERATOR – 3 year Fixed Term Contract in Reading employer: Royal Berkshire Fire and Rescue
Contact Detail:
Royal Berkshire Fire and Rescue Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land FIRE CONTROL OPERATOR – 3 year Fixed Term Contract in Reading
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the role inside out! Familiarise yourself with what a Fire Control Operator does and the skills needed. This way, when you get that interview, you can show off your knowledge and passion for the job.
✨Tip Number 2
Practice your communication skills! As a Fire Control Operator, you'll need to be calm and clear under pressure. Try role-playing emergency scenarios with friends or family to sharpen your response time and clarity.
✨Tip Number 3
Network like a pro! Connect with current or former employees of the Thames Valley Fire Control Service on LinkedIn. They can provide insider tips and maybe even put in a good word for you!
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, it shows you're serious about joining the team. Don’t forget to highlight your relevant skills and experiences in your application!
We think you need these skills to ace FIRE CONTROL OPERATOR – 3 year Fixed Term Contract in Reading
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Us Your Communication Skills: Since you'll be handling emergency calls, it's crucial to demonstrate your written communication skills. Make sure your application is clear, concise, and free of jargon. We want to see how well you can express yourself in writing!
Tailor Your Application: Take a good look at the Job Profile/Person Specification and align your skills and experiences with what we're looking for. Highlight relevant examples that showcase your ability to work under pressure and your problem-solving skills. We love seeing how you fit into our team!
Be Honest About Your Availability: This role requires flexibility with shifts, so be upfront about your availability in your application. If you're ready to work nights, weekends, and holidays, let us know! We appreciate transparency and want to find the right fit for both you and us.
Apply Through Our Website: Don't forget to apply through our website! It's the best way to ensure your application gets to us directly. Plus, it shows you're serious about joining our team. We can't wait to hear from you!
How to prepare for a job interview at Royal Berkshire Fire and Rescue
✨Know the Role Inside Out
Before your 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 that you're genuinely interested in the role.
✨Demonstrate Your Communication Skills
Since effective communication is key in this role, practice articulating your thoughts clearly. You might be asked to handle a mock emergency call during the interview, so think about how you would gather information and support the caller. Show them you can stay calm under pressure!
✨Highlight Your Teamwork Abilities
The job requires working closely with a team, so be ready to share examples of how you've successfully collaborated in the past. Think of situations where you had to react quickly and support your colleagues, especially in high-pressure environments. This will demonstrate your ability to fit into their close-knit team.
✨Prepare for Behavioural Questions
Expect questions that assess your behaviours in line with their Competency Framework. Prepare specific examples from your past experiences that showcase your problem-solving skills, flexibility, and ability to prioritise tasks. Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your answers effectively.
