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- Tasks: Respond to emergencies and participate in community fire safety initiatives.
- Company: Join Staffordshire Fire and Rescue Service, a vital part of the community.
- Benefits: Enjoy flexible hours, fitness facilities, and additional leave.
- Why this job: Make a real impact while gaining valuable skills and experience.
- Qualifications: Must be 18+, live or work near a station, and be physically fit.
- Other info: Application period runs from 15 July to 31 August 2025.
Overview
On-call firefighters are a crucial part of the Fire Service – they provide an efficient and effective emergency service to our communities across Staffordshire.
We are currently recruiting for the following stations: Abbotts Bromley, Barton under Needwood, Brewood, Burslem, Burton-upon-trent, Cannock, Cheadle, Bilbrook & Codsall, Eccleshall, Gnosall, Hanley, Ipstones, Kidsgrove, Kinver, Lichfield, Loggerheads, Longnor, Newcastle, Penkridge, Rising Brook, Rugeley, Stone, Tutbury, Uttoxeter and Womborne
What is an On-call firefighter?
On-Call Firefighters provide an emergency response from either their home or work base and are notified by an alerter when their assistance is needed – which could be any time day or night. To be eligible to apply you need to live or work close to an on-call fire station. All applicants will be considered on a case-by-case basis.
After their initial training course, on-call firefighters attend weekly drill nights at their station with the rest of the crew to ensure they maintain their skills, in addition to which there are many more opportunities for training throughout the year. As well as responding to emergencies, on-call firefighters can also get involved in community fire safety initiatives in their local area, including safe & well and school visits.
Career considerations
Find out if being a Firefighter maybe the right career for you.
This self assessment test will give you a good idea of whether or not your perception of what is needed to be a on-call firefighter is correct. If you can answer yes to all of these questions then this may be the right career for you!
- Would you like to be part of a profession where you can put your life skills into action every day?
- Would you like to work as part of a team?
- Would you like to work in the community meeting new people, being in new situations and meeting new challenges?
- Are you willing to work nights, evenings, weekends and public holidays including Christmas and New Year?
- Are you ready to work outdoors in cold, hazardous conditions for long periods through both the day and night?
To become an on-call firefighter you need to
- Be 18-years-old or over to apply and start the process of becoming an on-call firefighter.
- Live or work within approximately five minutes (or the agreed turn-out time) of your on-call fire station so you can respond immediately.
Key Requirements
- Have a real wish to support your local community
- Have an enthusiasm and willingness to work in a team environment
- Have a good level of physical fitness
Many on-call firefighters have other commitments such as full-time, part-time or self-employment (primary employment) and often fit their on-call hours in around that. Some on-call firefighters in primary employment have an agreement with their employer to leave work should they be alerted to attend an incident. Others provide cover during nights or weekends. Being an on-call firefighter also appeals to unemployed people who are looking into developing a new career.
As an on-call firefighter you will play a full and valuable contribution in Staffordshire Fire and Rescue Service and have the same job satisfaction as full-time firefighters as you’re giving the same uniform and training, as well as attending the same incidents.
You will also need to agree a declaration of availability with the local Station Manager? This will be emailed over once we received your application. As a general role we require around 50 Hours per week, but some stations might accept less. We invite you to apply and we can assess together your availability on a case by case basis.
About the National Firefighter Selection Process
Anyone over 18 can apply to become an on-call firefighter and we welcome all applicants with a range of skills, abilities and backgrounds.
A lot of the job is based around working within the community therefore, you’ll need to have good communication skills. The role can also be quite physical as on-call firefighters will use equipment like ladders, hoses and other equipment
Recruitment process and assessments
After completing the application form, our On-Call Support Officers and Station Managers will shortlist the candidates. The shortlisting criteria for successful applicants is:
- distance to the station (how quickly can you respond from where you live or work)
- suitability for the role
- declaration of availability*
*If the on-call hours you’re able to provide will be in line with the stations needs and approved by Station Manager, we will progress your application.
Assessments: -Interview; Physical assessment: Bleep tests and Job-Related Tests (one of the tests in the video below)
Benefits
- The satisfaction of knowing that every time you respond to your station you are helping your community and making a difference to people’s lives.
- The opportunity to learn new skills, progress and be promoted in your second career.
- The chance to test yourself and reach the potential you never knew you had.
- Work as part of a team and make new friends
- You will earn a second income for providing this invaluable service to your community.
For the full list of benefits of working for Staffordshire Fire and Rescue Service please follow the link:
Salary
Salaries vary per on-call firefighter as it is based on the number of on-call hours they give, the amount of incidents they attend, the training they do and their progression. This will be pro-rata amount from a full-time firefighter’s salary
Want more information?
If you want more information about the role, you can visit our website, visit your local On-call Fire Station at one of their drill sessions or contact one of our On-Call Support Officers:
Richard Rudge
Chase Terrace, Cannock, Rugeley, Lichfield, Tamworth Mercia
Tel: 01785 898693 / 07967 573573
Email: richard.rudge@staffordshirefire.gov.uk
James Stevenson
Burslem, Hanley, Kidsgrove, Loggerheads, Newcastle, Abbotts Bromley
Tel: 01785 898645 / 07967 573596
Email:
Jordan Fallows
Biddulph, Cheadle, Ipstones, Leek, Longnor, Burton on Trent, Barton under Needwood, Tutbury
Tel: 01785 898709 / 07967 573522
Email:
Rick Pattison
Eccleshall, Gnosall, Longton, Rising Brook, Stone, Uttoxeter
Tel: 01785 898694 / 07528 983185
Email:
Thomas Mabley
Brewood, Codsall, Penkridge, Kinver, Wombourne
Tel: 01785 898843 / 07528 983157
Email:
Key Dates for 2025
Job Related Tests -10th March 2026
Medical and Kit Fitting dates: 18th, 19th and 20th March 2026
Intro day -14th April 2026; Core training dates will be confirmed.
Vacancy closing date 8th February 2026 at 12:00 Midday
If you cannot make the above dates, please continue to submit your application and we can get back to you with further intakes.
In addition to your salary, you will have access to a range of benefits including:
- Enhanced Annual Leave Entitlement
- Generous Pension Scheme
- Access to Gyms & Fitness Advisor
- Free Parking at Most Sites
- Enhanced Maternity Package
- Occupational Health
- Well-being Champions
- Employee Assistance Programme (EAP)
- Eye Tests
- Flexible Working Scheme
- The Firefighter Charity
- Cycle Scheme
- Blue Light Card
- Flamesavers
- Rewards for rescue
- Say So
- Development Programme
- Trade Unions
- Career Breaks
- Physiotherapy
- TRiM
- Employment Network
- Fostering Friendly
Safeguarding
Staffordshire Fire and Rescue Service’s recruitment and selection procedures reflect our commitment to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of Adults, Children and Young People and all staff and volunteers are expected to share this commitment.
Please note if you are successful at interview and commence pre-employment checks this will include DBS, please see what this involves and the process via the below link:
Positive Action
Staffordshire Fire and Rescue Service is fully supportive of Equality, Diversity and Inclusion and strives to employ a workforce that represents the community we serve.
Our vacancies are open to everyone and all appointments are made based on merit. We encourage and welcome applications from all underrepresented groups which include: Black, Asian, and minority ethnic backgrounds, female, people who have a disability, those who are neurodivergent and persons of the LGBTQ+ community.
We use positive action to encourage potential candidates from underrepresented groups through targeted step-In support and advice sessions. If you have the skills, experience and values, that here in Staffordshire Fire and Rescue we pride ourselves on, then we would welcome you to apply.
For more information on Positive Action please email the team on
For any Recruitment queries please email:
#J-18808-Ljbffr
On-Call Firefighter employer: Staffordshire Fire and Rescue Service
Contact Detail:
Staffordshire Fire and Rescue Service Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land On-Call Firefighter
✨Tip Number 1
Make sure you live or work within five minutes of an on-call station. This is a crucial requirement, so check the locations of the stations and consider your proximity to them before applying.
✨Tip Number 2
Engage with your local community by participating in events or initiatives related to fire safety. This not only shows your commitment but also helps you build connections that could be beneficial during the selection process.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for the physical assessments by maintaining a good fitness routine. Being physically fit is essential for this role, so start training early to ensure you meet the required standards.
✨Tip Number 4
Be ready to declare your availability clearly. Since the role requires around 50 hours per week, having a flexible schedule will make you a more attractive candidate to the selection panel.
We think you need these skills to ace On-Call Firefighter
Some tips for your application 🫡
Understand the Role: Before applying, make sure you fully understand what being an on-call firefighter entails. Familiarise yourself with the responsibilities, requirements, and the selection process outlined in the job description.
Tailor Your CV: Craft your CV to highlight relevant skills and experiences that align with the role of an on-call firefighter. Emphasise teamwork, community engagement, and any physical fitness achievements, as these are crucial for the position.
Write a Strong Cover Letter: In your cover letter, express your passion for serving the community and your commitment to the role. Mention your availability and willingness to work flexible hours, as this is important for on-call positions.
Prepare for Assessments: Be ready for the physical assessments and job-related tests mentioned in the selection process. Consider including any relevant training or certifications in your application to demonstrate your preparedness.
How to prepare for a job interview at Staffordshire Fire and Rescue Service
✨Know Your Role
Familiarise yourself with the responsibilities of an on-call firefighter. Understand the importance of community engagement and teamwork, as well as the physical demands of the job.
✨Demonstrate Your Commitment
Be prepared to discuss your availability and willingness to work nights, weekends, and holidays. Show that you are dedicated to supporting your community and can balance this role with other commitments.
✨Showcase Teamwork Skills
Prepare examples of how you've successfully worked in a team environment. Highlight any experiences where you’ve collaborated with others to achieve a common goal, especially in high-pressure situations.
✨Ask Insightful Questions
At the end of the interview, ask questions that show your interest in the role and the fire service. Inquire about training opportunities, community initiatives, or the selection process to demonstrate your enthusiasm.
