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- Tasks: Respond to emergencies, including fires and road traffic collisions, as part of a dedicated team.
- Company: Join the Suffolk Fire and Rescue Service, a vital community service.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, pension scheme, training opportunities, and discounts on various services.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in your community while gaining valuable skills and experience.
- Qualifications: Must be 18+, fit, and live within 5-8 minutes of a fire station.
- Other info: Enjoy a supportive environment with diverse staff networks and ongoing training.
The predicted salary is between 13 - 16 £ per hour.
Suffolk Fire and Rescue Service are recruiting On-Call Firefighters to join our emergency response service to deal with fires, road traffic collisions and a wide range of emergencies. On-Call Firefighters are a vital part of the Suffolk Fire and Rescue Service. They provide an efficient, effective service that gives emergency cover across the county. In Suffolk, on-call Firefighters make up 66% of the Suffolk Fire and Rescue Service workforce and are generally located in rural communities, small towns and villages.
Locations:
- West District - Brandon
- Bury St Edmunds
- Clare
- Elmswell
- Haverhill
- Ixworth
- Mildenhall
- Newmarket
- Stowmarket
- Sudbury
- Wickhambrook
Contract and pay:
- Salary: Annual salary/retainer fee, plus an hourly rate and disturbance fee for attending incidents and training
- Hours: On Call hours
- Contract: Permanent
Minimum requirements:
- Minimum 18 years old (there is no upper age limit).
- Live or work within 5 to 8 minutes of a fire station in Suffolk.
- Hold a full UK driving license and access to personal transport.
- Have a reasonable level of personal fitness.
- Have permission to be released from your main employment to attend emergency incidents (if you will be attending calls whilst at work).
- Can operate at heights and confined spaces.
- Keep calm under pressure.
- Ability to work well in a team.
- Can develop your skills and work independently.
Hours of work and pay:
You would be contracted to work a set amount of hours based on your availability, during which you would need to keep a pager with you. You would agree which hours you cover; it could be days, nights, weekends or a combination of these.
Benefits:
- The satisfaction and respect that comes with providing such a crucial service.
- Membership of a competitive Firefighters’ Pension scheme.
- Issued with a uniform and personal protective equipment.
- Eligibility for a Blue Light card.
- A lifetime of support from the Firefighters Charity for you and your loved ones.
- Access to national training schemes facilitated by the Fire Service College, Women in the Fire Service and the Asian Fire Service Association.
- An annual cost-of-living increase.
- Training and encouragement to expand your knowledge.
- Diverse and active staff networks.
- Additional benefits include shopping vouchers and discounts, public transport discounts, tax-free bike schemes, a health, wellbeing and lifestyle support scheme, plus lots more!
If you want to know more about our benefits, values and equality commitments please visit our Suffolk County Council careers website.
Application and contact:
For more information please read our On-Call Firefighter information pack and visit our On-Call Firefighter site. For any further questions, please contact our Recruitment Team by emailing: SFRS.Recruitment@suffolk.gov.uk
How to apply:
- Read the advert, Job and Person Profile (JPP).
- Complete the Supporting Statement Form which includes 3 questions (other formats will not be accepted).
- Click “Apply Now” to start your online application and upload your supporting statement on the final page.
Please note: Without a supporting statement, your interest will not be progressed. Any supporting documents must be in either PDF or MS Word format. If you would like an adjustment to this process due to a disability, please contact us at 03456 014412 or recruitment@suffolk.gov.uk.
Closing date: 11.30pm, 31 March 2026.
This authority is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. DBS (Disclosure and Barring Service) checks or police vetting will be required for relevant posts.
On Call Firefighter - West District in Brandon employer: Suffolk County Council
Contact Detail:
Suffolk County Council Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land On Call Firefighter - West District in Brandon
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the Suffolk Fire and Rescue Service! Research their values, mission, and recent activities. This will help you tailor your approach and show that you're genuinely interested in being part of their team.
✨Tip Number 2
Network with current On-Call Firefighters or attend local events. Building connections can give you insider info and might even lead to a recommendation when you apply through our website!
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for the interview by practising common questions related to teamwork, emergency response, and personal fitness. We want to see how you keep calm under pressure, so think of examples from your past experiences.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to highlight your availability and commitment during the application process. Being flexible with your hours can make you a more attractive candidate, especially since On-Call Firefighters need to be ready at a moment's notice!
We think you need these skills to ace On Call Firefighter - West District in Brandon
Some tips for your application 🫡
Read the Job Description Thoroughly: Before diving into your application, take a good look at the job description and person profile. This will help us understand what we're looking for and ensure you tailor your application to highlight the skills and experiences that match.
Craft a Strong Supporting Statement: The supporting statement is your chance to shine! Make sure to answer all three questions clearly and concisely. Use specific examples from your experience that demonstrate your ability to handle emergencies and work well in a team.
Follow the Application Process: Stick to the application process outlined in the job advert. Complete the Supporting Statement Form and upload it as instructed. Remember, without this form, we won't be able to progress your application!
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply through our website for a smooth application experience. It’s straightforward, and you'll find all the necessary information there. Plus, it helps us keep everything organised!
How to prepare for a job interview at Suffolk County Council
✨Know Your Role
Make sure you understand what being an On-Call Firefighter entails. Familiarise yourself with the responsibilities, such as responding to emergencies and working as part of a team. This will help you answer questions confidently and show your genuine interest in the role.
✨Demonstrate Your Fitness
Since physical fitness is crucial for this job, be prepared to discuss your fitness routine. Share any relevant experiences that showcase your ability to stay calm under pressure and work effectively in challenging situations. A good example could be any previous emergency response training you've undertaken.
✨Highlight Teamwork Skills
As an On-Call Firefighter, teamwork is essential. Think of examples from your past where you successfully worked in a team, especially in high-pressure situations. This will demonstrate your ability to collaborate and support your colleagues during emergencies.
✨Prepare Questions
At the end of the interview, you'll likely have the chance to ask questions. Prepare thoughtful questions about the training process, community involvement, or the support available for On-Call Firefighters. This shows your enthusiasm and commitment to the role.
