At a Glance
- Tasks: Join our emergency response team to tackle fires and various emergencies.
- Company: Suffolk Fire and Rescue Service, a vital community service.
- Benefits: Earn extra money, enjoy a pension scheme, and access training opportunities.
- Other info: Flexible hours that fit around your life and commitments.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in your community while gaining valuable skills.
- Qualifications: Must be 18+, fit, and live near a fire station.
The predicted salary is between 30000 - 40000 £ per year.
Suffolk County Council, Suffolk Fire and Rescue Service
Location: West District - Brandon, Bury St Edmunds, Clare, Elmswell, Haverhill, Ixworth, Mildenhall, Newmarket, Stowmarket, Sudbury and Wickhambrook
Salary: Annual salary / retainer fee, plus an hourly rate and disturbance fee for attending incidents and training
Hours: On Call hours
Contract: Permanent
How would you like a job that earns you extra money and fits around your work and family commitments? 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.
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 number 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 of being an On-Call Firefighter
- 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.
Stations available
Brandon, Bury St Edmunds, Clare, Elmswell, Haverhill, Ixworth, Mildenhall, Newmarket, Stowmarket, Sudbury and Wickhambrook. You will state in your application which station you are applying for. Please note that the cover required will be subject to station need and will form part of the shortlisting process.
For more information please read our On-Call Firefighter information pack and visit our On-Call Firefighter site.
How to apply
Step 1: Read the Job and Person Profile (JPP) (Word). Step 2: Start your online application using “Apply Now”. Please note, a CV/Resume or supporting statement is not required as part of the application process. Instead, you will be asked to complete a series of questions and statements as part of the online application form, including responses to the following:
- Please describe what skills and experience you can bring to the service and how do these relate to the role? (250 words max)
- Please tell us what Equality, Diversity and Inclusion means to you and why you think they are essential to our service? (250 words max)
- Please tell us how you demonstrate the personal values and behaviours aligned to our corporate WE ASPIRE values. Please provide an example(s). (250 words max)
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: 11.30 pm, 2 August 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 Bury St Edmunds employer: Suffolk County Council
Suffolk Fire and Rescue Service is an exceptional employer, offering On-Call Firefighters the opportunity to serve their community while enjoying flexible working hours that fit around personal commitments. With a strong emphasis on employee growth through national training schemes, competitive benefits including a pension scheme, and a supportive work culture that values diversity and inclusion, this role provides not just a job, but a meaningful career in public service.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land On Call Firefighter - West District in Bury St Edmunds
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the fire stations in your area! Researching the specific station you're applying to can give you a leg up during interviews. It shows you're genuinely interested and helps you tailor your responses to what they value.
✨Tip Number 2
Practice your responses to the application questions. Think about your skills, experiences, and values that align with the role of an On-Call Firefighter. The more prepared you are, the more confident you'll feel when it comes time to submit your application.
✨Tip Number 3
Network with current On-Call Firefighters or attend local events. They can provide insights into the role and the application process. Plus, having a connection can sometimes help your application stand out!
✨Tip Number 4
Don't forget to highlight your teamwork and calmness under pressure! These traits are crucial for an On-Call Firefighter. Make sure to weave examples of these qualities into your application responses to show you're the right fit for the team.
We think you need these skills to ace On Call Firefighter - West District in Bury St Edmunds
Some tips for your application 🫡
Read the Job and Person Profile:Before diving into your application, take a moment to read the Job and Person Profile. It’ll give you a solid understanding of what we’re looking for and help you tailor your responses to match our needs.
Be Authentic in Your Responses:When answering the questions, be yourself! We want to know about your skills and experiences, so don’t hold back. Share real examples that showcase how you fit the role and what you can bring to the team.
Focus on Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion:Make sure to highlight your thoughts on Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion. This is super important to us, so share why it matters and how you’ve embraced these values in your life or work.
Apply Through Our Website:Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the easiest way to get your application in. Plus, you’ll find all the info you need to make your application stand out.
How to prepare for a job interview at Suffolk County Council
✨Know Your Role
Make sure you understand the responsibilities of an On-Call Firefighter. Familiarise yourself with the types of emergencies you might face and how your skills can contribute to the team. This will help you answer questions confidently and show that you're genuinely interested in the role.
✨Demonstrate Team Spirit
Since teamwork is crucial in emergency services, be prepared to discuss examples of how you've worked effectively in a team before. Think about situations where you kept calm under pressure and supported your colleagues, as this will resonate well with the interviewers.
✨Showcase Your Availability
Be clear about your availability for on-call hours. Since flexibility is key for this role, highlight how you can manage your time around your main job and family commitments. This shows that you're serious about being part of the service and can respond quickly when needed.
✨Emphasise Your Values
The Suffolk Fire and Rescue Service values diversity and inclusion, so be ready to share your thoughts on these topics. Reflect on what they mean to you and provide examples of how you embody these values in your personal and professional life. This will demonstrate that you align with their corporate WE ASPIRE values.
