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For Companies At a Glance
- Tasks: Join our team to respond to emergencies and save lives in your community.
- Company: Suffolk Fire and Rescue Service, a vital part of local emergency response.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, pension scheme, training opportunities, and discounts.
- Why this job: Make a real difference while gaining respect and satisfaction from serving your community.
- Qualifications: Must be 18+, fit, and live within 5-8 minutes of a fire station.
- Other info: Flexible hours, diverse staff networks, and ongoing support for personal development.
Suffolk County Council, Suffolk Fire and Rescue Service
- Suffolk County Council, Suffolk Fire and Rescue Service
- Location: South District – Debenham, Felixstowe, Framlingham, Hadleigh, Holbrook, Ipswich East, Nayland, Needham Market, Orford and Woodbridge.
- 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.
To find out more, please read our guide to what an On-Call Firefighter is paid (Word).
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
Debenham, Felixstowe, Framlingham, Hadleigh, Holbrook, Ipswich East, Ipswich – Princes Street, Nayland, Needham Market, Orford, Woodbridge.
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.
Find out more about the fire stations in Suffolk and find your nearest station .
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
Step 1: Read the Job and Person Profile (JPP) (Word).
Step 2: Complete the Supporting Statement Form (Word) which includes 3 questions (other formats will not be accepted).
Step 3: Start your online application using Apply Now 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 January 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.
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On Call Firefighter 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
✨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. This can give you insider knowledge about the role and the application process, plus it shows your commitment to joining the service.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for the interview by practising common questions related to teamwork, emergency response, and personal fitness. We recommend doing mock interviews with friends or family to boost your confidence.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! Make sure to follow the application steps carefully, especially the Supporting Statement Form. A well-prepared application can set you apart from other candidates.
We think you need these skills to ace On Call Firefighter
Some tips for your application 🫡
Read the Job Description Thoroughly: Before you dive into your application, take a good look at the job description. It’s packed with info about what we’re looking for in an On-Call Firefighter, so make sure you understand the requirements and responsibilities.
Craft Your Supporting Statement Carefully: Your supporting statement is your chance to shine! Answer the three questions thoughtfully and relate your experiences to the role. We want to see how you can contribute to our team, so be specific and genuine.
Follow the Application Process Step-by-Step: Make sure you stick to the application process outlined in the job ad. Complete the Supporting Statement Form and upload it as instructed. Remember, without this, we can’t move forward with your application!
Apply Through Our Website: When you’re ready to submit your application, do it through our website. It’s the easiest way for us to receive your details and ensures everything is in the right format. Plus, it keeps things organised on our end!
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.
✨Showcase Your Skills
Highlight any relevant skills or experiences that demonstrate your ability to keep calm under pressure and work well in a team. Think about past situations where you've had to act quickly or support others, and be ready to share these examples during the interview.
✨Be Prepared for Physical Assessments
Since fitness is a key requirement, be ready to discuss your personal fitness level and any training you do. If possible, mention specific exercises or activities that keep you fit, as this shows you're serious about meeting the physical demands of the job.
✨Ask Thoughtful Questions
Prepare some questions to ask at the end of your interview. This could be about the training opportunities available or how the team supports each other during emergencies. Asking insightful questions shows your enthusiasm and helps you determine if the role is right for you.