Find a job 
Featured Companies 
Featured Universities 
For Companies At a Glance
- Tasks: Respond to emergencies and provide crucial fire and rescue services in your community.
- Company: Join Suffolk Fire and Rescue Service, a vital part of the local emergency response.
- Benefits: Earn extra money, enjoy a competitive pension scheme, and receive training opportunities.
- Why this job: Make a real difference while balancing work and family commitments.
- Qualifications: Must be 18+, fit, and live within 5-8 minutes of a fire station.
- Other info: Enjoy diverse staff networks and access to discounts and wellbeing support.
On Call Firefighter
Suffolk Jobs Direct
Suffolk, IP1 2DH
Permanent
Part time
Description
- Suffolk County Council, Suffolk Fire and Rescue Service
- Location: North District – Aldeburgh, Beccles, Bungay, Eye, Halesworth, Leiston, Lowestoft North, Lowestoft South, Reydon, Southwold, Saxmundham, Stradbroke and Wrentham
- 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 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:
Aldeburgh, Beccles, Bungay, Eye, Halesworth, Leiston, Lowestoft North, Lowestoft South, Southwold, Saxmundham, Stradbroke, Wrentham.
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, 30 November 2025
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.
#J-18808-Ljbffr
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 fire stations in your area! Research their needs and tailor your application to show how you can meet them. This will help you stand out as a candidate who understands the local community.
✨Tip Number 2
Network with current On-Call Firefighters! They can provide insider tips on what the role really involves and might even give you a heads-up about upcoming recruitment events or opportunities.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for the interview by practising common questions related to teamwork and emergency response. Show us that you can keep calm under pressure and work well with others – it’s key for this role!
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application is seen by the right people. Plus, you’ll find all the resources you need to make your application shine.
We think you need these skills to ace On Call Firefighter
Some tips for your application 🫡
Read the Job and Person Profile: Before diving into your application, make sure you thoroughly read the Job and Person Profile. This will give you a solid understanding of what we're looking for in an On-Call Firefighter and help you tailor your application to match our needs.
Craft Your Supporting Statement: The Supporting Statement Form is your chance to shine! Answer the three questions thoughtfully and provide examples that showcase your skills and experiences. Remember, this is where we get to know you better, so make it count!
Stick to the Format: We need your supporting documents in PDF or MS Word format, so double-check before you hit submit. Following our guidelines shows attention to detail, which is super important in this role!
Apply Through Our Website: When you're ready to apply, use the 'Apply Now' button on our website. It's the easiest way to ensure your application gets to us without any hiccups. Plus, it keeps everything organised on our end!
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 the skills required, such as teamwork and staying calm under pressure. This will help you answer questions confidently.
✨Show Your Commitment
Highlight your availability and willingness to respond to calls at any time. Be prepared to discuss how you can balance this role with your main employment and family commitments. This shows that you're serious about the position and ready to step up when needed.
✨Demonstrate Fitness and Preparedness
Since a reasonable level of personal fitness is essential, be ready to talk about your fitness routine or any relevant training you've undertaken. If you have experience operating in heights or confined spaces, mention it to showcase your readiness for the job.
✨Ask Questions
Prepare some thoughtful questions about the role and the team dynamics. This not only shows your interest but also helps you gauge if the station and its culture are the right fit for you. Plus, it gives you a chance to clarify any doubts you may have.
