On Call Firefighter - South District

Job Details

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.

Job Description

Recruiting On-Call Firefighters to join the 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, giving emergency cover across the county. They provide an efficient, effective service.

Minimum Requirements

• Minimum 18 years old (no upper age limit).
• Live or work within 5 to 8 minutes of a fire station in Suffolk.
• Hold a full UK driving licence and have 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 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, and more.

Stations Available

Debenham, Felixstowe, Framlingham, Hadleigh, Holbrook, Ipswich East, Princes Street (Ipswich), Nayland, Needham Market, Orford, Woodbridge.

Applicants should state which station they are applying for. The cover required will be subject to station need and will form part of the shortlisting process.

Additional Information

For more information please read the On‑Call Firefighter information pack and visit the On‑Call Firefighter site.

For any further questions, contact the Recruitment Team by emailing SFRS.Recruitment@suffolk.gov.uk.

How to Apply

Step 1: Read the Job and Person Profile (JPP).

Step 2: Start your online application using “Apply Now”.

Please note a CV/Resume or supporting statement is not required. You will be asked to complete a series of questions and statements, including:

• Describe what skills and experience you can bring to the service and how you relate them to the role (250 words max).
• Explain what Equality, Diversity and Inclusion mean to you and why you think they are essential to our service (250 words max).
• Explain how you demonstrate personal values and behaviours aligned to our corporate WE ASPIRE values, providing an example (250 words max).

If you would like an adjustment due to a disability, please contact us at 03456 014412 or recruitment@suffolk.gov.uk.

Closing Date

Closing date: 11.30 pm, 30 April 2026.

Commitments

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 checks or police vetting will be required for relevant posts.