On-Call to Wholetime Firefighter Opportunities

Summary

We are delighted to offer our On-Call colleagues the opportunity to apply for Wholetime Firefighter vacancies that have arisen within the Service.

We have several Firefighter roles available across the Service immediately, and we are anticipating more to arise throughout the next 12-24 months. We really value the talent and skills we have in our existing staff and want to ensure you have every opportunity to pursue the career path of your choice and fulfil your potential with the Service.

We will have several opportunities available, including permanent and fixed term opportunities, and there is space in the application form to share your preferences.

Our On-Call availability remains a key service priority, and there will be an expectation that successful colleagues remain able to provide On-Call hours for a minimum period of 18 months on joining Wholetime (hours to be agreed with On-Call WM). To make this easier, we will endeavour to place you at a Wholetime station within group or neighbouring group, depending on service requirements.

The Service can offer opportunities to further develop your skills into areas of specialist capabilities and support career progression through promotional pathways.

Our wholetime stations currently operate on a 2-2-4 duty system, but this is under review and may change. 

Find out more and apply

• Currently be employed as an On-Call Firefighter, Crew Manager or Watch Manager with DSFRS
• Have been deemed competent in role and be in date for the following qualifications:
  • BA1 & BA2
  • RTC
  • SHACS
  • Water Rescue Level 1
• Have no current/outstanding development action plans, or performance improvement action
• Be free of current formal disciplinary investigations or action throughout the entire process
• Have no current fitness restrictions
• Be able to swim, front crawl for at least 100m
• Have a full UK driving licence
• Be willing to undertake training to support station specialisms, including EFAD driving
• Be prepared to be based in any of the Wholetime stations across Devon and Somerset
• Prepared to undertake an enhanced DBS check

Desirable Criteria

• EFAD driver
• Aerial operator
• Breathing Apparatus Instructor

How to apply

Please evidence in the application form the following essential criteria which will be used to shortlist applications (in no more than 500 words per criteria);

1.Explain why you want to be a wholetime firefighter with DSFRS and how your values contribute to our organisation and the communities we serve?

2. What strategies do you use to inspire others to be productive at work?

3. How do you support change and support teams to accept change?

Our values

Devon and Somerset Fire and Rescue Service recognise and celebrate the vast diversity of the local communities that we serve, and we aspire for this to be reflected within our workforce. We encourage candidates from all backgrounds, and beliefs, who share our Service values to join our team. We are particularly interested in applications from underrepresented groups.

We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and vulnerable adults, and all employees must share this commitment. 

Fire and Rescue Authority roles are listed in Schedule 1 of the Rehabilitation of Offenders act 1974 (Exceptions) Order and as such it is our policy to require all applicants to disclose any criminal convictions (both spent and unspent) including driving offences, cautions and/or reprimands.

Devon and Somerset Fire and Rescue Authority are committed to the rehabilitation of offenders, as such any positive disclosures will incorporate a reasonable and proportionate response.

As a Service and as individuals: 

• We are proud to help
• We are honest
• We are respectful
• We are working together