Fire Control Operator

Summary

Devon and Somerset Fire and Rescue Service has multiple opportunities for Fire Control Operators to join our team within Fire Control at our Service Headquarters in Exeter on permanent and fixed term contracts (up to 12 months), working 42 hours per week on our shift system. 

You will start on the training salary of £26852.00 (gross), rising to £27970.00 (gross) per annum Development rate of pay. Should there be an opportunity for fixed term contracts to be extended, or if you secure a permanent position, you will have the opportunity to become fully competent in role and would receive the competent salary of £35791.00 (becoming fully competent in role would usually be achieved within 18 - 24 months). 

Devon and Somerset Fire and Rescue Service is the largest non-metropolitan Fire and Rescue Service in England. We provide prevention, protection and response services across the counties of Devon and Somerset. 

Our vision is that together, we will work to end preventable fire and rescue emergencies, creating a safer world for you and your family. Keeping people safe is what we do, and we owe our fantastic reputation to our highly skilled and motivated workforce. 

Find out more about the role:

Fire Control is a varied department, with key responsibilities shown below:

• 999 call handling
• Resourcing incidents
• Incident support functions
• Work to support Service Delivery
• Data inputting to support the mobilising system and response plans
• Working in partnership with Hampshire and Isle of Wight and Dorset and Wiltshire Fire and Rescue Services. 
• Managing and supporting operational crewing across the Service. 

As a Fire Control Operator within Fire Control, you will be responsible for handling 999 calls, resourcing incidents, providing incident support and completing administration tasks. 

The job is unique and demanding, and you will be given comprehensive, thorough and professional training to support your development within this role. Initial training will consist of training on day duties, moving to shift based work upon reaching the required standard. You will be continually assessed for your suitability for the role. 

Fire Control Information Sessions: 

We are holding two events in October for people to have the chance to get to know more about our Control Room and what the role of Fire Control Operator involves. These events will provide details on how we respond to emergency calls and how the application and training process works. 

The first event will be held online on Tuesday 15 October from 7pm until 9pm. There will also be an Open Day event on Saturday 19 October at our Service Headquarters in Exeter between 10am and 1pm. 

Fire Control Operators play a significant role in making sure emergency situations are under control. They not only help callers identify the exact location of an incident, but they determine which resources are required and provide safety advice and reassurance until Firefighters arrive on scene. 

If you or someone you know is interested in becoming a Fire Control Operator and would like to attend one of these events, please email Vicky Leaman vleaman@dsfire.gov.uk or Nigel Alford nalford@dsfire.gov.uk. 

We are seeking individuals who are looking for a varied role, who are flexible and motivated and who can remain confident and positive in a busy, pressurised and dynamic environment. 

If you have a confident telephone manner, can accurately type 30 words per minute, have the ability to think and communicate quickly and clearly, and simultaneously complete multiple tasks, you might be the person for this role. 

How to apply:

There are no qualifications required, however an excellent standard of both verbal and written English is essential, along with good knowledge and application of IT systems and software. 

An Enhanced DBS check is required for this role. 

Closing Date: 2359hrs Thursday 31 October 2024.

You will be required to complete an application form and submit a document detailing how you meet the following essential criteria: 

1. Ability to work calmly and effectively under pressure demonstrating personal resilience. 
2. Evidence of self-motivation,
3. Ability to prioritise events and take appropriate action. 
4. Acts as a role model encouraging positive behaviour. 
5. Maintained a positive outlook and were adaptable, showing flexibility in the way you worked. 
6. Have found solutions to a problem and made appropriate decisions. 
7. Have communicated clearly, respectfully and with enthusiasm, ensuring your message was understood. 
8. Have taken responsibility for your actions and been accountable for performance. 

To help you complete this part of the application form please find below the word document "Fire Control Operator Essential Criteria for Application". Please download this document and complete it with your evidence in relation to the above criteria. You can then upload this where requested when completing your application form. 

Evidence submitted in relation to the criteria listed above will be used to shortlist any applications received. 

Our values

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

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

Devon and Somerset Fire and Rescue Service recognise and celebrate the vast diversity of the local communities that we serve and aspire for this to be reflected within our workforce. We encourage candidates from diverse backgrounds, experiences and beliefs, who share our values, to consider working for us.