Thank you for showing interest in becoming an on-call firefighter with Dorset & Wiltshire Fire and Rescue Service.
On-call firefighters come from every walk of life, including homemakers, shopkeepers, builders, farmers, office workers and directors of companies, together with people who are not currently employed. What they all have in common is self-reliance, confidence, respect, enthusiasm, team spirit and a willingness to be ready for anything when they are alerted to an emergency.
Eligibility
You can find out more about the role and current vacancies through these pages, but key requirements for applicants are:
- You must be at least 18 years old when you join us (you can apply once you are 17½).
- You must live or work near the fire station so you can respond quickly.
- You must have a good standard of physical fitness – and we can provide advice on what is needed.
- You must have the right to work in the UK.
- You do not have any unspent convictions.
Ideally, your travel time to your local fire station from home or work will be no more than five minutes – however, we will consider applicants from further afield and would encourage an early conversation with the station management team to help us understand what cover you can offer and when.
Full training is provided on an on-going basis, therefore previous experience is not needed. There is a minimum requirement for 40 hours’ cover per week. The on-call hours are based around people’s availability and other commitments, aligned to the requirements for operational cover at the station.
If you are looking to move into the Service area, you can still be considered for on-call employment with us, but will need to demonstrate your intent to move before your application can start – to discuss the opportunities with us, please contact our On-Call Support Officers by email, making sure to provide your name and the station you are interested in joining.
We are committed to equality of opportunity and diversity in employment and welcome applications from all members of our community and encourage women, people from ethnic minority backgrounds and members of the LGBTQ+ community to join us, as they are currently under-represented within the Service.
Recruitment process information
Please take a look at all parts of the process before applying, so you fully understand what is required:
- Have you got what it takes?
- Application form
- Station visit
- Employer consent
- Online tests
- Fitness
- Practical assessment
- Interview
- Eyesight & medical
- Pre-employment checks
If you are unsure if you can apply, please contact our HR team on 01722 691444 or email [email protected]