Please note we are not currently recruiting for Wholetime Firefighters

Work Pattern

Wholetime Stations are staffed using a shift system of 4 watches (blue, green, red and white) operating 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. This comprises of a 4 on 4 off work pattern of 2 day shifts and 2 night shifts, followed by 4 days off, working on average 42 hours per week.

Day Staffed Stations are staffed throughout the day on a 4 on 4 off work pattern, of 4 day shifts followed by 4 days off. On Call cover is provided during the night.

Entry Requirements

• Minimum of 18 years of age on appointment
• Be of good character
• Level 2 in Literacy and Numeracy equivalent to GCSE grade C or above
• Have a level of aerobic fitness and strength to enable you to undertake fire fighting duties
• Able to pass medical and eyesight examinations to ensure you are fit to undertake firefighting duties

Salary

All remuneration is paid in accordance with the National Joint Council (NJC) Conditions of Service for Local Authorities Fire Brigades.

Salaries for different Firefighter Competency Levels based on NJC July 2012

Level	Salary
Trainee	£21,369
Development	£22,258
Competent	£28,481

Selection Process

Application Form

You will be required to complete an application form which includes your personal details and answer a number of questions based on your Personal Qualities and Attributes (PQA's). You can download the Personal Qualities and Attributes guide from the useful files list at the foot of the page.

Written Tests

You will undertake written tests to assess your literacy, numeracy, situational awareness, problem solving, memory retention and recall abilities.

The tests are taken under exam conditions and will last approximately three hours including a break.

Job Related Tests

The tests will determine whether you have the required levels of aerobic fitness and strength to carry out the role of a Firefighter. These tests are designed to simulate aspects of a Firefighter's role and you will be required to wear fire kit. The tests are as follows:

Job related Tests

Test	Description
Ladder Climb	To test confidence and ability to follow instructions
Casualty Evacuation	To test physical upper and lower body strength and co-ordination
Ladder Lift	To test physical upper and lower body strength and co-ordination
Enclosed Space	To test confidence, agility and identify claustrophobic tendencies
Equipment Assembly	To test manual dexterity
Equipment Carry	To test aerobic fitness, stamina, upper and lower body strength and co-ordination
Hose Run	To test aerobic fitness, stamina, upper and lower body strength and co-ordination

Interview

This is a panel interview which will last no more than one hour. You will be asked several PQA and scenario based questions and we advise that you use the S.T.A.R. model to answer these questions. Guidance on the required PQA's can be found in the Personal Qualities and Attributes document in the useful files list at the foot of the page.

Medical

You will be required to undertake a medical assessment and asked to declare any health problems.

During the medical you will have the following checks:

• Blood Pressure
  Raised blood pressure may require further investigation from your GP.
• Breathing / Respiratory function
  This will be assessed using a lung function machine which will identify a sufficient respiratory capacity to carry out firefighting. This is to ensure adequate oxygen intake is maintained to carry out duties requiring exertion over prolonged periods of time.
• Drug and Alcohol Screening
  Testing for alcohol will take the form of breath testing. Saliva samples will be taken to test for substances.
• Hearing
  A good standard of hearing is required as firefighting is a safety critical role. Hearing is assessed using an audiometer in a sound proofed booth.
• Height / Weight
  This will help to assess general health and fitness.
• Urine test
  A sample of urine will be required to test for signs of Diabetes or other medical conditions.
• Vision
  The Vision Standards for becoming a Firefighter are as follows:
  • Distance = 6/9 in each eye corrected or uncorrected. If aided, the uncorrected vision should not fall below 6/18 and 6/24 when comparing each eye together e.g. 6/24 in each eye does not meet the standard.
  • Near vision = N12 unaided (if below age 25 then N6).
  • Soft contact lenses can be worn.
  • Rigid (hard) lenses are not considered safe as debris can become trapped beneath these which can cause visual discomfort and disability.
  • Normal visual field (120°).
  • No history of night blindness or other ocular disease.
  • An appropriate level of colour perception. If a colour deficiency is detected then further testing or a work based assessment may be required.
  • Refractive surgery, at least one year post surgery.
  Advice should be sought from your Optician on whether you meet the standards above before application to become a Firefighter.
• Fitness
  It is essential to have a good level of aerobic fitness. This will be assessed at the medical using either a Step or Treadmill Test.

Criminal Records Bureau Check

A satisfactory enhanced Criminal Records Bureau check will be requested to ensure that you have not been convicted of a criminal offence which makes your employment in the role of a Firefighter unsuitable. This application is made in line with the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act.

Reference Checks

Two satisfactory references will be sought. One must be from your current or most recent employer.

Pre Course Assessment Session

You will be invited to attend a pre-course assessment session. This session contains both written and physical assessments to give you and the course instructors an indication of the level you are working at in both these areas, to prepare you for the training course.

Training Schedule

This is currently a 16 week training course covering the following modules:

The Trainee will have to complete a 2 day final assessment in order to be competent in all of the basic core skills. The Trainee will only be assessed on the elements that they have been covered within the above modules.

Useful Files

Personal Qualities and Attributes (122k)