Firefighter (Control)

The Methodist Church in Britain; England; On-site; GBP 21,000 - 27,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Local Government Pension Scheme

Generous annual leave allowance

Family friendly policies, including 39

Health and well-being services

Full and comprehensive training

Job summary

Dorset and Wiltshire Fire and Rescue Service is looking for an Emergency Call Handler to join the Service Control Centre. You will take calls 24/7, provide calm guidance during distressing situations, and mobilise crews and resources as incidents unfold.

Rotation through days, nights, weekends and public holidays is required, with full training provided. You will liaise with police, ambulance and local authorities, working as part of a team to support operational colleagues at incidents.

Qualifications

• 4 GCSEs A*-C (9-4) including English and Mathematics, or equivalent Level 2 qualification.
• Alternatively, at least six months' relevant experience in an emergency service or military environment.
• Competent with Microsoft Office and able to work with datasets.

Responsibilities

• Take emergency calls from the public.
• Provide guidance and support to callers, some of whom are distressed.
• Mobilise resources as required.
• Liaise with partner agencies, including police, ambulance and local authorities.
• Work as part of a team to support operational colleagues at incidents.

Skills

Microsoft Office

Keyboard skills

Data handling

Customer communication

Resilience

Self-motivation

Education

GCSEs English & Maths

Level 2 qualification

Higher-level qualification

Job description

This post sits in the Service Control Centre of Dorset and Wiltshire Fire and Rescue Service, taking emergency calls around the clock. The core of the work is calmly guiding callers, some in distressing situations, and mobilising crews and resources. Rotating four-watch shifts cover days, nights, weekends and public holidays, and full training is given. Applicants must commit to shift working and be at least 17 and a half on applying.

What the job involves

• Take emergency calls from the public
• Provide guidance and support to callers, some of whom are distressed
• Mobilise resources as required
• Liaise with partner agencies, including police, ambulance and local authorities
• Work as part of a team to support operational colleagues at incidents

Qualifications

• 4 GCSEs at grade A*-C / 9-4, including English and Mathematics, or equivalent Level 2 qualification, or a higher-level relevant qualification

Experience

• Alternatively, at least six months' relevant experience in an emergency service or military environment

Skills & knowledge

• Competent in Microsoft Office and other software, with good keyboard skills
• Able to manipulate datasets and databases
• Able to communicate confidently and clearly with internal and external customers, and build rapport with callers
• Resilient when dealing with distressed callers in life or death situations
• Able to commit to the development programme with a high degree of self-motivation

Checks & eligibility

• Minimum age of 17 and a half at application, and 18 by appointment

Other

• Able to commit to the shift working pattern, including days, nights, weekends and public holidays
• Professional conduct in line with working in a uniformed service

What's offered

• Local Government Pension Scheme
• Generous annual leave allowance
• Family friendly policies, including 39 weeks' full pay during maternity leave (subject to qualifying criteria)
• Health and well-being services
• Full and comprehensive training