Firefighter - Wattisham

Capita plc; Ipswich; On-site; GBP 31,000 - 35,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

23 days holiday

Pension (Auto-enrolment)

Life assurance

Cycle-to-work scheme

Enhanced family leave

Discounts (retail, travel, wellbeing)

Volunteer day

Inclusive employee networks

Job summary

Capita Fire and Rescue in the UK recruits firefighters through a unique training pathway, including a 14-week programme at the Fire Service College and full training funded by Capita.

The role focuses on prevention, protection and emergency response to support Defence capability across mo d Defence sites, with a strong emphasis on teamwork and decision making under pressure.

Qualifications

• Strong physical fitness and ability to pass fitness assessments.
• Teamwork and communication skills.
• Ability to stay calm and make decisions under pressure.
• Willingness to complete academic and behavioural assessments if required.

Responsibilities

• Respond to incidents and help restore safety quickly and effectively.
• Work with a professional emergency response team in a safety-critical environment.
• Carry out fire prevention and protection activities to reduce risk.
• Support safety campaigns to protect people, equipment and infrastructure.

Skills

Physical fitness

Teamwork

Communication

Calm under pressure

Security Clearance

Right to work in the UK

Job description

A career with purpose. A team that has your back. Training that sets you up to succeed.

At Capita Fire and Rescue, you don't need a traditional background to start a career in firefighting. Whether you're starting out or changing career, if you're calm under pressure, ready to learn and motivated to help others, this could be the role for you.

You'll protect people, support communities and help prevent risk, all as part of a skilled team making a real difference every day.

As part of our commitment to building an inclusive and diverse workforce, we would particularly welcome applications from people who are from Black, Asian and other ethnic minority backgrounds, as well as women and career-changers.

Application Closing Date: 18th September 2026 Why this role could be for you

There's no single route into firefighting, and no one "type" of person who succeeds. We welcome applications from people with different experiences, perspectives and career paths.

You don't need a traditional firefighting background. What matters most is your mindset, your resilience, your ability to work with others, and your commitment to keeping people safe.

Whether you're returning to the workplace, changing direction, or looking for a career with more meaning, we'll give you the training and support to build your confidence and develop the skills you need.

What you'll be doing and where you'll make an impact

As a Firefighter with Capita Fire and Rescue, you'll play a vital role supporting the UK Ministry of Defence, helping to keep military bases, personnel and critical operations safe.

This isn't a typical firefighting role. You'll be working in a unique environment where prevention, protection and emergency response all come together to support Defence capability.

Your role will include:

• Responding to incidents and helping restore safety quickly and effectively
• Working closely with a professional emergency response team in a high-performing, safety-critical environment
• Carrying out fire prevention and protection activities to reduce risk across Defence sites
• Supporting targeted safety campaigns that help protect people, equipment and infrastructure

You’ll be part of a modern Fire and Rescue Service that is shaping the future of firefighting within Defence, supported by significant investment in state-of-the-art equipment, including new firefighting vehicles, and advanced scenario-based training at the Fire Service College.

Everything you do will directly contribute to keeping people safe and ensuring that Defence operations can continue without disruption.

Training and development

You'll receive full training over 14 weeks, Monday to Friday, at the Fire Service College in Moreton-in-Marsh.

We'll cover the cost of your training, including accommodation and travel, so you can focus on learning, building confidence and preparing for the role.

We welcome applications from both experienced firefighters and those who are completely new to the fire and rescue service.

Eligible candidates may also be considered for the:

Operational Firefighter Level 3 Apprenticeship

A paid, earn-while-you-learn route into a long-term career in fire and rescue.

What we're looking for

We're interested in people who can bring the right qualities to the role, including:

• A good level of physical fitness (we'll support you to prepare for the required fitness assessments, including bleep test, ladder and confined space drills)
• Strong teamwork and the ability to support others
• Clear communication skills
• The ability to stay calm and make decisions under pressure
• The right to work in the UK and ability to obtain Security Clearance
• A willingness to complete academic (English/Maths) and situational/behavioural assessments if required

What's in it for you

• Salary of 30,954, rising to 34,823 once full competence is achieved following successful completion of the recruit course and development portfolio
• 23 days' holiday, rising to 27, plus the option to buy additional leave
• Auto-enrolment pension, life assurance, cycle-to-work scheme and enhanced family leave
• Lifestyle benefits including retail, travel and wellbeing discounts
• A paid volunteering day and access to inclusive employee networks

Join us and discover a career with purpose. #CareersWithPurpose

Customer first, always Fearless innovation Achieve together Everyone is valued

Equal Opportunities

At Capita, we're committed to providing an inclusive, barrier‑free recruitment process and working environment for everyone. We want everyone to have the best chance of succeeding as they move through our application and start their career with us. We are an equal opportunity and Disability Confident employer; we want to hear from you if you'd like to discuss any adjustments you might need during your recruitment process. Please email [e-mail] or call 07784 237318 and we'll get back to you to discuss.

For more information about equal opportunities and the types of adjustments we can offer, please visit the Capita Careers website. If you have a question that does not relate to adjustments during your recruitment process, please email our Talent Acquisition team - [e-mail]