On Call Firefighter - West District

SUFFOLK COUNTY COUNCIL; North East; On-site; GBP 40,000 - 60,000; Part time

Job summary

A local fire service in the United Kingdom is seeking On-Call Firefighters to provide emergency cover across Suffolk. Candidates must be at least 18 years old, have a full UK driving license, and live within proximity to a fire station. This part-time role offers a retainer fee and hourly wages, along with various benefits including a pension scheme and training opportunities. Ideal for those looking to serve their community while maintaining their main employment.

Benefits

Competitive pension scheme

Uniform and protective equipment

Access to national training schemes

Annual cost-of-living increase

Shopping vouchers and discounts

Qualifications

• Minimum 18 years old.
• Hold a full UK driving license.
• Live or work within 5 to 8 minutes of a fire station.
• Keep calm under pressure.
• Ability to work well in a team.

Responsibilities

• Provide emergency cover across the county.
• Respond to fires and road traffic collisions.
• Attend training and incidents as needed.

Skills

Teamwork

Calm under pressure

Personal fitness

Ability to operate at heights

Adaptability

Job description

Overview

Suffolk Jobs Direct — Suffolk, IP1 2DH — Permanent — Part time — NEW

Description

• Suffolk County Council, Suffolk Fire and Rescue Service
• West District locations: Brandon, Bury St Edmunds, Clare, Elmswell, Haverhill, Ixworth, Mildenhall, Newmarket, Stowmarket, Sudbury, Wickhambrook
• Annual salary/retainer fee, plus an hourly rate and disturbance fee for attending incidents and training
• On Call hours
• Permanent

On-Call Firefighters are a vital part of the Suffolk Fire and Rescue Service. They provide an efficient, effective service that gives emergency cover across the county and are generally located in rural communities, small towns and villages. They deal with fires, road traffic collisions and a wide range of emergencies.

Minimum requirements

• Minimum 18 years old (there is no upper age limit).
• Live or work within 5 to 8 minutes of a fire station in Suffolk.
• Hold a full UK driving license and access to personal transport.
• Have a reasonable level of personal fitness.
• Have permission to be released from your main employment to attend emergency incidents (if you will be attending calls whilst at work).
• Can operate at heights and confined spaces.
• Keep calm under pressure.
• Ability to work well in a team.
• Can develop your skills and work independently.

Hours of work and pay

You would be contracted to work a set amount of hours based on your availability, during which you would need to keep a pager with you. You would agree which hours you cover; it could be days, nights, weekends or a combination of these. There is an annual salary/retainer fee, plus an hourly rate and disturbance fee for attending incidents and training. On-Call hours are permanent.

To find out more, please read our guide to what an On-Call Firefighter is paid (docx).

Benefits

• The satisfaction and respect that comes with providing such a crucial service.
• Membership of a competitive Firefighters' Pension scheme.
• Issued with a uniform and personal protective equipment.
• Eligibility for a Blue Light card.
• A lifetime of support from the Firefighters Charity for you and your loved ones.
• Access to national training schemes facilitated by the Fire Service College, Women in the Fire Service and the Asian Fire Service Association.
• An annual cost-of-living increase.
• Training and encouragement to expand your knowledge.
• Diverse and active staff networks.
• Additional benefits include shopping vouchers and discounts, public transport discounts, tax-free bike schemes, a health, wellbeing and lifestyle support scheme, plus lots more!

If you want to know more about our benefits, values and equality commitments please visit our Suffolk County Council careers website (careers.Suffolk.gov.uk).

Stations available

• Brandon
• Bury St Edmunds
• Clare
• Elmswell
• Haverhill
• Ixworth
• Mildenhall
• Newmarket
• Stowmarket
• Sudbury
• Wickhambrook

How to apply

• Step 1: Read the advert, Job and Person Profile (JPP) (docx).
• Step 2: Complete the Supporting Statement Form which includes 3 questions (other formats will not be accepted).
• Step 3: Click 'Apply Now' to start your online application and upload your supporting statement on the final page.

Please note: Without a supporting statement, your interest will not be progressed. Any supporting documents must be in either PDF or MS Word format. If you would like an adjustment to this process due to a disability, please contact us at 03456 014412 or [e-mail].

Closing date: 11:30pm, 30 September 2025

This authority is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. DBS (Disclosure and Barring Service) checks or police vetting will be required for relevant posts.

For more information

Please read our On-Call Firefighter information pack (suffolk.gov.uk) and visit our On-Call Firefighter site (suffolk-firefighters.co.uk).

For any further questions, please contact our Recruitment Team by emailing [e-mail].