On-Call (RDS) Firefighter Recruits

The Methodist Church in Britain; London Borough of Southwark; Remote; GBP 15,000 - 21,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Full training provided

Development Programme accredited

Flexible hours to fit primary job

Job summary

East Sussex Fire & Rescue Service is seeking an on-call firefighter to respond to emergencies from home or work and reach the station within five minutes of alert. The role includes a weekly drill night and comprehensive training with a development programme.

Holders may work flexibly around other employment, with full training provided and ongoing development opportunities. The position emphasizes teamwork, community presence, and readiness for a range of incidents.

Qualifications

• DBS check or police vetting completed for the preferred candidate before a job offer.
• Aged over 17.5 at the time of application and minimum availability of 31 hours a week.
• Able to respond within 5 minutes of the alerter sounding.
• Willingness to uphold ESFRS values and work as part of a team.

Responsibilities

• Respond to fire and rescue incidents and emergency calls when alerted.
• Reach the station within 5 minutes of the alerter sounding at normal road speeds.
• Attend a weekly drill night at the local community station, usually 2 to 3 hours.
• Train with the team and maintain station equipment.
• Complete initial training, including Core Skills, then the Firefighter (On-call) Development Programme.
• Participate in further training within 12 months (working at height, water, breathing apparatus).
• Take part in regular fitness tests on station during drill nights.
• Carry out community work and act as an ambassador for the fire service.

Skills

Teamwork

Community focus

Commitment to training

Good fitness

Job description

This is an on-call firefighter post with East Sussex Fire & Rescue Service, based at community fire stations across the county. Holders respond to fire and rescue incidents from home or work, reaching the station within five minutes of an alert, and attend a weekly drill night. The role is built around a minimum of 31 hours a week of availability, so it suits people who hold a day job. No previous firefighting experience is needed, as full training is provided.

What the job involves

• Respond to fire and rescue incidents and emergency calls when alerted
• Reach the station within 5 minutes of the alerter sounding, at normal road speeds
• Attend a weekly drill night at your local community station, usually 2 to 3 hours
• Train with the team and learn to maintain station equipment
• Complete initial training, including the Core Skills Course, then the Firefighter (On-call) Development Programme
• Complete further training within 12 months, including working at height, water, and breathing apparatus courses
• Take part in regular fitness tests on station during drill nights
• Carry out community work, such as open days and acting as an ambassador for the fire service

Checks & eligibility

• DBS check or police vetting, completed for the preferred candidate before a job offer

Other

• Aged over 17.5 at the time of application (cannot employ anyone under 18)
• Minimum availability of 31 hours a week, able to respond within 5 minutes of the station
• Strong desire to support the local community
• Enthusiasm for working as part of a team
• Willingness to uphold ESFRS values
• Good level of personal fitness

What’s offered

• Annual retaining fee, set by the hours of cover offered
• Hourly rate for hours worked, including incidents and training, once competent
• Full training provided on an ongoing basis
• Development Programme accredited through Skills for Justice
• Hours fairly flexible to the station's needs, with shift and varied hours in primary employment usually accommodated