On Call Watch Manager - West Mersea

Essex Fire; Colchester; On-site; GBP 40,000 - 55,000; Part time

Job summary

Essex County Fire and Rescue Service is seeking expressions of interest for an On Call Watch Manager at West Mersea Fire Station. The role involves leading the station, delivering the full Watch Manager responsibilities, and coordinating with station management to deliver business priorities.

The successful candidate will be based at West Mersea, live or work within a 5-minute drive of the station (CO5 8QT), and hold required qualifications and assessments. DBS checks apply.

Qualifications

• Competent in their current role.
• Hold a current Fitech 42 VO2 max.
• Hold a current BAV&D Assessment/comparable external BA qualification.
• Have completed all relevant operational assessments and compulsory courses to their role.
• live or work within a 5-minute drive radius of the station. Post Code CO5 8QT

Responsibilities

• Lead the station team, acting as a role model to maintain high standards.
• Manage the interaction between the watch and station management to ensure planning, review, implementation and delivery of the station business plans and other organisational priorities.
• Support development and succession planning for the station and its personnel.
• Undertake the full Role Map and responsibilities of a Watch Manager.

Job description

Post: On Call Watch Manager
Working Hours: Subject to individual matrix agreed with Station Manager
Scale: Watch Manager (Substantive)
Location: West Mersea Fire Station

Closing Date: 30 th October 2026

We are seeking expressions of interest from individuals working within ECFRS or, currently work in another UKFRS, who would like to apply for the On Call station-based operational Watch Manager position at West Mersea Fire Station.

We are looking for highly motivated individuals with an enthusiasm for leading others. As a Watch Manager at West Mersea Fire Station, you will be a role model to others on station, exemplifying professionalism and maintaining high standards, as well as developing the team for the future as part of the station’s succession planning.

You will be committed to the development of yourself and others: and will be prepared to support new recruits through their development journey.

As a Watch Manager on station, you will undertake a vital role supporting our service in leading the station, ensuring station activities are completed professionally and undertaking the full Role Map and responsibilities of a Watch Manager.

The successful applicant will manage the interaction between the watch and station management to ensure planning, review, implementation, and delivery of the station business plans and other organisational operational priorities in a timely manner.

We are welcoming applications from internal and external candidates who are existing substantive Crew and Watch Managers.

Eligibility Criteria

Competent in their current role.

Hold a current Fitech 42 VO2 max.

Hold a current BAV&D Assessment/ comparable external BA qualification.

Have completed all relevant operational assessments and compulsory courses to their role.

live or work within a 5-minute drive radius of the station. Post Code CO5 8QT

Demonstrate

no current live disciplinary warnings and is not subject to being informally managed for reasons of conduct, performance, or attendance.

Assessments will be made against positive indicators taken from the Code of Ethics, the NFCC Leadership Framework and ECFRS Safeguarding policies:

Our Culture and Benefits

Here at Essex County Fire and Rescue Service we are committed to prioritising and promoting the wellbeing of our employees.

Important Information for Firefighter Pension Scheme Pensioners

If you are currently in receipt of a pension from the Firefighter Pension Scheme, please note that taking up this role may affect your pension. Under pension abatement rules, if your earnings in this role, when combined with your pension, exceed your pre-retirement salary (adjusted for inflation), your pension may be reduced.

Essex Police, Fire and Crime Commissioner Fire and Rescue Authority is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and vulnerable adults and expects all employees and volunteers to share this commitment.

It is our policy to require all applicants for employment to disclose if you are currently being investigated by any regulatory body or have any decisions or sanctions pending or in progress in respect of your suitability to work for the Service.

You agree to inform the Service within 24 hours if you are subsequently investigated by any agency or organisation in relation to concerns about your behaviour towards children, young people or vulnerable adults.

The information you provide will be treated as strictly confidential and will be considered only in relation to the appointment for which you are applying.

This role will be subject to a Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check.

Disability Confident

We are an equal opportunity, Disability Confident, employer who welcomes applications from all backgrounds. We value diversity and are committed to creating a workplace where everyone is treated with dignity and respect. Applications are considered solely on merit.

You are also able to raise any queries or requests for support, including any adjustments you may require, at any stage of the process by email to [e-mail]