Summary
Devon and Somerset Fire and Rescue Service has opportunities for Fire Control Operators (Firefighter Control) to join our team based in our Fire Control at Service Headquarters in Exeter on permanent contracts and a Fixed Term Contract until 17 November 2026, working 42 hours per week on our shift system.
You will start on the development salary of £28,865 (gross) rising to £36,937 (gross) per annum (competent rate of pay) once you have achieved competency in role. We would expect that you could become competent and role, and reach the competent level in salary within 18-24 months.
Devon and Somerset Fire and Rescue Service is the largest non-metropolitan Fire and Rescue Service in England. We provide prevention, protection, and response services across the counties of Devon and Somerset.
Our vision is that together, we will work to end preventable fire and rescue emergencies, creating a safer world for you and your family. Keeping people safe is what we do, and we owe our fantastic reputation to our highly skilled and motivated workforce.
Find out more:
Fire Control is a varied department, with key responsibilities shown below:
1. 999 call handling
2. Resourcing incidents
3. Incident Support Functions
4. Work to support Service Delivery
5. Data inputting to support the mobilising system and response plans
6. Working in partnership with Hampshire and Isle of Wight, Dorset and Wiltshire Fire and Rescue Services.
7. Managing and supporting operational crewing across the Service.
In addition to the above call handling, resourcing of incidents and providing incident support you will also complete administration tasks.
Fire Control Operators play a crucial role in managing emergency situations. Remaining calm and assertive, they guide emergency callers - helping them identify the exact location of an incident, determining the appropriate resources required, and providing critical safety advice and reassurance until Firefighters arrive on scene.
The job is unique and demanding and you will be given comprehensive, thorough and professional training to support your development within this role. Initial training will consist of training on Day Duty, moving to shift based work upn reaching the required standard. You will be continually assessed on your suitability for the role.
Fire Control Information Sessions:
We are holding two information sessions for people to have the change to get to know more about our Control Room and what the role involves. These events will provide details on how we respond to emergency calls and how the application and training process works.
The first event will be hosted online via Microsoft Teams on Thursday 14 August 2025 from 1900hrs - 2100hrs.
The second event will be hosted in person at our Service Headquarters in Exeter on Saturday 16 August 2025 from 1000hrs - 1200hrs.
We are seeking individuals who are looking for a varied role, who are flexible and motivated and who can remain confident and positive in a busy, pressurised and dynamic environment.
How to apply:
There are no qualifications required, however an excellent standard of both verbal and written English is essential, along with good knowledge and application of IT systems and software.
An Enhanced DBS check is required for this role.
Closing Date: 2359hrs Sunday 24 August 2025.
You will be required to complete an application form and submit a document detailing how you meet the following essential criteria taken from the Job Description and Person Specification.
8. Ability to work calmly and effectively under pressure demonstrating personal resilience.
9. Evidence of self-motivation
10. Able to prioritise events and take appropriate action.
11. Acts as a role model encouraging positive behaviour
12. Maintained a positive outlook and were adaptable, showing flexibility in the way you worked.
13. Have independently found solutions to a problem and made appropriate decisions.
14. Have communicated clearly, respectfully and with enthusiasm, ensuring your message was understood.
15. Have taken responsibility for your actions and been accountable for performance.
To help you complete this part of the application form please find below the word document "Fire Control Operator Essential Criteria for Application". Please download this document and complete it with your evidence in relation to the above criteria. You can then upload this where requested when completing your application form.
Evidence submitted in relation to the essential criteria listed above will be used to shortlist any applications received.
Our values
We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and vulnerable adults, and all employees must share this commitment and adhere to the Services Safeguarding Policy and Procedure.
Fire and Rescue Authority roles are listed in Schedule 1 of the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 (Exceptions) Order and as such it is our policy to require all applicants to disclose any criminal convictions (both spent and unspent) including driving offences, cautions and/or reprimands.
Devon and Somerset Fire and Rescue Authority are committed to the rehabilitation of offenders, as such any positive disclosures will incorporate a reasonable and proportionate response.
As a Service and as individuals:
16. We are proud to help
17. We are honest
18. We are respectful
19. We are working together
Devon and Somerset Fire and Rescue Service recognise and celebrate the vast diversity of the local communities that we serve and aspire for this to be reflected in our workforce. We encourage candidates from diverse backgrounds, experiences, and beliefs, who share our values, to consider working for us.