Overview
On-call firefighters are a crucial part of the Fire Service – they provide an efficient and effective emergency service to our communities across Staffordshire. We are currently recruiting for the following stations: Abbotts Bromley, Barton under Needwood, Brewood, Burslem, Burton-upon-Trent, Cannock, Cheadle, Bilbrook & Codsall, Eccleshall, Gnosall, Hanley, Ipstones, Kidsgrove, Kinver, Lichfield, Loggerheads, Longnor, Newcastle, Penkridge, Rising Brook, Rugeley, Stone, Tutbury, Uttoxeter and Womborne.
What is an On-Call Firefighter?
On-Call Firefighters provide an emergency response from either their home or work base and are notified by an alerter when their assistance is needed – which could be any time day or night. To be eligible to apply you need to live or work close to an on-call fire station. All applicants will be considered on a case-by-case basis. After their initial training course, on-call firefighters attend weekly drill nights at their station with the rest of the crew to ensure they maintain their skills, in addition to which there are many more opportunities for training throughout the year. As well as responding to emergencies, on-call firefighters can also get involved in community fire safety initiatives in their local area, including safe & well and school visits.
Assessment and Career Fit
Find out if being a Firefighter may be the right career for you. This self assessment test will give you a good idea of whether your perception of what is needed to be an on-call firefighter is correct. If you can answer yes to all of these questions then this may be the right career for you!
* Would you like to be part of a profession where you can put your life skills into action every day?
* Would you like to work as part of a team?
* Would you like to work in the community meeting new people, being in new situations and meeting new challenges?
* Are you willing to work nights, evenings, weekends and public holidays including Christmas and New Year?
* Are you ready to work outdoors in cold, hazardous conditions for long periods through both the day and night?
To become an on-call firefighter you need to
* Be 18-years-old or over to apply and start the process of becoming an on-call firefighter.
* Live or work within approximately five minutes (or the agreed turn-out time) of your on-call fire station so you can respond immediately.
Key Requirements
* Have a real wish to support your local community
* Have an enthusiasm and willingness to work in a team environment
* Have a good level of physical fitness
* Many on-call firefighters have other commitments such as full-time, part-time or self-employment and fit their on-call hours around that
* Some on-call firefighters in primary employment may have an agreement with their employer to leave work should they be alerted to attend an incident
Role Details
As an on-call firefighter you will play a full and valuable contribution in Staffordshire Fire and Rescue Service and have the same job satisfaction as full-time firefighters, including the same uniform and training and attending the same incidents. You will also need to agree a declaration of availability with the local Station Manager (to be emailed once we receive your application). A general role requires around 50 hours per week, though some stations might accept less. Availability is assessed on a case-by-case basis.
National Process and Recruitment
Anyone over 18 can apply to become an on-call firefighter. The role is community-focused, so good communication skills are essential. The job is physical, with equipment such as ladders and hoses. Recruitment process and assessments include: shortlisting by On-Call Support Officers and Station Managers based on distance to the station, role suitability and declaration of availability; assessments including interview, physical assessment, bleep tests and Job-Related Tests.
Benefits
* The satisfaction of helping your community and making a difference to people’s lives
* Opportunities to learn new skills, progress and be promoted
* Team-based environment and new connections
* Second income for providing this service to the community
* Salary is pro-rata based on on-call hours, incidents attended, training, and progression
* Access to a range of benefits including enhanced annual leave, pension, gyms, eye tests, flexible working, and more
Dates and How to Apply
For more information: visit the website or attend a drill session at your local on-call fire station, or contact an On-Call Support Officer. Key dates for 2025 include: Application selection process and interviews 15 September – 31 October 2025; Job Related Tests 11 November 2025; Medical and Kit Fitting 25–27 November 2025; Intro day 11 December 2025; Core training dates to be confirmed. Vacancy closing date: 31 October 12:00 Midday. If you cannot make the above dates, submit your application and we can advise on the next intake.
Safeguarding and Equality
Staffordshire Fire and Rescue Service is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of adults, children and young people. All staff and volunteers are expected to share this commitment. Successful applicants will undergo pre-employment checks, including DBS. We are fully supportive of Equality, Diversity and Inclusion and seek to recruit a workforce that represents the communities we serve. We encourage applications from underrepresented groups and use positive action to support recruitment.
Contacts
For more information or recruitment queries email the team.
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