Summary
Devon & Somerset Fire & Rescue Service has a fantastic opportunity available for an Area Support Technician to join our Plymouth Response Group. You will join us on a full-time, permanent basis working 37 hours per week (plus standby cover on a 2-week rota basis – subject to review). In return, you will receive a competitive salary of £29540 - £32061 (+20% standby allowance) per annum.
Devon & Somerset Fire & 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 with over 2,000 staff.
Find out more
Key responsibilities as our Area Support Technician will include:
1. Providing out of hours cover on a two-week rota pattern outside of the 37 core working hours to ensure minimum cover is always maintained across the service (for which you receive the payment of a standby allowance in addition to your salary)
2. Providing logistical, welfare, equipment, and decontamination support to our response groups during incidents including assisting repatriation of equipment to a station after an event
3. Using Service owned cars and vans to perform various activities including driving LGV fire appliances as and when required to deliver all stores, equipment, mail, and laundry.
4. Liaising effectively with other ASTs and provide additional support to neighbouring response groups and corporate services at times of leave, sickness, and training to ensure cover is maintained.
5. Liaising with Fire Control, BA Technicians for the collection of BA Equipment
6. Undertaking training for and performing basic checks and ancillary repair of BA related equipment
7. Assisting with the transportation of vehicles, trailers, operational and training equipment within the response groups, liaising with other departments as necessary
8. Undertaking postal requirements to include incoming deliveries; collection and dispatch of outgoing deliveries to meet deadlines.
9. Assisting in the setting up and clearing of Command exercise scenarios
10. Liaising with Community Fire Safety to ensure campaigns are supported by the delivery of CFS trailers and chip pan units etc.
11. Facilitating planned PPE maintenance and testing as required by Service Delivery.
12. Liaising with DSFRS personnel and outside agencies through various forms of communication to provide a cohesive and efficient service.
13. Undertaking cleaning, maintenance, and standard tests of Service Vehicles
14. Undertaking training for and perform inspection and repair of fire helmets.
What we offer:
Joining Devon and Somerset Fire and Rescue Service comes with a fulfilling career, where you make a tangible difference every day. But that’s not all! We value our employees and offer an extensive benefits package, including:
15. Flexible working arrangements to promote work-life balance
16. A generous pension scheme for your future
17. Ample annual leave to recharge and refresh
18. Family leave policies that support your loved ones
19. Access to physiotherapy services for your well-being
20. Opportunities for professional development and progression.
21. Free gym access and personalised fitness coaching.
22. Support for eye care and wellness programs
23. Exclusive Blue Light Membership discounts
24. Affordable healthcare options through Benenden Health
25. Engaging sports and social groups for community building
26. Confidential counselling services and mental health support
27. A cycle-to-work scheme to promote healthy commuting.
Are you ready to make a difference?
If you’re ready to take the next step in your career while contributing to the safety of our communities, we want to hear from you! Join us in our mission to create a safer world and become an integral part of our outstanding team.
How to Apply
Closing Date: 2359hr Thursday 5 March 2026
If you feel have the skills and experience to become our Area Support Technician please click ‘apply’ today, we’d love to hear from you!
The successful candidate must, by the commencement of employment, have the right to work in the UK.
How to apply:
You will be required to complete an application form and submit a document evidencing how you meet the following essential criteria from the Job Description and Person Specification.
28. Good planning and organisational skills
29. Good Communication skills both in verbal and written forma
30. Proven ability to undertake manual handling duties
31. The ability to work within set timescales and deliver against set targets
32. Ability to work on own initiative and as part of a busy team
33. Valid current full driving licence (car, LGV, trailer towing and minibus)
To help you complete this part of the application form please find attached below the word document “Area Support Technician – Plymouth – Essential Criteria for Application” for you to download and complete with your evidence of the above criteria. You can then upload this document where requested when completing your application form. Please note that there is a maximum word limit of 2000 words (excluding titles) applied to your evidence document.
Evidence submitted in relation to the essential criteria above will be used for shortlisting applications received.
Our values
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 procedures.
Fire and Rescue roles are listed under 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 reprimands.
Devon and Somerset Fire and Rescue Authority is committed to the rehabilitation of offenders, as such any positive disclosures will incorporate a reasonable and proportionate response.
As a Service and as individuals:
We are proud to help.
We are honest.
We are respectful.
We are working together.
Devon & Somerset Fire & Rescue Service recognise and celebrate the vast diversity of the local communities that we serve and aspire for this to be reflected within our workforce. We encourage candidates from diverse backgrounds, experiences, and beliefs, who share our values, to consider working for us.