Summary
Devon and Somerset Fire and Rescue Service is seeking an Academy Support Technician to join our Technical Rescue team based at Service Headquarters in Exeter.
As the largest non-metropolitan Fire and Rescue Service in England, we are committed to creating safer communities through prevention, protection and emergency response. This is an excellent opportunity to play a vital role in supporting the training that helps keep our operational crews and our communities safe.
Salary: £26,824 rising to £28,598 (gross per annum.
Contract: Permanent, full time (37 hours per week)
Location: Based at our Service Headquarters, in Exeter.
About the role:
As an Academy Support Technician, you will provide practical and logistical support to the Service Training Academy, helping to prepare and deliver technical rescue training. You'll be responsible for setting up training scenarios, maintaining equipment and facilities, supporting training exercises, and assisting with the transporting of resources across our training sites.
A full driving licence is essential, and you must be willing and able to drive Service vehicles, including those towing trailers.
Find out more:
Key responsibilities:
1. Prepare training facilities, equipment and scenarios for training exercises.
2. Support the safe delivery of training events and ensure facilities are ready for use.
3. Maintain and test training equipment, vehicles and associated records.
4. Transport training resources using Service vehicles and trailers.
5. Manage and maintain training inventories.
6. Assist with the upkeep of training grounds and facilities.
7. Conduct routine safety checks, including fire alarm testing and equipment inspections.
8. Work closely with colleagues, contractors and external partners to support training academy operations.
What we offer:
We value our people and offer a comprehensive benefits package, including:
9. Flexible working arrangements to promote work-life balance.
10. A generous pension scheme for your future.
11. Ample annual leave to recharge and refresh.
12. Family leave policies to support your loved ones.
13. Access to physiotherapy services for your wellbeing.
14. Opportunities for professional development and progression.
15. Free gym access and personalised fitness coaching.
16. Support for eye care
17. Blue Light Membership and discounts
18. Affordable healthcare options through Benenden Health
19. Engaging sports and social groups for community building.
20. Confidential counselling services and mental health support.
21. Access to the Firefighters Charity for additional support.
22. A cycle to work scheme.
Join us!
If you are practical, organised and looking for a rewarding role supporting the training of our operational teams, we'd love to hear from you!
Closing date: 2359hrs Thursday 18 June 2026.
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 detailing how you meet the following essential criteria taken from the Job Description and Person Specification.
23. Proven ability to undertake technical maintenance work and small tool servicing.
24. Proven ability to adapt to changing circumstances and act appropriately.
25. An awareness of health and safety regulations and requirements appertaining to the role.
26. Experience with equipment inventory.
27. Proven ability to work on own initiative and as a member of a bust team.
To help you complete this part of the application form please find attached below the word document "Essential Criteria for my Academy Support Technician Application" for you to download and complete with your evidence for the above criteria. You can then upload this document where requested when completing your application.
Please note the evidence that you upload to your application should you not exceed 2000 words in total (excluding titles).
Evidence submitted in relation to the essential criteria 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 Service's Safeguarding policy.
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 reprimands.
This role will require a Standard DBS check to b completed.
Devon and Somerset Fire and Rescue Authority are committed to the rehabilitation of offenders, as such any positive disclosure will incorporate a reasonable and proportionate response.
As a Service and as individuals:
28. We are proud to help
29. We are honest
30. We are respectful
31. 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 we aspire for this to be reflected in our workforce. We encourage candidates from diverse backgrounds, experience and beliefs, who share our values to consider working for us.