On-Call Firefighter

On-Call Firefighter - Chopwell Community Fire Station

Help protect your community. Be there when it matters most.

About the role

Tyne and Wear Fire and Rescue Service is seeking dedicated and community-minded individuals to join our team as On-Call Firefighters. This is an exciting opportunity to play a vital role in protecting life, property and the environment while balancing the role alongside other employment, education or family commitments.

As an On-Call Firefighter, you will respond to emergencies from home or your place of work, supporting frontline operations including fires, road traffic collisions, rescues and other emergency incidents. You will also help make communities safer by delivering fire safety advice, working with schools and community groups, carrying out Fire Safety Checks in homes and businesses, and supporting open days and community events as an ambassador for the Service.

Key duties of an On-Call Firefighter

• Respond safely and effectively to operational incidents.
• Work as part of a team under the direction of supervisory officers.
• Participate in regular training and development activities.
• Engage in community fire safety and prevention initiatives.
• Maintain equipment, appliances and personal protective clothing.
• Act in line with Service policies, procedures and values.

Qualifications

• Commitment to serving and protecting your community.
• The ability to remain calm under pressure.
• The ability to work effectively as part of a team.
• Self motivation, reliability and flexibility.
• Good communication skills.
• Commitment to safety, equality and professionalism.
• The ability to provide on call availability as required.
• A willingness to uphold and act in line with Service values and behaviours.
• A good level of fitness (support will be provided).

Eligibility criteria

• Live or work within 8 minutes of Chopwell Community Fire Station.
• Be 18 years of age at the time of applying.
• Have the right to work in the UK.

Training and Development

You will receive comprehensive training from day one, including an initial training course and ongoing development to ensure you are competent and confident in the role.

Commitment and Availability

When on call, firefighters must be able to respond promptly when their pager sounds, stopping what they are doing and reporting immediately to their local fire station. Many employers actively support on call firefighting by releasing staff to attend emergency incidents. Others in the role are self employed or have flexibility within their daily routines. On Call firefighting requires a commitment to providing cover during agreed periods, including daytime, evenings, nights, weekends or a combination, depending on your availability and the needs of the Service. You must also be able to attend weekly training sessions and commit time to essential training during your first few years with the Service. The role is designed to be flexible, with many On Call firefighters balancing their duties alongside full time employment, family commitments, education, caring responsibilities or other activities.

Pay and Benefits

You will be paid an hourly rate of pay initially at the development rate of pay (£13.87 hour) for attending the following: Drill Night, Turnout, Training Course, Community safety and Standard tests.

You will also receive an annual retaining fee in accordance with the hours cover you are able to provide. The retaining fee rates for trainees are as follows:

• Band A (120+ hours cover per week) - £4,239.75
• Band B (91-119 hours cover per week) - £3,533.13
• Band C (61-90 hours cover per week) - £2,826.50
• Band D (31-60 hours cover per week) - £2,119.99

Reasonable Adjustments

We are a Disability Confident Leader. If you require any reasonable adjustments to the recruitment process, please email: