Our next recruitment campaign for on-call firefighters at selected stations will open on 24 November 2025 and run until 4 January 2026.
The application process is multi staged. You must achieve at least the minimum benchmark at each stage in order to pass on to the next. Those who fail to meet the minimum benchmark will be informed. They cannot continue with the application process.
Overview of the process
1. Application through the Cornwall Council Recruitment System
When submitting an application, you will be asked to choose one station to apply for. This will need to be close to where you live or work. To find out more information on the location of your local fire station and the training/drill nights days and times, please see Your location fire station.
If you are looking to move into a station area, you can still be considered for on-call employment with us but will need to demonstrate your intent to move before your application can start.
2. Station discussion, Fitness Test and Formal Interview
If your application meets our eligibility criteria, then we will arrange for you to talk to station management at your local fire station. This is to double-check that the hours you can offer meet the needs of the service and gives you the opportunity for a discussion about the role and expectations of our firefighters.
Before you’re invited to your station visit, please consider what level of cover you can realistically offer, balanced against any employment and other commitments.
You will then be required to complete a fitness test. This will be completed on station and overseen by either a Training Instructor or a member of the station management team. Visit our Fitness and practical tests page for more information.
You will then be invited for a formal interview with station management. The interview will assess candidates against the National Fire Chiefs Council (NFCC) Leadership Framework for Leading Yourself, the Firefighter Role Profile and the national Core Code of Ethics.
3. Assessment centre 1
You will be required to attend an assessment centre to test your practical and written skills. This will be held on three separate dates (East, Mid, West) and will be evening sessions. Visit Firefighter Written Assessments - Preparation and Practice Booklet for more information.
4. Assessment centre 2
You will have the option to pick one of eight fire stations to complete these tests. At the end of the day, you will be informed of your results and given feedback about your performance. Visit Fitness and practical tests for more information. The dates and locations will be given to you should you be successful in the firefighter written assessments.
5. Pre-employment
Those who are successful at this stage of the process will be given a conditional offer of employment as a development firefighter. They will also be asked to complete pre-employment checks. This will include a DBS check, a right to work in the UK check, and a firefighter medical examination.
6. Medical examination
A full fire service medical examination with Cornwall Council’s Occupational Health department. You will be sent a date and time for this.