Wholetime firefighter

We are not currently accepting applications for wholetime development firefighters. Please keep an eye on our social media for future recruitment campaigns. 

Being a wholetime firefighter is an exciting, varied and rewarding career. Responding to emergencies is a vital part of what we do, but it is only one element of the firefighter role.  Firefighters also educate the public to make their community safer and to prevent risk to life and the environment.

Some key personal skills and qualities you will need as a firefighter are:

• Effective communication skills
• The ability to work methodically and with attention to detail
• The ability to deal with people sensitively, particularly in high-stress environments
• A willingness and ability to build relationships with diverse people 
• An understanding of the importance of maintaining physical and mental wellbeing
• The ability to work well with others
• A forward-thinking attitude and a willingness to learn and develop

Additionally, there are some essential criteria that you must meet to apply to be a wholetime firefighter. You must:

• Be at least 18 years old at the start of employment (01/05/25), but you can apply before then. There is no maximum age limit for applications
• Have no unspent criminal convictions at the time you start employment (01/05/25). Unspent criminal convictions at the time of application can be discussed at a contact meeting
• Have the right to work in the UK
• Hold or be working towards a full category B UK driving license at the start of employment (01/05/25)
• Have good eyesight so that you meet the visual standards
• Have a good level of strength and fitness
• Have a good grasp of maths and English

Wholetime firefighters work in teams known as “watches”. Watches are based at eight wholetime stations across the county under a duty system.

• Wholetime duty system

For more information on the recruitment process for wholetime development firefighters, please visit: 

• Wholetime development recruitment process

If you are an existing competent firefighter and are looking to transfer, please visit:

• Wholetime transferees  

Successful applicants must complete a 10- to 12-week induction course. After that, they must serve as a development firefighter for at least 24 months. Development firefighters will be supported by the training team and their watch.  They will attend regular reviews to check their progress. Then, they will be deemed competent firefighters.  

• Wholetime development induction process

Cornwall Fire and Rescue Service has adopted the Core Code of Ethics for Fire and Rescue Services. CFRS is committed to the Code's ethical principles. We strive to apply them in all we do. So, they are reflected throughout this recruitment process. 

• Our vision and values
• Diversity and inclusion

Firefighter salary

New firefighters start on a trainee salary and work up to a competent firefighter salary (details of this are below).