Wholetime Firefighter

Work is currently underway to commence a recruitment program for new wholetime firefighters in Autumn 2024. Please keep an eye on this page and our social media sites for further announcements.

Our values align with the national Core Code of Ethics for Fire and Rescue Services in England. Being a wholetime firefighter is an exciting, varied and rewarding career. Wholetime firefighters work in teams known as “watches”. Watches are based at eight wholetime stations across the county under a duty system.

Responding to emergencies is a vital part of what we do, but it is only one element of the firefighter role.  Firefighters also work with members of the public to educate and inform so as to make their community safer and 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 people from different backgrounds and cultures
• 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, 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. Unspent criminal convictions at the time of application can be discussed at the first contact meeting
• Have the right to work in the UK
• 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

Firefighter salary

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