Fire Safety Protection Team Leader: Support (Non-Operational) / Watch Commander (Operational) Fixed Term Contract – Buckinghamshire Fire and Rescue Service

Salary: Support, £40,924 – £45,678 per annum, plus up to 10% uplift for providing out-of-hours fire safety support
Watch Commander, £44,038 – £48,202 per annum, plus 10% uplift for out-of-hours fire safety cover and an additional 5% for duty rota commitments (total up to 15%)
Hours: 37 Support/42 Operational
Six months fixed-term, full-time contract

We are looking for a motivated and talented individual to join our Protection Department as a Protection Team Leader on a fixed-term contract of 6 months. This is a key leadership role, ensuring we deliver our statutory duties under the Fire and Rescue Services Act 2004, the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005, and associated legislation.

As a Protection Team Leader, you will:
• Lead and support a team of Fire Safety Inspecting Officers, Advisors and Apprentices
• Co-ordinate fire safety activities, including audits of businesses and high-risk residential buildings
• Oversee statutory consultations, business engagement, complaints and investigations
• Provide professional advice to duty holders, building control bodies, and partner agencies
• Take formal enforcement action where required and represent the Service externally, including in court
• Support firefighter safety through effective risk information gathering
• Mentor and develop staff through appraisals, training and quality assurance

This vacancy is open to both non-operational candidates (support staff) and operational candidates (Watch Commanders), whether in a development or competent role

About you
You will be:
• A motivated and professional leader who acts with integrity and demonstrates our Service values
• Skilled at supervising and mentoring staff, with proven ability to manage workloads
• Confident in decision-making, problem-solving and delivering high-quality outcomes
• An excellent communicator who builds strong relationships internally and externally
• Committed to continuous personal and professional development

Essential requirements include:
• GCSE Maths & English (Grade C/4–9 or equivalent)
• Level 4 Certificate in Fire Safety (Fire Auditors)
• Level 4 Diploma in Fire Safety (Fire Safety Inspectors or must be obtained within 12 months of appointment)
• Full, valid UK driving licence
• Experience of inspecting premises, applying fire safety legislation, and preparing enforcement notices or supporting prosecutions
• Strong report writing, IT and organisational skills

Desirable experience/qualifications include:
• NEBOSH Fire or General Certificate, APCIL or equivalent legal training, or Level 5 Fire Engineering Technician award
• Background in operational firefighting, fire engineering, fire investigation or prosecutions

Anything Else You Need to Know
Everyone who works with us is required to have a DBS check. If you have any queries or concerns regarding this, please contact HR@bucksfire.gov.uk.