Firefighter (Control) – Suffolk Fire & Rescue Service

Job details
Are you calm under pressure, quick-thinking, and passionate about helping others? Suffolk Fire and Rescue Service (SFRS) is seeking motivated individuals to join our team as Fire Control Operators in our Fire Control Room in Ipswich. This opportunity is open to both green and grey book applicants with previous fire control experience. This is your opportunity to be at the heart of emergency response in Suffolk, playing a vital role in saving lives and protecting communities. As the first point of contact in an emergency, our Fire Control Operators are responsible for the rapid and accurate mobilisation of fire and rescue resources across the county. We are looking for individuals with the right mindset, strong personal qualities, and a genuine desire to learn and grow. If you are driven, resilient, and ready to make a real difference, we would love to hear from you. Our control room operates 24/7, year-round, acting as a crucial link between the public and our operational firefighters. The role requires a minimum commitment of two shifts per month (a total of 24 hours): one 10-hour day shift (08:00–18:00) and one 14-hour night shift (18:00–08:00). Additional hours may be offered to support absences or operational needs. This is an exciting opportunity for those looking to contribute to a vital public service on a flexible, ad-hoc basis. Whether you’re returning to the role, semi-retired, or seeking to share your expertise in a more flexible capacity, we welcome your application.

Your responsibilities will include: 

– As a Fire Control Operator, you will be answering 999 calls, mobilising resources across Suffolk and liaising with senior fire officers, other agencies and emergency services.

You will need:
– previous experience in fire control
– excellent communication skills to build rapport and pass on information clearly, even in stressful situations
– superior multi-tasking skills to thrive in a dynamic, high-pressure environment
– a clear and decisive mind and be able to make quick decisions
– strong computer literacy and the ability to learn new systems quickly
– a genuine desire to help others and positively impact your community
– robust resilience to meet the demanding nature of this crucial role
– fast and accurate keyboard skills
– a confident telephone manner.

For more information

Please visit our Suffolk Firefighters website. If you have any questions or would like a casual conversation, please email sfrs.recruitment@suffolk.gov.uk