Station Commander (Fire Engineering) – Scottish Fire and Rescue Service

The Scottish Fire and Rescue Service (SFRS) is delighted to invite applications from substantive and competent Wholetime Watch Commanders and existing Wholetime Station Commanders for the role of Wholetime Station Commander within the Prevention, Protection and Preparedness Directorate, based at a location which is flexible across Scotland.

It is an exciting and challenging time for the SFRS as we move into a period of consolidation and review, continuing to deliver true partnership working, strategic change and ultimately working together to improve the lives of the communities of Scotland.  Our Station Commanders will play a key supervisory management role in support of this agenda within the relevant business area.

The role involves leading people and projects; supporting SFRS Fire Engineering team with complex submissions for building designs across Scotland, whilst ensuring local area accountability and involvement is maintained throughout. You will play an active role in the review of fire engineered solutions and will liaise with and consult outside bodies and internal departments regarding fire engineering matters.

The successful candidate must be able to evidence strong leadership, partnership working and communication skills and be proactive in supporting and delivering the on-going changes within the SFRS.

They must also be able to evidence and demonstrate skills and qualifications within the specialist field of fire engineering (Fire Engineering Diploma, HNC).

Applicants must hold a minimum of an Incident Command Level ICL1 qualification or equivalent, and successful candidates will not be confirmed in post until proof of possession is obtained.   Where it is an equivalent qualification, the Service reserves the right to confirm the validity of this prior to progressing further through the process.

The selection process shall consist of an application in the form of a Curriculum Vitae (CV) with supporting statement outlining the candidate’s suitability for the Fire Engineering Station Commander role. Candidates will be asked to outline and demonstrate their relevant experience, specifically within the Wholetime Watch Commander role in terms of their Operational and Leadership skills and identify why they are applying for this Station Commander role.

Applicants will also be required to outline their operational competence as incident commander at a challenging or complex incident.

The submission of a current and satisfactory Appraisal signed by the applicant’s line manager is essential. Employees who are currently the subject of Disciplinary, Misconduct or Performance Management processes will not be supported to apply.

Those successful through shortlisting will attend a competency-based interview.

This position will be part of the SFRS Flexi Duty Manager duty system and therefore the successful candidate must be able to demonstrate appropriate operational experience, hold a valid ICL1 and must attain ICL2 /ERD prior to appointment.

Please note, this post has been determined as politically restricted in accordance with the Local Government and Housing Act 1989 (as amended).

Full details of the role and our recruitment process timeline can be found in the Recruitment Information Pack.

Shortlisting shall take place at each stage of the selection process as detailed within the Recruitment Information Pack.

Successful applicants will be placed on the development rate of pay until they are deemed competent.  Where the successful candidate is already on the competent Station Commander rate of pay, either due to a long-term temporary promotion or via a signed off portfolio of evidence, they shall be placed on the competent Station Commander rate of pay once the Service has satisfactory evidence of the above.

If you have the relevant skills, experience and can meet the specific requirements of the role, we will welcome your application.

The Scottish Fire and Rescue Service is an Equal Opportunities employer and encourage applications from all sectors of the community.  In addition, we are committed to being a “Disability Confident Employer” and will ensure that all applicants who meet the minimum criteria for the role are invited for interview.

If you would like to apply in a different format or language, please email SFRS.PODVacancies@firescotland.gov.uk.