Wholetime Competent Firefighters – Transfer Opportunities – Devon and Somerset Fire and Rescue Service

Opportunities have arisen for substantive, competent wholetime Firefighters, to join Devon and Somerset Fire and Rescue Service, the largest non-metropolitan fire and rescue service in the UK.

Employing almost 2,000 people with the highest number of fire stations and appliances outside of London, could you be our newest team member?

We are looking for the best people to join the organisation and support us in providing Devon and Somerset with a world class fire and rescue service, which is trusted to serve and protect our communities.

It is an exciting time to join Devon and Somerset Fire and Rescue Service. Fire and Rescue Services are changing, and we are no exception. Our vision is that together, with colleagues and our communities we will work to end preventable fire and rescue emergencies, creating a safer world for you and your family. Keeping people safe is what we do, and we owe our fantastic reputation to our highly skilled and motivated workforce.

The service can offer opportunities to further develop your skills into areas of specialist capabilities and support career progression through promotional pathways.

Currently we operate on a 2-2-4 duty system, two days, two nights and four off but this is currently under review and may change.

Devon and Somerset Fire and Rescue Service recognise and celebrate the vast diversity of the local communities that we serve, and we aspire for this to be reflected within our workforce. We encourage candidates from all backgrounds, and beliefs, who share our Service values to join our team. We are particularly interested in applications from underrepresented groups.

We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and vulnerable adults, and all employees must share this commitment.

The recruitment process will consist of a two day selection centre, which will take place in Exeter. The first selection centre will be on 19th and 20th September for a start date in November 2024. Further selection centres and intake dates are not yet currently confirmed.

If you share in this passion and would like to join our community, please read the essential eligibility criteria below, before completing the application.

Eligibility criteria to apply

• Be a Wholetime Firefighter in a UK Fire and Rescue Service
• Have been deemed competent in role
• Have no current/outstanding development action plans, or performance improvement action
• Be free of current formal disciplinary investigations or action throughout the entire process
• Have no current fitness restrictions
• Be able to swim, front crawl for at least 100m
• Have a full UK driving licence
• Be willing to undertake training to support station specialisms, including EFAD driving
• Be prepared to be based in any of the Wholetime stations across Devon and Somerset
• Be available for all stages of the selection process as detailed in the recruitment timeline.
• Prepared to undertake an enhanced DBS check and at least 3 years employment referencing

Desirable Criteria

• EFAD driver
• Aerial operator
• Water rescue technician
• Breathing Apparatus Instructor
• Rope Rescue Operative (RRO Rescue 3 or equivalent)
• Confined Space Rescue Operative (CSRO Rescue 3 or equivalent)
• Water Rescue Technician (CSRT Rescue 3 or equivalent)

Please evidence in the application form the following essential criteria which will be used to shortlist applications (in no more than 500 words per criteria);

• Explain why you would want to join DSFRS and how your values would contribute to our organisation and the community we serve?
• What strategies do you use to inspire others to be productive at work?
• How do you support change and support teams to accept change?
• If you have any of the skills/qualifications in the desirable criteria

Our values

Fire and Rescue Authority roles are listed in Schedule 1 of the Rehabilitation of Offenders act 1974 (Exceptions) Order and as such it is our policy to require all applicants to disclose any criminal convictions (both spent and unspent) including driving offences, cautions and/or reprimands.

Devon and Somerset Fire and Rescue Authority are committed to the rehabilitation of offenders, as such any positive disclosures will incorporate a reasonable and proportionate response.

As a Service and as individuals: 

• We are proud to help
• We are honest
• We are respectful
• We are working together