Becoming an on-call firefighter

Norfolk Fire and Rescue Service covers the county of Norfolk with 42 stations, 39 of which have an on-call commitment.

Being an on-call firefighter is like having a part-time job – you have to commit to certain hours and you get paid for it.

A firefighter on the on-call duty system provides cover as and when required to respond to fire and emergency calls using the same appliances and equipment as wholetime firefighters. The difference is that on-call firefighters are available in their homes or work places rather than at a fire station. This role offers flexible working hours and could suit people with childcare responsibilities.

To become an on-call firefighter you have to live or work within five minutes travelling distance of the fire station during your hours of declared availability. On-call firefighters can provide part cover (days, nights, weekends) or full cover (approximately 24/7).

We are committed to recruiting and developing a workforce which better reflects the communities we service. Applications are particularly welcome from women and people from a wide variety of ethnic, cultural, national back grounds and gender identities. Confidential arrangements are in place for checking references for transgender applicants. Please get in touch to discuss.

Visit our equality, diversity and inclusion page to find out more about our commitment

Interested in finding out more about what's involved?

Check out our guide for potential applicants that tells you all about the service. There's also a guide for local employers about what it means for you if you employ an on-call firefighter in your workplace.

If you want to find a bit more about whether it will suit you, your hours, your lifestyle, your fitness, your location or get answers to any other questions, request a call back and someone get back to you during office hours. We aim to reply to you within three working days wherever possible.

How to apply

Where there's a vacancy

To apply for one of our on-call firefighter vacancies, please download and complete the pre-application checklist. Once completed, if you are still interested in applying, download the following forms and complete and return them by email to jobs@norfolk.gov.uk.

Please ensure that when returning the forms they are sent as separate word documents attached to the email.

Current on-call firefighter vacancies

We have vacancies at the following locations:

Where there is currently no vacancy

Consider downloading and completing the pre-application checklist.

To express an interest in the role of on-call firefighter where there are currently no vacancies please download the following form, complete it and return it by e mail to jobs@norfolk.gov.uk.

Expression of interest form

If you require the forms in a different format please let human resources know on jobs@norfolk.gov.uk or 01603 810351 (ext. 37683) / 0300 123 1669

When can I apply

If we do not currently have any vacancies at your chosen station and you would still like to register your interest in future vacancies, please complete the expression of interest form and return it to jobs@norfolk.gov.uk. This form will be held on our database for 12 months. If a vacancy at your chosen station arises within that time you will be contacted by HR and invited to complete a full application form. If however no vacancies arise within this period of time your form will be destroyed. You can still complete another expression of interest form.

Please note that we can only accept application forms where there is a vacancy at your chosen station.

Full training is provided including courses that can be transferred to your primary employment, such as first aid training and fire safety training. We also provide a full uniform and paid holiday. You will receive an annual ‘On-Call fee’ for being available and also be paid for attending fire calls, drill nights and training events.

The role of an on-call firefighter is rewarding, satisfying and at times challenging. There is a great deal of variety in what you’ll be asked to do, combined with the crucially important teamwork that the role brings. You’ll be part of a flexible workforce that responds to your community's needs 24/7.

To apply, you must

Be 18 years of age by the time your training starts
Ideally you should have Maths and English Level 2 or equivalent qualifications (GCSE Grade A* - C, O Level Grade A – C, CSE Grade 1, NVQ Level 2, GNVQ Intermediate, Key Skills Level 2, Functional Skills Level 2 etc).
Be fit enough to pass the physical selection tests and medical examination
Live or work within five minutes travelling distance of your local on-call fire station. You may wish to check your proximity to the station.

You can call into your local on-call fire station on their drill night for more information however; you will still be required to download and complete the online application forms parts 1 and 2 and the operational recruitment monitoring form and return them by email to jobs@norfolk.gov.uk

Paper copies of the application form cannot be accepted at stations.

Request a call back

What to expect when you apply

Interview

The main purpose of the interview is to assess your general aptitude for the job and to gather examples of when and how you have used skills that are important for potential firefighters. There are four areas that will be assessed:

Working with others – this is about working effectively with a variety of people whether they are in your team or in the community
Problem solving and decision making – this is about gathering information to evaluate risks, opportunities and potential solutions to make decisions
Taking responsibility for yourself and others – this is about being motivated and being able to take responsibility for achieving individual/organisational objectives and personal development
Confidence and resilience – this is about staying calm, confident and in control during difficult or stressful situations

If successful at the interview stage you will be invited to take part in the selection tests.

Physical tests

You will be required to undertake a range of physical tests to assess your fitness, strength and confidence in relation to the firefighter role. The tests simulate some of the situations you may face as a firefighter and include:

Each of these links will take you to a Youtube video which will show you the exercises.

During the physical tests you will be wearing full personal protective equipment (PPE).

During the enclosed space test, you will also be wearing a BA facemask, which will be obscured, and a BA cylinder.

The physical tests can be physically demanding and we would advise you to consider your physical fitness at an early stage to give you the best chance of completing these successfully.

If you’re unsure if your fitness levels are up to the level of a Firefighter do not despair! Get ready to join the team by downloading our fit for duty leaflet.

Written tests

Working with numbers - this test assesses your ability to understand and work with numerical information of the type you are likely to experience as a firefighter. You have to be able to complete basic numerical calculations to work out how much hose is needed at a fire and understand simple graphs, tables, dials and gauges. The test consists of a number of scenarios that present numerical information in a variety of formats and each scenario is followed by a number of multiple choice questions. You must use the information given in the scenario to answer the questions that follow.

Situational awareness and problem solving - this test is designed to look at your ability to ensure the safety of yourself and others and your ability to use information to solve problems. The test consists of a number of scenarios and for each scenario you are asked to choose which answer best describes what you would do in this situation.

Understanding information - this test assesses your ability to read and understand written information of the type you are likely to experience as a firefighter, for example fire safety information, training course materials, service orders and instructions. The test consists of a number of scenarios that present information in a variety of formats such as memos, newsletters and training manual excerpts, followed by a set of multiple choice questions. You must use the information given in the scenario to select the correct answer.

Practice booklet

Fitness assessment and medical examination

The final stage of the selection process is the medical and fitness assessment. Candidates are required to attend an appointment with our occupational health advisers who will test your hearing, eyesight, BMI, blood pressure, lung function, urine and immunisation status and undertake a full clinical assessment. You will also undertake a fitness assessment with our physical fitness adviser who will check your aerobic capacity, grip strength and leg and back strength.

Eyesight requirements

The best way to check that your eyesight meets the criteria is to visit your local optometrist and explain that you are considering a career as a firefighter. Your eyes can then be checked accordingly. Unfortunately you will not be eligible to join the service if you cannot meet the current eyesight requirements.