Norfolk Fire and Rescue Service covers the county of Norfolk with 42 stations, 39 of which have an on-call commitment.
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).
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.
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.
How to apply
Where a vacancy exists
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 humanresources@fire.norfolk.gov.uk
Please ensure that when returning the forms they are sent as separate word documents attached to the email.
If you’re thinking about joining our on-call recruits and you want to find a bit more about whether it will suit you, your hours, your lifestyle, your fitness, your location or any other questions you may have then request a call back here and someone get back to you during office hours. We aim to reply to you within three working days wherever possible.
Request a call back
Please be advised that confidential arrangements are in place for checking references for transgender applicants. Please get in touch to discuss.
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 humanresources@fire.norfolk.gov.uk
Expression of interest form
If you require the forms in a different format please let human resources know on humanresources@fire.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 humanresources@fire.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.
Current vacancies
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 e mail to humanresources@fire.norfolk.gov.uk
Paper copies of the application form cannot be accepted at stations.
Request a call back