Avon Fire & Rescue Service (AF&RS) have launched their latest Control Firefighter recruitment campaign, with applications open until 17th April.

Candidates were able to start the application process from the 24th March as the Service searches for their next training school of Control Firefighters.

The successful applicants will provide a vital service to the community by taking 999 calls, gathering information, making decisions and providing support to fire crews on the ground.

Marie Pook, Station Manager Control said: “A role as a Control Firefighter is both challenging and highly rewarding, as we all strive to be the best that we can be.

“By joining us in Control, you could be a voice of calm and reassurance to someone in their time of need and make a real difference every single day.”

Control Firefighters mobilise resources, identify exact locations of incidents and provide safety advice to callers, such as people who might be trapped inside a burning building, and then continue to reassure callers until the moment firefighters arrive on the scene.

Highly trained, the successful candidates will also manage operational resources and incidents within AF&RS whilst liaising with other services and agencies. They will also be trained in responding a wide variety of specialist incidents, including chemical, radiological, biological and nuclear incidents  alongside crews.

Becoming a Control Firefighter with AF&RS generates a significant level of interest and the Service is not seeking one type of person as the role requires many varied skills.

The Service is looking for applicants who have a range of skills and experience which they can bring to the role. Successful candidates also need to be aligned to the AF&RS values of respect, honesty, courageousness, ambitiousness, inclusivity, and transparency.

Applications will be open until 12 noon on 17th April and applicants must be aged over 18 when training school commences in September 2023.

Further details around eligibility can be found here. Beginning with the application form, hopeful applicants should have a strong ability to work in a team, have effective communication skills, an ability to remain calm under pressure, be a good problem solver and also have good attention to detail.

Candidates should also possess experience of working with Microsoft packages/IT systems.

There will also be a series of tests including memory recall, typing, numeracy and practical.

Successful candidates will receive full training, with remuneration after completion of training, and a further pay increase upon becoming fully competent in the role.

To find out more, click here.