What are the entry requirements to be a Wholetime Firefighter at Buckinghamshire Fire & Rescue Service?
To apply for a Wholetime Firefighter role you must:
– Be at least 18 years old by the start date
– Hold a full UK driving licence (must have passed test by completion of application)
– Live within 20 miles of the Buckinghamshire and Milton Keynes border
– Have Level 2 Functional Skills or GCSE’s in Maths and English Language A* to C (9 to 4) or accepted equivalent
– Be able to swim
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What is 1st, 2nd, 3rd and 4th Line availability?
What is the age range for an On-Call Firefighter?
You have to be a minimum of 18 years old at the start of your employment. There is no upper age limit, as long as you are physically fit and can pass the fitness test you can become a Firefighter.
Are there any employee benefits for On-Call Firefighters?
Yes, there are many benefits to being an On-Call Firefighter at Buckinghamshire Fire & Rescue Service, these include (but are not limited to):
Can I become an On-Call Firefighter if I wear glasses or contact lenses?
Wearing glasses or contact lenses will not automatically prevent you from becoming an On-Call Firefighter.
As part of the recruitment process, you will be required to attend an eyesight assessment with your optician, which includes testing for colour vision. Individuals with normal colour vision or a mild green colour vision deficiency may be suitable for appointment, subject to meeting the required visual standards.
Further information on fire service eyesight requirements can be found here: www.fireservice.co.uk/recruitment/eyesight/
What is the difference between Wholetime and On-Call Firefighters?
Wholetime Firefighters are contracted to work in the fire service as their primary employment serving at Wholetime fire stations. On-Call Firefighters usually respond from home or their primary employment on a call-by-call basis via a smartphone app.
What are "Drill Nights?"
Drill Nights are regular training evenings where On-Call Firefighters attend their assigned fire station to develop and maintain the skills required for the role.
During these sessions, you will take part in training exercises, maintain firefighting equipment and appliances, complete administrative tasks, and keep your training records up to date.
Drill Nights also provide an excellent opportunity to train alongside your crew and build teamwork within the station.
Do I need to live close to an On-Call fire station to become an On-Call Firefighter in Buckinghamshire or Milton Keynes?
To be considered for an On-Call firefighter role at Buckinghamshire Fire & Rescue Service, you must live close enough to an On-Call fire station that you will be able to drive to it, get your personal protective equipment on, and leave the station on the fire appliance, within 10 minutes. You can find your nearest On-Call fire station/s here.
Do I have to pass a medical test to become a Buckinghamshire Fire & Rescue Service On-Call Firefighter?
Yes, as stage five of the recruitment process you will be required to undertake an occupational health medical assessment to determine if you are medically fit to perform the role. You will find out more about this during the On-Call awareness evening you attend. You can sign up for an awareness evening here.
Do I have to pass a test to become a Buckinghamshire Fire & Rescue Service On-Call Firefighter?
Yes, as stage four of the recruitment process you will be required to undertake an online written testing using SHL, as well as role-based physical testing. This includes a bleep test with a passing score of 8.6. You will find out more about this during the On-Call awareness evening you attend. You can sign up for an awareness evening here.
Do you have events where I can find out more about becoming an On-Call Firefighter in Buckinghamshire or Milton Keynes?
Yes, we do. You can find out the dates for our next evening, and book your place here.
How many fire stations do you have?
We have 17 strategically placed stations across Buckinghamshire and Milton Keynes. These comprise 8 stand-alone On-Call stations, seven combined Wholetime/On-Call stations and two Wholetime stations. More details about our fire stations and their locations can be found on our Stations page which is accessible here.