Find out more about what’s required and applying below
On-Call Firefighters come from every walk of life. We have landscape gardeners, directors of companies, full time parents and semi-retired people all at the ready to respond to emergencies in and around Buckinghamshire. When their smart phone app goes off, they become professional firefighters.
Along with responding to emergencies On-Call Firefighters play a big part of our community engagement work. They attend open days, carrying out work with their local communities and act as an ambassador for the fire service.
60 per cent of all UK fire engines are crewed by On-Call Firefighters. We rely on a strong, skilled, On-Call team. Be part of something more, become an On-Call Firefighter.
If you are looking for a role which can fit around your lifestyle, a role in which you will learn new skills and become part of a community that tests your physical capabilities; becoming one of our On-Call firefighters could be for you!Â
As well as training you to become a professional firefighter, joining our On-Call team will open the door to a host of other fire service opportunities. Â
The experience and skills you gain could prepare you for becoming a Wholetime Firefighter if you are interested in that career path or open other opportunities within the Service to you, such as Co-responding and Bank Shift working, or upskilling to Crew Commander.Â
On-Call firefighters come from all walks of life but the one thing they all have in common is the desire to give back to their community. Â
To apply to become an On-Call firefighter you must be:Â
Have GCSEs in Maths and English Language A* – C (9 – 4) or Level 2 Functional Skills (basic and key skills builder function)
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Other than good fitness levels, the diverse role of an On-Call firefighter means we are looking for people with the following skills and personal qualities:Â
As an On-Call firefighter you will receive a retainer fee, a disturbance fee of £5.31 and, if you are called to an incident, an hourly rate.
| Â | Full retainer (120 hours) |
85% retainer (90 hours) |
75% retainer (60 hours) |
50% retainer (40 hours) |
Trainee  Firefighter |
£4,730.85 | £4,021.22 | £3,548.14 | £2,365.43 |
Development Firefighter |
£4,730.85 | £4,021.22 | £3,548.14 | £2,365.43 |
Competent Firefighter |
£6,053.70 | £5,145.65 | £4,540.28 | £3,026.85 |
Trainee Firefighter |
£14.40 |
Development Firefighter |
£14.40 |
Competent Firefighter |
£18.43 |
You will also get a monthly mobile phone allowance of £8.27. Your retainer fee will differ depending on which contract option you are on, and your firefighter competence level.Â
This recruitment campaign is for people that are interested in joining at Aylesbury Fire Station, Brill Fire Station, Broughton Fire Station, Buckingham Fire Station, Chesham Fire Station, Marlow Fire Station, Olney Fire Station, Haddenham Fire station, Princes Risborough Fire Station, Waddesdon Fire Station Winslow Fire Station and West Ashland Fire Station.Â
As an On-Call firefighter you could be called out two or three times a week, for a few hours at a time. The types of incidents you may be called to attend include traffic collisions, fires, and rescues from a variety of situations. Â
The hours you will work will be based around your availability and other commitments.Â
You will need to commit to a guaranteed level of first-line availability. This means you will need to be contactable (normally through a phone app) and committed to remaining within an agreed area for an immediate response, during the time you have committed to.Â
You can also commit to second, third, and fourth-line availability. Â
The amount of cover you commit to provide, as an On-Call firefighter, is flexible and we will work with you to make sure your available hours work for both you and the Service. Contracts start from 40 hours of first-line availability a week, but we are happy to discuss reduced availability contracts for key stations at key times.Â
Retainer | Hours per week for delayed response Availability | Number of hours per week for delayed response Availability | Type of availability | Total On-Call Availability Hours |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Full retainer | Option 4
(80+40)
Immediate plus Assured Availability
| Up to 40 hours + of assured availability on either 2nd, 3rd or 4th line
| Immediate availability and tiered response | (80+40) 120 |
85% Retainer | Option 3
(60+30)
Immediate plus Assured Availability including weekends
| 30 hours + of assured availability on either 2nd, 3rd or 4th line | Immediate response plus additional tiered availability | (60+30) 90 |
75% Retainer | Option 2
(40+20)
Immediate plus Assured Availability
| 20 hours of assured availability on either 2nd, 3rd or 4th Line | Immediate response plus additional tiered availability | (40+20) 60 |
50% Retainer | Option 1
(40)
Immediate Response
| N/A | Immediate response | (0-40) 40 |
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Download our handy guide to help you prepare for our fitness tests.
How long does the development phase last if I become an On-Call Firefighter in Buckinghamshire or Milton Keynes?
Following your initial training, you will enter a structured two-year development programme designed to support you in building the knowledge, skills and experience required for the role.
Throughout this period, you will receive ongoing training, support and assessment to help you progress and develop as an On-Call Firefighter.
You will learn more about the development programme during one of our On-Call Experience Evenings. You can book your place at an upcoming event here.
When will I know if my application to become a Buckinghamshire Fire & Rescue Service On-Call Firefighter has been successful?
If you successfully complete the first five stages of the On-Call Firefighter recruitment process, you may be considered for an offer of employment at Stage 6.
Further information about the recruitment journey, including what to expect at each stage, will be provided during the On-Call Firefighter Experience Evenings you attend.
We strongly encourage prospective applicants to attend one of these sessions to gain a better understanding of the role and the process.
You can sign up for an On-Call Firefighter Experience Evenings here.
What will happen at the Buckinghamshire Fire & Rescue Service On-Call Firefighter induction day?
If you are invited to attend an On-Call Firefighter Induction Day, you will have successfully reached Stage 8 of the recruitment process. This is an exciting milestone and marks the beginning of your On-Call Firefighter journey. The induction day will take place at a fire station and will provide an introduction to the role, the training programme, and what you can expect as an On-Call Firefighter. You will find out more about this during the On-Call Firefighter Experience Evenings you attend. You can sign up for an On-Call Firefighter Experience Evenings here.
How do I apply to be a Buckinghamshire Fire & Rescue Service On-Call Firefighter?
Applications can be submitted directly through our website. Before applying, we encourage interested individuals to either attend a On-Call Firefighter Experience Evenings or arrange a telephone conversation to learn more about the role. If you wish to progress your application, please visit our Join Us page here and complete the online application form.
What happens at an On-Call Firefighter Experience Evenings?
Attending an On-Call Firefighter Experience Evening, or requesting a telephone discussion is the first stage of our On-Call recruitment process. You can book a date on our Events page to visit a local fire station where the role and responsibilities will be explained. The On-Call Firefighter Experience Evening provides an opportunity to try some of the physical activities that form part of the assessment day. Alternatively, you can arrange a telephone discussion to learn more about the role and ask any questions you may have.
You can sign up for an On-Call Firefighter Experience Evening here.