On-call firefighters

On-call firefighters provide an efficient and effective emergency service to the communities of Staffordshire. They are ordinary members of the community with an extraordinary job – a job that is unpredictable, rewarding and exciting.

Become an on-call firefighter and make a difference in your community.

Please note that the application process to become an on-call firefighter is currently closed, but it will open again for new applications on Wednesday 25 March.

What is an on-call firefighter?

On-call firefighters are employees of Staffordshire Fire and Rescue Service, who provide on-call cover to their local fire station. They respond to a range of emergencies when needed as well as community initiatives.

Rather than waiting at the fire station for an incident like full-time firefighters, on-call firefighters will be notified of an emergency and must respond from either their home, or work within an agreed turn-out time.

On-call firefighters provide a number of on-call hours each week and fit in those hours around other commitments such as other jobs, childcare and hobbies.

All our on-call firefighters receive the same training as full-time firefighters as they attend the same fire and rescue incidents such as building fires, road traffic collisions, animal rescues and flooding.

Alerter goes off

When an emergency occurs and the crew are required, on-call firefighters are notified by an alerter that vibrates, sounds and lights up.

Go to fire station

On-call firefighters have to stop what they’re doing immediately and make their way to the fire station within the agreed turn-out time.

Respond to emergency

When they get to the fire station, they have to put on their fire kit, get on the fire engine and will head out to the incident with the rest of the crew.

Our on-call fire stations

On-call firefighters need to live, or work, within an agreed turn-out time of their local fire station so they are able to respond immediately from the moment their alerter goes off.

We have a number of on-call stations across the county, some of which are also our wholetime stations.

We are looking for...

The role of an on-call firefighter is unique. You will be a crucial part of Staffordshire Fire and Rescue Service, as well as your local community. While this role is unpredictable, it is also exciting and rewarding so we are looking for...

Anyone who is over 18-years-old
Someone who has a positive attitude and a willingness to learn new skills
Someone who wants to make a valuable and worthwhile contribution to your community
Those who live or work close to your local fire station (however applicants will be considered on a case by case basis)
People from a range of backgrounds that represents the diversity of our communities
People willing to uphold our Core Code of Ethics

And in return...

You will earn extra income
You will learn and develop new skills
You will be helping to protect your local community, safe lives and help others
You could have the opportunity to work as a full-time firefighter in the future
You will have access to other benefits
We can be flexible around your other commitments

Recruitment Process

There are a number of stages to the on-call firefighter recruitment process.

Stage 1

Application

You can apply to become an on-call firefighter on our career’s website or by using the apply buttons on this page. If you have any questions about the role or recruitment process, you can contact one of our On-Call Support Officers (OCSOs) who’s details are below.

Stage 2

Declaration of availability

On-call firefighters are asked to provide a number of hours each week to ensure there is enough availability of crew. You can discuss your availability with your station’s OCSO and Station Manager.

Stage 3

Interview

Your station’s OCSO will arrange to have an interview with you if you are a suitable candidate.

Stage 4

Fitness test

This will be undertaken by the Service’s Fitness Advisor and will involve a bleep test which consists of completing 20m shuttle runs to level 8.8.

Stage 5

Job-related tests (JRTs)

These are six physical tests that imitate scenarios that on-call firefighters are likely to face in the role such as ladder climbing and confided spaces.

Stage 6

Pre-employment checks

These include a health assessment at our Occupational Health Unit.

Job-related tests

As part of the recruitment process, there are a number of job-related tests that applicants are required to complete. Please see the videos below which provide a demonstration of the tasks required.

Casualty Evacuation

Confined Space

Manual Dexterity

Equipment Carry

Ladder Climb

Ladder Lift Simulator

Training

On-call firefighters are given thorough and specialist training to ensure they can provide effective and efficient service at an emergency.

After completing the recruitment process, they will start their journey to become a competent firefighter which will take approximately three years.

During their development, on-call firefighters will be given all the relevant training which including how to handle ladders and hoses, breathing apparatus, road traffic collisions and first aid.

As a trainee firefighter, you will complete:

Core Skills 1 – 3
This includes using hoses and hydrants. After completing these modules, you will be considered ‘Safe to ride’ which means you can join the rest of the crew and attend incidents.
Core Skills 4 – 7
This includes using pumps and ladders

As a development firefighter, you will complete:

Breathing apparatus (BA) module
Road traffic collision (RTC) module
First response emergency care (FREC) module
Safe working at heights
Institution of Fire Engineers (IFE) exam

After this training, on-call firefighter will complete a 36-month assessment to be signed off as a competent firefighter. Once you become a competent firefighter, you will be able to maintain your skills and consider any career progression opportunities.

Our on-call firefighters are also expected to attend drill sessions once a week at their fire station alongside the rest of their crew to ensure these skills are maintained.

Salary

On-call firefighters are paid employees of Staffordshire Fire and Rescue Service and therefore receive a wage. This varies per on-call firefighter and will be pro-rata amount from a full-time firefighter’s salary.

An on-call firefighters’ salary is dependent a number of factors such as where they are in their development, how many hours a week they are on-call, the number of incidents they attend each month and other factors such as community initiatives and drill sessions also count towards an on-call firefighters salary.

Interested?

If you are interested in becoming an on-call firefighter but some questions, you can contact the relevant On-Call Support Officer for your fire station:

Richard Rudge: Cannock, Chase Terrace, Lichfield, Tamworth Mercia, and Rugeley; Tel: 07528983190 / 01785898693; Email: richard.rudge@staffordshirefire.gov.uk

James Stevenson: Abbots Bromley, Burslem, Hanley, Kidsgrove, Loggerheads, and Newcastle; Tel: 01785 898645 / 07967 573596; Email: james.stevenson@staffordshirefire.gov.uk

Jordan Fallows: Barton-under-Needwood, Biddulph, Burton, Cheadle, Ipstones, Leek, Longnor, and Tutbury; Tel: 01785 898709 / 07967 573522; Email: jordan.fallows@staffordshirefire.gov.uk


Rick Pattison: Eccleshall, Gnosall, Longton, Rising Brook, Stone, and Uttoxeter; Tel: 01785 898694 / 07528 983185; Email: ricki.pattison@staffordshirefire.gov.uk

Tom Mabley: Brewood, Codsall, Kinver, Penkridge, and Wombourne; Tel: 01785 898843 / 07528 983157; Email: thomas.mabley@staffordshirefire.gov.uk

More information

If you still have questions or want more information, we may have the answers in our FAQs. There are also some additional resources that may help with your application.

What is the difference between on-call and full-time firefighters?

On-call firefighters do exactly the same job as full-time (wholetime) firefighters. The only difference is that they are not based at a station for set shifts. Instead, they respond to emergencies from their home or place of work when their "alerter" goes off.

Do I need to stay at the station?

No, but you must stay close to the station while you are on cover. This could be at home or even a local restaurant, provided you are in a position to "up and leave" immediately to reach the station quickly.

How will I know when to respond to an incident?

You will be issued with a personal pager (an alerter). When an emergency occurs, it will notify you, and you must make your way to the fire station safely and as quickly as possible.

Can I do this around my other commitments?

Yes. Many of our team have primary commitments such as full-time or part-time employment, self-employment, or studies. We also welcome stay-at-home parents and those currently unemployed.

Do I need permission from my primary employer?

If you intend to respond to calls during your normal working hours, you should have a conversation with your employer first. Many local businesses support the fire service by allowing staff to leave work for emergencies. Your availability will be discussed in detail during Stage 2 of the application process with your Station Manager.

How many hours do I need to provide?

We ask for a minimum of 50 hours of cover per week. This can be made up of full days or parts of the day/night that fit around your life. While there is no set maximum, we prioritise your health and work/life balance.

Do on-call firefighters get paid?

Yes. You receive a basic ‘retainer’ fee based on the number of hours of cover you provide. You then receive an hourly rate for attending incidents, training sessions, and community work.

How much can I expect to earn?

Because pay is based on incident frequency, it is difficult to predict. However, most on-call firefighters earn between £300 and £1,000 per month.

What other benefits are available?

Beyond the satisfaction of helping your community, benefits include:
Paid Holiday: 4 weeks annual leave, rising to 5 weeks after five years of service.
Family Leave: Full maternity and paternity entitlements.
Health & Wellbeing: Free gym access and a 24/7 Employee Assistance Programme.
Discounts: Access to the Blue Light Card for retail and leisure discounts.

Do I need to be physically fit?

Yes. You will need to pass a bleep test to join, and we maintain fitness standards through the Chester Treadmill Test (a brisk walking test with increasing inclines).

Are there health or height requirements?

Height: There is no minimum or maximum height requirement.
Age: You must be 18 or over (there is no upper age limit).
Medical: You must pass a medical screening. Disability is defined as a physical or mental impairment; each case is considered individually to see if reasonable adjustments can be made.
Eyesight: You can apply if you wear glasses or have had laser surgery, provided you meet specific standards (6/9 binocularly with glasses; minimum 6/18 in the better eye without).

Do I need a driving licence?

A full UK driving licence is not strictly required to apply, but you must be able to get to the station very quickly when alerted.

Is training provided?

Full training is provided. Initial training takes place over 20 weeks at the station in 2-hour sessions. You will then complete further modules over your first three years.

Will I be able to drive a fire engine?

We encourage both wholetime and on-call firefighters to learn to drive an HGV. If you wish to pursue this, we will support you through the stages—from standard driving to emergency "blue light" response.

Can I get promoted or go full-time?

Once qualified, you can progress to Incident Commander, Crew Manager, or Watch Manager. While on-call status doesn't guarantee a full-time role, your experience and skills will be a significant advantage in any full-time recruitment campaign.