Wholetime Firefighter

Wholetime Recruitment

We all have our own idea of what the Fire and Rescue Service does. We see the pictures every day on TV of firefighters putting out fires but few of us know what is really involved.

The truth is that in the modern Fire and Rescue Service fighting fires is only part of what we do. Just as important is our work preventing fires and accidents from happening in the first place; this means working in the community, talking to people, listening, teaching, helping, getting involved and developing new solutions. Who knows how many lives have been saved by sharing knowledge and preventing fires before they start?

What's more, in the twenty-first century we face all kinds of different challenges - there are unpredictable environmental factor like floods and storm, there are transport accidents and unforeseen events like oil spills and the growing threat of terrorism. Protecting society against all of these dangers requires a forward-looking approach and new kinds of skills and knowledge.

Firefighters advise people on fire prevention, escape routes and hazards at home and in business. Firefighters visit schools, teach and work with children to raise awareness of dangers like fireworks and matches. Firefighters get involved in their communities, encourage safety initiatives, inspect buildings to make sure they meet fire safety regulations.

States of Jersey Fire and Rescue Service is welcoming and inclusive. What ever your background, gender, ethnicity, religion or sexual orientation you'll be treated with equal respect. Perhaps that's what makes States of Jersey Fire and Rescue service such an enjoyable place to work.

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Candidates will be asked to complete an application form which will be assessed against the entry criteria standards. This form must be returned by the deadline specified or it will not be read.

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The Written Tests

Successful candidates will be invited to the next selection phase which will be the completion of psychometric tests which assess applicant's ability to process information, problem solve and work with numbers:

• Understanding information - This test is used to assess an applicant's ability to read and understand written information of the type that a Firefighter is likely to experience. The test involves the applicant reading and understanding a variety of written information including fire safety details, memos, newsletters and extracts from a training course manual. Applicants will need to extract the relevant information from these to answer 25 questions covering six different scenarios.
• Situational Awareness - This test is used to assess an applicant's ability to ensure the safety of themselves and others and thier ability to use information to solve problems. The test requires applicants to read descriptions of situations or scenarios that they are likely to face when working as a firefighter. There are 30 questions that each require the applicant to choose one of four available answers that most closely describe what they would do in that situation. No specific knowledge or training is required to be able to answer the questions but applicants will need to consider the safety of themselves and others and use the information provided to decide how best to respond.
• Working with Numbers - This test is used to assess an applicant's ability to understand and work with numerical information of the type that a firefighter is likely to experience. There are 32 questions covering six different scenarios which require the applicant to perform combinations of addition, subtraction, multiplication and division as well as estimations of numerical data.

Practice Booklet     (opens in new window, size 437 KB)

If the psychometric tests are passed you will be invited at a later date for physical tests. These tests are designed to test fitness and the ability to understand and apply information. They are related to the actual tasks a firefighter will have to do once appointed. A firefighter needs to be physically fit with good unaided vision with no colour blindness.

It is important that you wear appropriate clothing in order to carry out the fitness and workplace tests; these being, t-shirt, shorts, jogging trousers and training shoes. Do not wear any jewellery or bring any valuables with you. Also please bring with you a packed lunch and bottle of water. We advise that you do not drink alcohol the night before or drink large amounts of caffeine within 24 hours of the selection day.

The day consists of:

• Booking in and issue of personal protective equipment
• Handing in of ‘fit to participate’ form signed your GP 
• Attempting selection tests

The physical tests will be carried out on an individual basis and will include:

This involves negotiating through a set of obstacles in a blackened room wearing breathing apparatus. This test is designed to test your ability to stay calm and focused whilst working in a confined space.

A variety of equipment will need to be carried to a fire scene within a specific time limit. This tests upper body strength, stamina and determination.

This test involves lifting the weight of a ladder within a time limit to simulate housing a ladder back on an appliance. This will test upper body strength.

• Ladder climb

This test involves climbing a 13.5 metre ladder and carrying out a selected task within a time limit. This test is designed to assess confidence and co-ordination whilst working at heights. Candidates will be attached to a safety line

This will involve a simulated rescue of a casualty from an open space. This test involves upper body strength and stamina.

This aims to test the ability of a candidate to comprehend and follow instructions. Within a given time frame the candidate will be asked to assemble and de-assemble a piece of equipment following a series of diagrams.


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Medical / Optical Assessments

Successful candidates who have passed the psychometric tests and the physical tests will be invited to undergo medical and optical assessments at the States Occupational Health Section, Service Doctor and Service Optemetrist.

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Criminal Record Check


Candidates will need to obtain a basic disclosure certificate. This is obtained on-line from www.disclosurescotland.co.uk (opens in new window) and will provide your criminal record with all spent convictions removed. Alternatively, a hard copy of the application form can be obtained from us during the written test phase. Applications cost £20.

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Interview


Successful candidates who have passed the written tests, physical tests (opens in new window) will be invited back at a later date for an interview lasting approximately one hour. The interview is designed around the personal qualities and attributes (competencies) required to become a firefighter. For more information see the Firefighter rolemap (opens in new window).


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The Decision

Candidates will be advised whether they are likely to be offered a position within SJFRS.

Where no current positions exist, successful candidates may be put into a pool from where positions will be offered should any position become available, prior to the next annual selection test.

Prior to receiving a formal offer and joining a Recruits Course, candidates’ references will be checked.

Unsuccessful candidates will only be permitted to apply a maximum of three times.

In order to give yourself the best chance of success please keep physically fit and follow the guidance provided on this information page and further information detailed on the SJFRS website. Good luck.

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Successful applicants will be required to undertake an initial period of training, Monday to Friday, of 12 weeks' in total duration split into a modular format.

The training will take place at Devon and Somerset Fire and Rescue Service Training Centre, Plymouth.

The course is residential, with flights provided for candidates to return home every weekend. The recruit receives full pay during the course.

After 'passing out' from the Training Centre, candidates return to SJFRS Headquarters and undertake a three week induction course which confirms the policies and procedures that the new member of the Service is required to work to and irons out any slight differences between local and UK practices. Trainees are also introduced to our specific roles such as Line Rescue and Inshore Rescue. At the end of this Induction Course the Trainee is considered operational and ready to respond to the next ‘shout’, whatever it may be.

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Development Policy

Firefighters are required to serve a development period of two years in order to determine their suitability for a permanent appointment within the Service. Assessments are taken throughout the duration of the probation period. Following successful completion of the development period, regular training is given leading to the Qualified Firefighter qualification after four years.

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Annual Leave

There is a generous leave entitlement for new entrants of 3 weeks and 4 days, rising to 3 weeks and 11 days after 20 years service. Days in lieu are granted for Public Holidays for operational Firefighters on shift

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Hours of Duty

Rotating Shift Pattern (Fire Service HQ)

The service operates around the clock, and you will be working weekends, nights and public holidays. Your normal working week will be 42 hours, based on a shift rota of two 9 hour days, followed by two 15 hour nights, followed by four days off duty.

Note: However it is usual for Firefighters to start their careers as Flexi-Duty Firefighters working the 42 hour day-shift pattern.

Day work shift pattern

The working week of the Firefighter is 42 hours comprised of Monday to Friday 0900 to 1800 hours excepting Public Holidays. This equates to 45 hours per week and after three weeks a Firefighter is entitled to an extra day off. This may also be taken as annual leave which would accrue to approximately 16 days for the whole year.
Flexi Duty Firefighters can be drafted into any Watch at any time, to cover absences due to sickness or courses, and when doing so they will work the rotating shift pattern.


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Pension Scheme

SJFRS offers a permanent job with an excellent contributory pension scheme to provide for your retirement. Currently the rate of contribution is 5% of a firefighter's annual salary (overtime and allowances are not pensionable pay). There are special pensions for those who are retired because of ill health or injury on duty.

Equal Opportunities

SJFRS is an Equal Opportunities employer. Applications are invited from women and men from all sections of the community, regardless of ethnic origin, colour, marital status, sexuality or religion, who have the necessary attributes for the job.

Fire and Rescue Service Association

The Fire and Rescue Service Association is the representative body for members of the service and negotiates pay and conditions and any other matters relating to the welfare and efficiency of it’s members.

Members of the Fire and Rescue Service Association may also be members of the Association of Clerical Technical and Supervisory Staff, a professional staff association of the Transport and General Workers’ Union.

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Prospects

Under the Fire and Rescue Service promotion system a firefighter becomes eligible for promotion by passing Assessment and Development Centres and satisfying the length of service criteria


Salary Scales

Current rates of pay as of 01st June 2007 (opens in new window).


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Information on recruitment events will be posted on this website - you will need to keep checking the website for further information. However, we generally run annual Firefighter Selection Tests in September.

How do I apply to become a Wholetime Firefighter?

Information on recruitment will be posted on this website - keep an eye on it!

We no longer hold names and addresses or send out application packs during the year. Application packs will only be available when the positions are advertised.

What is the maximum age you can apply to become a Firefighter?

There is no maximum age limit for new recruit although you should be aware that the retirement age of a Firefighter is 55.

What is the minimum age that you can become a Firefighter?

You must be 18 on your first day of Service.


How do you select candidates?

We assess candidates on their personal qualities and attributes and ability to pass the Firefighter Selection Tests. Find out more about the selection tests.

Can I become a Wholetime Firefighter if I wear contact lenses or have had corrective eye surgery?

Applications for wholetime firefighters can be accepted from individuals who have undergone laser treatment to correct eyesight deficiencies. Individuals will not be eligible to apply for wholetime service until a period of one year following the completion of the treatment has elapsed. This period is required in order for the effectiveness of the treatment to be assessed. Individuals who have undergone laser surgery will be required to meet the normal opthalmic standards, as detailed below.

Individuals undergoing laser treatment must ensure that the Consultant carrying out the surgery is aware that the treatment is for the purpose of joining the Fire & Rescue Service and should advise their Consultant accordingly.

Applicants to the Fire & Rescue Service must:

• satisfy the Service Optometrist that he/she is fit to undertake firefighting duties and that there is no abnormality or any disease which, in either case, would be likely to affect visual function, temporarily or permanently, so as to incapacitate the individual in carrying out the range of operational duties
• have distance visual acuity of 6/6, 6/6, as measured by an appropriate test, unaided
• have no more than + 3.00 dioptres of hypermetropia in each eye
• have no more than - 0.25 dioptres of myopia in each eye (applicants under 25 years of age)
• have no more than - 0.75 dioptres of myopia in each eye (applicants aged 25 years of age and over)
• be able to read N12 at 30 cm unaided with both eyes open
• see at least 6/6 unaided with each eye individually
• have a normal visual field in each eye, as determined by confrontation techniques
• have no history of night blindness or any ocular disease that is likely to progress and result in future failure of the visual standards for firefighters
• have an appropriate level of colour perception. Individuals with either normal colour vision or slightly abnormal green colour vision are suitable for appointment to the fire service. The recommended test procedure uses the Ishihara test as the initial screen with two additional tests, the Farnsworth D15 and Nagel anomaloscope, to determine both the severity and type of colour vision deficiency. All applicants will be tested using Ishihara plates. Those who pass (having made no more than two errors in plate identification) have normal colour vision. Those who fail should be tested by Farnsworth D15, which will determine the severity of their colour vision defect. Applicants who fail Farnsworth D15 will be rejected as unsuitable. Those who pass should be offered the opportunity to take a third stage test, the Nagel anomaloscope, to distinguish whether the individual has slight red or slight green colour vision deficiency. In view of the cost and the lack of general availability of the equipment, applicants given the opportunity to take this third stage test must do so at their own expense.

How long is the Wholetime Firefighter training course?

The course lasts approximately 12 weeks.

Is there a minimum/maximum height to be a Firefighter?

No, as long as the candidate is able to pass the fitness tests (opens in new window) there is no minimum or maximum height.

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Physical Fitness Standards

Applicants must be physically fit, and will need to pass a fitness test (opens in new window). The physical requirements of the selection process are fairly demanding.

Eyesight

You must have good sight and colour perception in each eye without glasses or contact lenses

Education

Candidates must have a good standard of education, educated to GCSE level or equivalent.

Driving License

You must have a full clean driving license.