Become an on-call firefighter – applications now open! Find out more and apply now

Reserve Firefighter Team Leader (casual zero hour contract)

Submit your application to be a Reserve Firefighter Team Leader today!

Contract: Casual - Zero Hour Contract

Salary: £15 per hour (initial training phase) - £25 per hour (for shifts worked) (plus annual retention payments)

Closing date: Ongoing

Location: Various Avon Fire & Rescue Service Locations

Application Form – Reserves (196kB pdf)

We have a number of vacancies for Reserve Fire Service Team Leaders.  You will be trained in basic defensive firefighting and additional skills to enable you to lead a team of Reserve Firefighters at operational incidents. 

About the role

We have a number of vacancies for Reserve Fire Service Team Leaders.  You will be trained in basic defensive firefighting and additional skills to enable you to lead a team of Reserve Firefighters at operational incidents. 

The role will involve making decisions, leading and directing the team and following guidance provided within the initial training.  This is an interesting and varied role.  You need to be an excellent communicator, a strong team player and able to remain calm under pressure. You will need to be flexible to attend two initial training courses (both courses are 2 days duration).   

Reserve personnel will be used to provide resilience support during any periods of unforeseen staff shortages which will include periods of strike action.  You will provide an invaluable role and will help to keep our communities safe.  The job is extremely rewarding and you will gain a wide range of skills and training which we hope will assist in your personal development.   

It is important to note that in most cases there is not an ongoing need to use Reserve Firefighters and therefore there will be significant ongoing periods of time when you will not be called upon to work. 

What we will need from you

  • Applicants must live within the Avon Fire & Rescue Service area or within a 25 mile radius of our boundary. No travel or accommodation expenses will be paid for work shifts.
  • You must possess a driving licence and have access to your own transport.  
  • You must have a high level of physical and mental strength and fitness.  The training is intensive and requires the ability to acquire and retain information, follow clear instructions and carry out a range of duties.  There is no upper age limit however the minimum age is 18.   
  • You should ideally possess previous managerial experience. 
  • Any experience within the military or emergency services sector would be an advantage but is not essential.

Additional information

You will be paid for 12 hours for every shift worked, although the actual hours worked are likely to be shorter.  You will be required to attend an initial training programme (dates to be confirmed) and will also be expected to attend 2 days refresher training every year (one every 6 months) plus a training exercise each year. Training is paid at the standard hourly rate and the dates will be published in advance for you to book a place to suit your availability. 

The selection process will include a range of tests to assess your suitability.  You will also be required to take a fitness and strength test, DBS check and complete a Pre-Placement Health Questionnaire. Job offers will be made to applicants who pass all stages of the selection process.  

Upon successful completion of the basic training course, you will be issued a casual contract of employment. You will normally be given a minimum of seven days’ notice of any work or training commitments.    

Please note that working as a Reserve Team Leader does not give you priority access into any other vacancies within Avon Fire & Rescue Service but will provide you with an insight into the operational role. 

How to apply

Download the application form below and tell us how your skills and experience meet the essential criteria.

Application Form – Reserves (196kB pdf)

Applications should be e-mailed to [email protected]  CVs will be accepted if they include full details of your relevant skills and experience for these roles. 

Applications will be assessed as they are received. For further information please contact [email protected]

With effect from July 2023 legislation was amended to enable all Fire & Rescue Services to undertake standard DBS checks for all employees.  All job roles require a standard DBS check, with certain defined roles requiring an enhanced check.  These will be renewed throughout employment.

Avon Fire & Rescue Service is committed to securing equality of opportunity. We welcome applications from all members of our community who are currently under-represented at Avon Fire & Rescue Service, particularly women, Disabled people and members of ethnic minority communities.

Additional reading

It is important for you to familiarise yourself with our work at Avon FRS and the framework we follow. Please see some resources below for you to read and explore:

Read our Commitment to Safeguarding here (63kB pdf)

Core Code Of Ethics – NFCC

Our mission, vision and values – Avon Fire and Rescue Service

This image has an empty alt attribute; its file name is disability-confident-vacancy.png

Page last updated