Reserve Firefighters (casual zero hour contract)

Application Form – Reserves (196kB pdf)

We have a number of vacancies for Reserve Firefighters to be trained in basic defensive fire fighting. These staff will only be used to provide resilience support during any periods of unforeseen staff shortages which will include periods of strike action. 

About the role

We have a number of vacancies for Reserve Firefighters to be trained in basic defensive firefighting. These staff will only 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.     

You will be required to attend an initial two day basic 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.

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.
• You must possess a driving licence and have access to your own transport. An LGV driving licence would be an advantage but is not essential as additional training in blue light driving will be provided to those who are selected as Drivers. 
• If you possess managerial or leadership experience this would also be an advantage and we will provide additional training to some candidates to enable them to assume the role of operational incident managers.    
• You must have a high level of physical strength and fitness, work well as part of a team be able to follow instructions and remain calm under pressure. The training is intensive and requires the ability to acquire and retain technical information, follow clear instructions and carry out practical tests including putting up ladders, rolling out hose and carrying equipment. The ideal candidate will have a balance of academic and practical skills and be able to communicate effectively.
• There is no upper age limit but you must be aged 18 before the start of your firefighter training

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. We do not guarantee to provide work as Reserve Firefighters will only be called upon in exceptional situations if we experience any unexpected shortfalls in staffing.

Additional Information

The selection process will include a range of practical physical tests to assess your ability to utilise and work with fire service equipment in a safe and controlled manner.  You will also undergo a fitness and strength test and an informal interview.  Successful applicants will be required to complete our medical process. Job offers will be made to applicants who pass all stages of the selection process. Please note that working as a Reserve Firefighter does not give you priority access into any other vacancies within Avon Fire & Rescue Service but will provide you with a basic insight into the operational role. 

You will be required to undertake a DBS check and other pre-employment checks.   

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