Reserve LGV Drivers (casual zero hour contract)

Application Form – Reserves (196kB pdf)

We have a number of vacancies for Reserve LGV Drivers.  You will be trained in basic defensive firefighting, driver familiarisation and additional skills to enable you to drive a Fire Appliance and provide support at operational incidents. 

About the role

We have a number of vacancies for Reserve LGV Drivers.  You will be trained in basic defensive firefighting, driver familiarisation and additional skills to enable you to drive a Fire Appliance and provide support at operational incidents. 

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.   

You will be paid for 12 hours for every shift worked, although the actual hours worked are likely to be shorter.  You will also need to attend 2 days refresher training every year (one every 6 months) plus a training exercise each year. These courses are paid at the training 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. 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 possess a Category C licence with no more than 3 points and be available to attend the initial 2 day initial training course and a half day driver familiarisation course (which are paid at the training rate)
• You must have a good level of physical and mental 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 a range of duties.   There is no upper age limit, the absolute minimum age is 18.   

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.    

Additional information

You will receive a £50 allowance per shift (to compensate for meal expenses, travel time/expenses and shift working)

The selection process will include a range of tests to assess your suitability. 

Please note that working as a Reserve Driver 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. 

You will be required to undertake a DBS check, health and fitness assessment and other pre-appointment validation 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 com

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