Being a modern firefighter is about far more than putting out fires. Our wholetime firefighters are trained to deal with a wide range of emergencies, including road traffic collisions, chemical incidents, water rescues, medical emergencies and specialist rescues of animals who have become stuck.
A large part of a firefighter’s role is focused on keeping local people safe through prevention. Our crews work closely with communities to help stop emergencies from happening in the first place. Firefighters spend time in homes, businesses and schools, offering practical fire, water and road safety advice to reduce risk and keep people safe.
Firefighters at Avon Fire & Rescue Service come from all backgrounds. They are ordinary people who, with training and support, are able to do extraordinary things as part of a high-performing team. They bring strong communication skills, problem-solving abilities and a commitment to helping others, and they maintain the level of fitness needed to carry out the role safely.
If you’re motivated by helping others, working as part of a close-knit team and taking on a role that truly matters, you may be exactly what we’re looking for.
Does this sound like you? Apply to become our next wholetime firefighter at Avon Fire & Rescue Service.
What are the pay and benefits?
A fully qualified (competent) firefighter earns a salary of £38,881, with clear progression from the development rate as you gain experience and complete your training.
| Role | Salary |
|---|---|
| Firefighter (Development) | 30,384 |
| Firefighter (Competent) | 38,881 |
| Crew Manager | 41,322 – 43,104 |
| Watch Manager | 44,038 – 48,202 |
| Station Manager | 50,135 – 55,301 |
| Group Manager | 57,743 – 64,013 |
| Area Manager | 67,792 – 74,360 |
Benefits
As well as a competitive salary, firefighters receive a strong benefits package, including:
- Employee support services and wellbeing resources
- Generous pension scheme
- Enhanced maternity, paternity and adoption leave
- Access to training and development throughout your career
- Access to private health care through our partnership with Westfield Health
- Free gym access, and protected time in the work day to maintain your fitness
What is the shift pattern?
Firefighters work a rotating shift pattern that many find offers a positive work–life balance.
- Shift 1: 08:00-17:00 (day)
- Shift 2: 08:00-17:00 (day)
- Shift 3: 17:00-08:00 (night)
- Shift 4: 17:00-08:00 (night)
- Four days off duty
Please note, Yate Fire Station work 12 hour days (07:00-19:00) on a flexible roster.
What qualifications do I need?
You don’t need any specific qualifications to become a firefighter. We’ll provide all the training you need.
Essential criteria for the role:
- You must be aged 18 or over when your training school starts.
- You must be physically fit and have good upper body strength.
- You must have the legal right to work in the UK at the time you start employment.
You do not need a full UK driving licence to apply as a wholetime firefighter. However, if you are successful, you will need to obtain a full Category B licence within two years of starting employment. If you already have a licence, it must have no more than three penalty points.
What training is required to become a wholetime firefighter?
If you’re successful in your application and receive a job offer, you’ll begin a 12–13 week intensive training course that equips you with the core skills needed to start your role as a firefighter.
You will also be enrolled into a Level 3 Operational Firefighter Apprenticeship which takes around two years to complete and supports your development as you progress through your early career. Full details will be provided at the job-offer stage.