Reserve Fire Emergency Control Operators

Based at:            Bristol/Bath area

Contract:            Casual

Hours:                 Zero hour contract

Salary:                 £10.49 per hour (training) and £15.00 per hour for resilience cover (plus annual retention payments)

                             Allowance per shift (to compensate for meal expenses, travel time/expenses and shift working)
                                   £50.00 if you live within the Avon Fire & Rescue Service boundary
                                   £75.00 if you live outside the boundary

                             Retention allowance paid every 6 months

Closing date:     Ongoing

We are seeking to engage a pool of staff to provide additional support to our Fire Control Operators. Reserve 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. You will gain a wide range of skills and training which we hope will assist in your personal development.

You will receive initial training for the role along with refresher training every 6 months. The Reserve Control Operators will provide an invaluable service to Avon Fire Service and our communities during particularly difficult periods.

The role involves handling emergency ‘999’ calls, obtaining accurate information from the caller and taking appropriate action to mobilise Fire Service resources. You will ensure information is logged onto IT and paper based systems and liaise with fire crews to obtain details about the incident.

The role involves working under significant pressure and suitable candidates will need to be able to demonstrate the ability to remain calm, ask relevant questions to obtain information from members of the public, other emergency services and external agencies. The following skills and attributes are essential:

• Quick and accurate data entry skills
• The ability to work as part of a team.
• Effective communications skills, including verbal, written and listening skills.
• The ability to make effective decisions.
• A positive, flexible approach to work.
• The ability to remain calm in stressful situations.
• The ability to work in a disciplined environment.
• Able to deal appropriately and effectively with people from all sections of the communities we serve.
• Committed to learn new skills and achieving high standards
• The ability to speak a second language would be an advantage

Applicants must live within the Avon Fire & Rescue Service area. You must possess a driving licence and have access to your own transport.

Upon successful completion of the basic training 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. Reserve Control Operators will only be called upon in exceptional situations to cover unexpected shortfalls in staffing.

You will receive £10.49 during training. Once training is complete you will receive £15.00 per hour and will be paid a minimum 12-hour payment per shift (even if shift duration is less than this) whilst providing resilience cover. Travel and food allowances will be paid per shift at a rate of £50.00 if you live within the Avon Fire & Rescue Service boundary and £75.00 if you live outside it (all payments subject to tax and NI deductions).

The selection process includes a range of tests to assess your skills, along with an informal interview.

How to apply:

Download and complete the application form below.

Applications can be emailed to hr.admin@avonfire.gov.uk or printed and posted to Human Resources, Avon Fire & Rescue Service Headquarters, Valley Road, Portishead, Bristol BS20 8JJ.

We have a number of vacancies and will assess applications as they are received.

For further information please contact Human Resources on 01179 262061 or email hr.admin@avonfire.gov.uk.