Avon Fire & Rescue Service has launched its latest recruitment campaign for fire control operators, working at their site at Lansdown in Bath.
Inset: The Avon Fire Control Centre | Photos © Avon Fire & Rescue Service
Candidates can now begin the application process as the service searches for their next training school of fire control operators.
A crucial part of Avon Fire & Rescue, fire control operators provide a vital service to the community by answering 999 calls, gathering information, making decisions, and providing support to fire crews on the ground.
Marie Pook, Station Manager Control at AF&RS, said: “A role as a fire control operator is both challenging and highly rewarding, as we all strive to be the best we can be.
“By joining us as a fire control operator, you could be a voice of calm and reassurance to someone in their time of need and make a real difference every single day.”
Control fire operators mobilise resources, identify exact locations of incidents and provide safety advice to callers, such as people who might be trapped inside a burning building, and then continue to reassure callers until the moment firefighters arrive on the scene.
Highly trained, the successful candidates will also manage operational resources and incidents whilst liaising with other services and agencies.
They will also be trained in responding to a wide variety of specialist incidents, including chemical, radiological, biological, and nuclear incidents alongside crews.
Based at Lansdown near Bath, the control room is staffed 24 hours, 365 days a year.
Fire control operators will be expected to work a shift pattern of two days (8am-5pm), two nights (5pm-8am) and then four days off.
The fire service is looking for applicants who have a range of skills and experience which they can bring to the role.
Successful candidates also need to be aligned to the service’s values of respect, honesty, courageousness, ambitiousness, inclusivity, and transparency.
Applications are open until Monday 7th June, and applicants must be aged over 18 when training school commences on 9th September 2024.
Applicants must also hold a full driving licence or be willing to gain one within the two-year probation period.
Beginning with the application form, hopeful applicants should have a strong ability to work in a team, have effective communication skills, an ability to remain calm under pressure, be a good problem solver and also have good attention to detail. Candidates should also have experience of working with Microsoft packages/IT systems.
There will also be a series of tests including memory call, typing, numeracy and practical (radio and telephony script test).
Successful candidates will receive training, with remuneration after completion of training, and a further pay increase upon becoming fully competent in the role.
For more information, visit: https://www.avonfire.gov.uk/careers/fire-control-operators/.
