How do I apply?
Please visit our WMJobs page and search for 'On Call Firefighter' followed by the Station you are applying for. You will then be asked to complete an online application form.
Sign up to an on-call firefighter taster day!
It can be really useful to get some practical insight into what being an on-call firefighter is like, with the chance to talk to crews already doing the job. Taster days are the perfect opportunity to do this in a relaxed and informal environment at one of our fire stations. If you would like to register your interest for one, fill in this short form
What is an on-call firefighter?
On-call firefighters have everyday lives and jobs, until their pager sounds; then they immediately make their way to the fire station. They don’t work for a back-up team or a second-rate crew. On-call firefighters are professional firefighters, on the front line, saving lives.
Do I have to fit a certain profile?
Our role and workforce has developed and so has our place in the community. Our on-call firefighters come from all walks of life – from stay at home parents and self-employed business owners to shop workers and tradespeople. Male and female. Tall and short. Fitness enthusiasts and cake lovers alike. And most don’t have any previous experience until they apply.
There are just three requirements
You must:
- Live or work within five minutes of an on-call fire station (this does not include Telford Central fire station)
- Be over 18
- Be physically fit (we will support you and give training in this area)
What will I do?
Our on-call firefighters are called out to anything from floods and fires to road traffic collisions or chemical spills; we make sure they are trained to deal with everything from extinguishing burning buildings to providing first aid.
What support will you give me?
From day one we’re here to support you through the process. Our On-Call Recruitment Team will guide you through the entire process, our Fitness Team will support your fitness journey and our Training Instructors will ensure you’re supported during the assessment.
On-call firefighter training and development
Once you’ve passed your assessment process and been offered employment with us you’ll be ready to start training to become an on-call firefighter. This will begin with a two-week training course, which runs Monday – Friday.
After this you’ll attend evening training sessions which usually last for two hours one evening a week for 10 weeks.
After your initial training you’ll of course continue training throughout your career – making sure you’re always up to date and confident in your role.
We are looking for men and women from all backgrounds to join the teams of firefighters in Shropshire Fire and Rescue Service. With excellent rates of pay for training and emergency call outs, plus an annual retaining fee, it’s well worth your while.
An infographic detailing the timeline for training can be found here
Shropshire’s on-call firefighters provide essential fire cover at 22 stations and 20 are staffed purely by on-call personnel. There are two more on-call crews at Shrewsbury and Wellington stations.
The role calls for courage, a desire to serve your community and of course the ability to be part of a close-knit team.
Please note that Telford Central Fire Station does not have an on-call firefighter crew, and does not accept applications.
To see all our current vacancies please visit this page
Recruitment process
- Online Registration and application form
- Interview
- Job related tests and written tests
- Medical and fitness test
Successful candidates will be required to complete a Basic Disclosure DBS Check. Details of how to apply for this will be included in offers of appointment. Visit this website for more information on DBS checks. Only candidates offered a conditional offer of appointment will be required to undertake the check.
Are you a woman and considering joining as an on-call firefighter?
We would appreciate a moment of your time to fill out this short survey. You can also leave your contact details with us so we can inform you of future firefighter taster sessions.
Download our on-call firefighter recruitment guide
From how much you can get paid to how long the training process takes, our extensive recruitment guide has all the information you could need.
Case Studies
Hear from current on-call firefighters about their experiences, and how being a trained firefighter has impacted their lives here
Privacy Notice under the Data Protection Act 2018 (General Data Protection Regulations)
Shropshire Fire and Rescue Service is collecting Personal Identifiable Information to enable it to process your job application and to monitor against statutory requirements e.g. Equality Act 2010. This information is being processed under GDPR 2018 -Article 6 (1)b) and GDPR 2018– Article 9 (2)b).
