Once you've checked you meet the basic requirements, eyesight requirements and you're fit and ready, you're ready to apply...you won't regret it!
If you have any questions before applying, please email mailbox.oclo@essex-fire.gov.uk
You can apply here.
After we receive your application form we’ll contact you to go through the next steps. If you meet the requirements and your local station is recruiting you will go through the following stages:
Stage 1 - Informal conversation at your local fire station with the Station Manager and Watch Manager
This is your chance to meet your managers and it's your opportunity to ask any questions you have with the team you'll be working with.
Stage 2 - Online English and Maths assessments
You will need to pass the online English and Maths assessments as part of your application. You will not need to do these online assessments if you hold a Level 2 pass in Maths and English. This means you will need to have a GCSE pass at grade C or 4 (or above), or have completed a functional skills (level 2) in Maths and English. You will be required to provide evidence of these qualifications.
Stage 3 - Pre-fit with the fitness team
This one isn't mandatory but if you wanted to give the fitness test a go ahead of the assessment day, you can book in with our fitness team to have a go at some of the elements of the assessment day. The fitness team has given lots of advice on how to train for the assessment day here.
Stage 4 - Physical assessment day
All applicants will have to pass our assessment day in order to progress through their application to become an on-call or wholetime firefighter.
You'll have to pass the National Fire Selection Test, more details about the assessment day can be found here.
1. Bleep Test or Chester Treadmill Test
2. Ladder climb
3. Casualty evacuation
4. Ladder lift
5. Confined spaces
6. Equipment assembly - manual dexterity
7. Equipment carry
Stage 5 - Formal interview
Next, it's you'll have a formal interview with your Station Manager. It will be a values-based interview where we will find out more about you and assess your values and behaviours.
This is your time to shine, we want to hear all about how you've demonstrated behaviours like problem solving, working with others and your commitment to diversity and integrity.
It's also another chance to ask any questions you have about the role.
Stage 6 - Occupational Health Assessment
We want to make sure you'll be safe in your role and our occupational health screening assessment is there to make sure you're fit and healthy to carry out the role safely.
Stage 7 - Background checks
We'll need references from you to cover a minimum of three years of your employment or educational history before we can give you an offer of employment.
All members of staff will be required to complete a Disclosure and Barring (DBS) check.
Stage 8 - Four week on-boarding
While we wait to get you booked onto a training course, we'll ask you to start attending weekly drill nights at the fire station. You'll be paid for the time you attend the fire station.
Stage 9 - Two week basic training course followed by additional evenings and weekends
Finally, 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. You’ll be paid during the course which is based in Essex, primarily at one fire station with occasional travel to our bigger training sites in Wethersfield and Witham.
After this you’ll attend evening training sessions which usually last for two hours one evening a week for 10 weeks.
For information about wholetime firefighter recruitment, please click here
