Essex is recruiting wholetime firefighters
Essex County Fire and Rescue Service (ECFRS) has launched its recruitment drive for wholetime firefighters, offering people the opportunity to make a difference to keeping Essex safe.
Recruitment has opened today, Tuesday 6 May, and will remain open until 5 June. The Service is recruiting two squads, with successful candidates starting either in November 2025 or March 2026. With opportunities for people to join squads later in 2026 too.
ECFRS is looking for people who are fit, focused and ready to take on a new challenge.
Becoming a wholetime firefighter is a physically demanding role. It takes strength, stamina and real determination to pass the fitness tests, but for the right person, it’s the start of a life-changing career.
No prior firefighting experience is necessary, as full training will be provided. To apply, candidates must meet the following minimum criteria:
- be eligible to work in the UK
- be 18 years old on 1 February 2025
- have a full UK driving licence (manual)
- have a GCSE pass at grade C or 4 (or above), or have attained Functional Skills (Level 2) in Maths and English
- meet the vision and hearing criteria
Chief Fire Officer/Chief Executive Rick Hylton said: “We’re excited to start recruitment for another squad of wholetime firefighters this year.
“Our firefighters are team members, teachers, communicators, community-minded, protectors and role models. Firefighting is a diverse and rewarding career on the front line, saving lives.
“But the role isn’t just about tacking fires or rescuing people from danger. It’s about speaking to people, engaging with communities, visiting schools and offering safety advice.”
“This recruitment drive is an essential step in making sure that we have the skilled and committed people needed to respond to emergencies, all working to make Essex safer together.”
Next steps
If you’re interested in applying to become a firefighter and want to know more, visit https://www.essex-fire.gov.uk/wholetime