Control Staff

What does being a Firefighter Control involve?
Each time someone in Gloucestershire dials 999 and calls for help from the Fire Service, the call is passed to our Control Room. Within the Control Room, based in Quedgeley, Firefighter Control, using both the information available to them and a range of sophisticated technology, are able to evaluate each situation and despatch fire appliances and other resources needed to deal with the incident as appropriate. Incidents dealt with are many and varied. Apart from fires, the Service is also called on to attend road traffic accidents, chemical spillages, floods, animal rescues and many other emergency situations.

Whatever the incident, Firefighter Control need to keep in touch with the firefighters at the scene and other Fire Service personnel who are either in attendance or otherwise involved. If front-line staff demand additional information, or extra resources and specialised equipment are required, then again it will be Firefighter Control who respond. Depending on the incident, there will also be a need to liaise with other agencies and emergency services. A range of administrative tasks are undertaken by Fire Control, including monitoring activity levels and updating information.

How many staff work within Fire Control?
There are 21 full-time posts within Fire Control. The staff work in 4 teams (or watches) Black, Blue, Red and White, to ensure that cover is provided 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.

What are the shift hours?
2 day shifts 09.00hrs to 18.00hrs. 2 night shifts 18.00hrs to 09.00hrs, and then 4 days off.

What training will be provided?
Initial training for this specialised role will be intensive, and will take approximately four weeks. On completing this initial training, you will be attached to a Watch, where you will be working under close supervision for the duration of your probationary period. Fire Control staff undergo training throughout their careers.

What is the salary?
Starting on a trainee rate of £18,922 rising to £25,221 when fully competent in the role (it can take 4 years to reach this stage).

What are the entry requirements?
You will need to have clear speech, a good command of the English language - including the ability to spell accurately, and good keyboard skills.

What are the promotion prospects?
All staff within Fire Control start as a Firefighter Control. There are opportunities for promotion to Crew Manager Control, Watch Manager Control or Station Manager Control for those who pass the necessary qualifying exams and demonstrate the necessary skills, knowledge and experience.

Advertising Vacancies
When vacancies arise, these are advertised on the jobsgopublic website and via the Gloucestershire County Council Vacancy Sheets.

Recruitment Process - Fire Control Operators
All applicants will be required to complete an application form. These are considered by the recruiting team. The process is then as follows:

• Practical Tests
Shortlisted applicants will undergo a series of practical and written exercises designed to assess the skills and attributes needed for the role.

• Interview
Applicants reaching this stage will be invited to attend for interview, during which they will be assessed on their skills and experience.

• Background Enquiries
References will be obtained at this stage.

• Medical Assessment
At this stage, applicants will have to attend and pass a medical examination conducted by the Service's Medical Adviser.

Location
Based at Waterwells, Quedgeley.