Northumberland Fire and Rescue Service
On-call Firefighter Recruitment.
Become an On-Call Firefighter in Northumberland
​
Get paid to protect your community - alongside your current job or routine.
On-call firefighters play a vital role in keeping local communities safe. You don’t need previous firefighting experience - we’ll give you all the training and support you need. If you live or work close to your local fire station, this could be a rewarding role that fits around your life.
Could you do it?
​
To apply, you’ll need to:
​
-
Live or work within 8 minutes of your local fire station
-
Hold a full UK manual driving licence
-
Be willing to train and maintain your fitness
-
Be able to respond when you are on call
-
Be committed, reliable and ready to work as part of a team
No previous experience? No problem.
​
Many on-call firefighters come from all kinds of backgrounds and jobs. What matters most is your attitude, commitment, and willingness to learn.
What is an on-call firefighter?
​
An on-call firefighter is someone who responds to emergencies from their home, workplace, or nearby when they are available for duty.
​
You’ll be trained to respond to a wide range of incidents, including:
​
-
Fires
-
Road traffic collisions
-
Flooding
-
Rescue incidents
-
Other emergency situations
This is a paid role that helps protect your community while fitting around your existing job, business, studies, or family life.
Recruitment Process
What does the recruitment process look like?
Your journey to becoming an on-call firefighter
​
1. Register your interest
Start by getting in touch to find out more or begin your application.
​
2. Complete your application
If you meet the initial criteria, you’ll be invited to submit an application form.
​
3. Attend practical tests
You’ll complete a number of role-related physical tests designed to reflect the demands of the job.
​
4. Complete written assessments
These help us assess your understanding, communication and problem-solving skills.
​
5. Attend an interview
We’ll talk to you about your motivation, suitability for the role, and how you meet the requirements.
​
6. Take part in a fitness test
You’ll need to meet the required fitness standard for operational firefighting.
​
7. Complete a medical assessment
This helps make sure you can safely carry out the role.
​
8. References and DBS checks
We’ll complete the necessary background checks before appointment.
​
9. Begin your training
If successful, you’ll start your firefighter training and begin your journey with us.
Recruitment Tests
To become a firefighter, you must pass a range of recruitment tests. Take a look at the videos below to see what's expected of potential new recruits.
