Northumberland Fire and Rescue Service

Working in Fire.

Careers and Pathways with Northumberland Fire and Rescue Service

At Northumberland Fire and Rescue Service (NFRS), our mission is to protect life, property, and the environment. We work at the heart of our communities, preventing emergencies where possible, responding effectively when they occur, and supporting people to recover afterwards.

A career with us is more than just a job. It’s about making a difference, building strong relationships with the public, and being part of a team that puts safety, resilience, and professionalism first.

We offer a wide range of opportunities, whether you’re just starting out, changing career, or looking to take your skills further within the fire and rescue sector.

To learn more about career pathways across the fire and rescue sector, visit the NFCC Career Pathways Framework.

Why Choose a Career in Fire and Rescue?

Make a real impact – every role contributes to keeping people safe.
Variety of opportunities – frontline emergency response, technical and support services, or specialist areas.
Clear progression pathways – supported by the NFCC Career Pathways Framework.
Learning and development – structured training and continuous professional development at every stage of your career.
Inclusive and supportive culture – we welcome people from all backgrounds, experiences, and communities.

Career Pathways

The National Fire Chiefs Council (NFCC) has developed a comprehensive Career Pathways Framework to help you understand the many routes into, and through, the fire and rescue sector. This framework highlights roles and opportunities across four key areas:

Operational Roles

Wholetime firefighters
On-call firefighters
Crew, watch and station managers
Senior leadership roles

Control Roles

Fire control operators
Supervisory and management positions

Support Roles

Fire safety and prevention specialists
Training and development
Technical and administrative support
ICT, HR, finance, and more

Professional and Specialist Pathways

Specialist fields such as engineering, health & safety, community risk reduction, and leadership development.
Continuous development – structured training and clear career progression.
Inclusive workplace – we welcome applications from people of all backgrounds and experiences.

Learning, Training, and Development

We’re committed to developing our people at every stage.

You’ll benefit from:

Initial training tailored to your role.
Continuous professional development (CPD) to keep your skills up to date.
Specialist courses, leadership training, and nationally recognised qualifications.
Mentoring and coaching to support career progression.

Our investment in training means you’ll have the tools and knowledge you need to grow and succeed, whether you remain in one pathway or move between different roles.

The Core Code of Ethics

The Core Code of Ethics sets out the values that guide the work of fire and rescue services in England, with similar principles in place across Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland.

It ensures that all staff, whether firefighters, control operators, or those in support roles, work with integrity, professionalism, and respect for the communities they serve.

At its heart, the Code is about putting communities first, making decisions that prioritise public safety and wellbeing. It highlights:

Integrity – openness, honesty, and fairness in everything we do.
Dignity and Respect – treating everyone professionally and challenging inappropriate behaviour.
Leadership – setting a positive example, taking responsibility, and supporting others to do the same.
Equality, Diversity and Inclusion – valuing differences, ensuring fairness, and creating equal opportunities for all.

These principles help create a supportive, inclusive culture where everyone can thrive and deliver the highest standards of service. Whether you’re joining the fire service for the first time or progressing in your career, understanding the Core Code of Ethics is essential to being part of a sector dedicated to protecting and serving the public.