To provide operational fire fighting, rescue and humanitarian services for the benefit of the general public in and
around the area specifically covered by the Royal Berkshire Fire and Rescue Service, in accordance with the Fire Services
Act 2004. To carry out routine duties as an operational firefighter at fire stations of the Royal Berkshire Fire and
Rescue Service, being a station to which you normally report or as designated by a Supervisory Officer.
The description of this job cannot be definitive. There will be times when other duties require the Post Holder to
perform functions commensurate with the post.
Reports to Watch Commander and, when necessary the Crew Manager. Jointly responsible for others, as
necessary, at operational incidents e.g. Breathing Apparatus Team Leader.
The Operational Firefighter must, as part of operational duties, endeavour to save lives, carry out humanitarian
services as necessary and protect property; these duties can be summarised as:
- attending and dealing with incidents involving fire.
- attending to incidents such as road traffic accidents, or similar, and to extricate victims or casualties and render the scene safe from further risk of fire.
- instigating protective measures to safeguard members of the public from hazards resulting from dangerous buildings or structures, as required.
- mitigating the effects of damage to property as a result of freak or exceptional climatic conditions, if safe to do so.
- prevent the suffering to and effect the rescue of animals trapped by fire or other miscellaneous cause.
- assist authorities at incidents involving on site hazardous substances or those in transportation and protect the public from the effects of those substances as part of routine service duties.
- carry out responsibilities in connection with Fire Safety, as directed by Fire and Rescue Service Policy.
- carry out responsibilities in connection with Community Safety, as directed by Fire and Rescue Service Policy; complete all relevant paperwork associated with an Operational Firefighter’s duties including maintenance of records.
- maintain standards of dress and personal appearance as required by Brigade Policy, reflecting the proper image of a uniformed service.
- maintain a level of fitness in accordance with Brigade medical standards and Home Office Regulations covering Operational Firefighters.
- carry out inspections of property and report of risks under the Fire Services Act 2004.
- check, test and maintain equipment carried on appliances and record results in Station Records.
- inspect and test fire hydrants in accordance with Fire and Rescue Service policy.
- host and guide members of the public visiting Fire Service premises.
- carry out routine miscellaneous duties, as directed by a Supervisory Officer.
Operational: commitment to th duty system applicable to the specific duties of the post holder; respond
to a designated fire station during periods of agreed availability.
Health and safety: to ensure, so far as reasonably practicable, compliance with health and safety
requirements, by taking reasonable care for your own health and safety and that of others who may be affected by what you
do or do not do; and to co-operate fully with health and safety initiatives, guidance and instructions.
Equal Opportunities: to have a thorough understanding and commitment to Equal Opportunities. To ensure
that fire and Rescue Service policies on equal opportunities are understood and adhered to; and to treat all colleagues and
members of the public with dignity and respect.
Specialities: to undertake any special role or assignment as required as a member of a specialist or projects
team.
Training: to attend such training courses or seminars as required to maintain the level of knowledge and
skills required by the post.
Environmental: to conserve nature and ecological processes by promoting actions to reduce pollution and
wasteful exploitation of resources and energy.
Discipline: to take part, as required, in any disciplinary procedures.
Essential
- Must satisfy physical requirements of an Operational Firefighter, as defined by the Home Office Regulations.
- Successful completion of the Recruit Fire and Rescue Service course.
- Physically fit / articulate / good dexterity.
- Pass fire service medical / eyesite test.
- Good standard of education / average intelligence.
- Experience of working with people.
- Ability to control actions of others.
- Promote / maintain a desire to learn.
- Awareness of danger / react responsibly.
- Good communicator.
- Self motivated / ability to think for oneself.
- Live within an agreed distance of the relavant fire station.
Desirable
- Ability to deal with the general public.
- GCSE educated.
- Practical trade with certificate.
- Medical / first-aid skills.
- Ability to learn, absorb and retain theoretical, technical and practical knowledge.
- To provide transport or live within such distance to be able to mobilise an appliance within five minutes of being alerted.
- Keen participant in sport / physical recreation.
The post would suit people who are committed to helping others within a disciplined public service.
A calm, enthusiastic and energetic but approachable manner is required. A strong character is essential
in order to effectively handle the many demanding and dangerous tasks set for a firefighter. Able to
work as a team, but be prepared to work on own initiative. The ability to operate unsupervised is therefore
important.
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Retained Firefighter: Information
