These web pages provide a guide to recruitment and roles within RBFRS, including information on wholetime (fulltime)
and retained (reserve) firefighting, control operators, and support staff. Use the various links to navigate to the
relevant sections for further information.
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 Wholetime fire stations of the Royal Berkshire
Fire and Rescue Service.
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 (Sub-Officer) 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: to carry out duties as part of the Fire and Rescue Service’s incident command system.
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.
- Must satisfy physical requirements of an Operational Firefighter, as defined by the Home Office Regulations (essential skill).
- Successful completion of the Recruit Fire and Rescue Service course (essential skill).
- Ability to deal with the general public (desirable skill).
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Fulltime Firefighter: Information
