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.
We are not currently recruiting for Wholetime Firefighters. It is anticipated that we will be commencing our
next Recruitment Campaign towards the end of 2008, details of which will be advertised on our website nearer the
time.
Details of the recruitment process and the expected timescales can be found below:
What Is Involved ?
The following information summarises how our recruitment process works...
Completing the application form will require a lot of effort from you, so you may like to start thinking about it now.
An example application form is available here. (N.B. You will not be able to make an application using this version of
the form).
> > > Download the
Sample Application Form [PDF]
If you would find it difficult to complete Section 6 neatly in your own handwriting, you may use the
substitute pages
16-21 (
click here to download them )
to type your response. You will need to print out the pages and attach them securely to your application form. The fact
that your responses are typed will have no influence, (positive or negative), in the short listing process.
Shortlisted applicants will be invited to take 3 written ability tests and a questionnaire. These tests
are expected to take place on the 6th and 7th December 2007. Further information about the ability tests can be found by
consulting the Practice Booklet.
> > > Download the
Practice Booklet (Ability Tests) [PDF]
> > > Download the
Preparation and Practice Booklet [PDF]
Candidates who are successful in the written tests and questionnaire will be invited to take a series
of tests designed to assess fitness, strength, stamina, coordination, ability to understand and apply information,
dexterity, and ability to work at heights and in confined spaces:
- Ladder Climb - Candidates wear a safety harness and ascend two thirds of the way up a 13.5 metre ladder and take a leg-lock. They are then asked to lean backwards and outstretch their arms to the sides, and then whilst looking over their shoulder they are to say out loud what symbol is being shown by the assessor at ground level.
- Casualty Evacuation - Candidates drag a 55kg dummy backwards around a 30m course, by a carrying handle fixed to the dummy.
- Ladder Lift - Candidates raise the bar of a ladder lift simulator to the required height with 15kg of weight placed on the simulator cradle, which gives a total lift load of 24kg.
- Enclosed Space - Candidates put on a facemask and with un-obscured vision make their way through a crawl and walkway. Once inside the crawl/walkway they have their vision obscured and return to the start.
- Equipment Assembly - Candidates are given a demonstration of the test before having to assemble and disassemble a number of components to make an item of equipment.
- Equipment Carry - Candidates carry items of equipment up and down a course between two cones placed 25m apart.
These tests are expected to take place on 14th and 15th January 2008.
Candidates who
successfully complete the physical tests will be invited to interview. You will be asked
questions designed to find out how you have used personal qualities and attributes that are important for Firefighters:
- Working with Others.
- Commitment to Diversity and Integrity.
- Commitment to Self Development.
- Commitment to Excellence.
- Communicating Effectively.
Your interviewer will ask you to give examples of experiences where you could have used these qualities and
attributes. Guidance on the interview is available in the Practice Booklet. Interviews are expected to take
place in January and February 2008.
> > > Download the
Practice Booklet (Interview) [PDF]
> > > Download the
Personal Qualities and Attributes leaflet [PDF]
Before appointment all applicants are required to undertake a full medical examination by our
Occupational Health Physician to ensure that they are physically capable of working as a Firefighter. This medical
examination will include the
Chester Step Test; you will also undergo an
Eye Test
administered by an Optometrist; and be submitted for a
Criminal Records Check as the role involves
contact with children. Medical checks are currently timetabled for 13th, 20th and 27th February and 5th March 2008.
Applicants, who do not reach the minimum standards required at any stage of the recruitment process,
will not be invited to complete the next stage, but are welcome to reapply at a later date.
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Fulltime Firefighter: Recruitment Process
