Fire Control recruitment
Vacancies
To see our current vacancies in all roles, please see the Vacancies page.
About Fire Control
The following information may help you decide if becoming a control operator is right for you in the future.
What is a control operator?
We can offer you a satisfying, exciting and varied career as a control operator. The role of the fire service has changed considerably in the last five years and the role of the control operator has had to change to reflect the new demands made on the Service. Control operators no longer just answer emergency calls and mobilise fire engines, but take an active part in resolving incidents by the use of specialised call handling techniques.
Fire Control mobilises fire engines and other resources to incidents using a computerised command and control system linked to all fire stations. Calls to fires can, in fact, be just a small part of the everyday work. Control operators take calls to all types of emergency, which could be any type of major or minor incident - road, rail or air crashes, floods, chemical spills, or people trapped in lifts or other confined spaces. They may also need to be able to give life-saving advice over the telephone to people who might be frightened, distressed and panicked.
Many other roles are performed by Fire Control - for example liaison between fire officers and other Service support groups, and contact with other agencies and local authorities.
Dealing with Emergencies
Technology obviously plays a major role in helping control operators to answer emergency calls as efficiently and effectively as possible. For example, Fire Control computer systems store street plans, details of high risk buildings and the latest information on hazardous materials. This ensures that as soon as an emergency call is received - whether a fire, chemical spillage or road traffic accident - our control operators can immediately assess what appliances are required to attend.
On arriving at a fire, firefighters have to make a very quick assessment of the situation. As materials used in homes and factories change, so does the way a fire is tackled. A house fire may require two fire engines as well as thousands of litres of water and foam, plus the use of specialist equipment. Fire Control can help by making assessments according to the information received from callers and sending additional and specialist support.
Firefighters carry personal radio sets to keep them in contact with their colleagues at the scene and back at Fire Control. Fire Control personnel can access information regarding known hazards at incidents and have advice ready for firefighters when needed.
The first phase of your career
Every new control operator, whatever their educational achievements, receive the same basic training consisting of technical, practical and theoretical work. You will be required to undertake an initial nine week intensive non-residential training course at Fire Headquarters in Huntingdon, where the basic skills of a control operator are taught. Initial training lasts for five weeks on day duty (Monday to Friday) and a further four weeks on shift. The purpose of the training is to provide the underpinning knowledge, skills and attitudes required and you will be given the opportunity to apply the knowledge and skills in a supportive environment. Your progress will be continuously monitored and written, oral and practical examinations and tests will have to be passed at regular intervals. In order to successfully complete the course, certain levels of competence will have to be reached in a number of areas.
Having completed the basic training required to start Fire Control duties, you will be a responsible member of a close-knit and well-organised team. While there is a reliance on teamwork, there is plenty of scope for individual potential to be realised and your career path to be developed.
Training throughout your career
We offer continuous in-house training to ensure that you are kept up to date with the latest equipment and specialist techniques. After promotion, you will have the opportunity to participate in courses aimed at your particular needs, identified during your development.
Promotion and longer term career prospects
Opportunities for promotion are good and you can begin to take on extra responsibilities involving specialist duties, such as supporting community safety and research and development.
Are you interested in joining us?
Please visit the link below for further information on a career in Fire Control:
- Fire Control: The Right Career for You? (a short questionnaire)
