Wholetime Firefighter

Applications are now open!

Make a Difference.

At Cambridgeshire Fire and Rescue Service, we don’t just fight fires - we protect lives, prevent harm, and respond when we’re needed.  

Our firefighters are trained professionals, ready to deal with emergencies, support local safety initiatives, and serve their communities with pride. No two days are the same, and every shift brings opportunities to make a real impact. 

What does a Wholetime Firefighter do? 

Firefighting is more than a job — it’s a meaningful, community-focused career where no two days are the same. You’ll be trained to handle different situations and be supported by a team that’s committed to helping you learn, grow, and succeed. 

Prevent

Putting out fires is the last thing we want to do. Prevention is a vital part of the job, including: 

• Delivering fire safety education in schools and communities 
• Carrying out home fire safety visits 
• Offering advice on hazards, water safety and wildfire risks.

Protect

Fire safety isn’t just about homes. You could also be involved in: 

• Helping businesses meet fire safety regulations 
• Supporting inspections and offering advice 
• Sharing information on compliance with fire safety laws.

Respond

When emergencies happen, you’ll be ready to act. This could involve: 

• Attending fires and road traffic collisions 
• Rescuing people or animals in danger 
• Handling chemical incidents or flooding 
• Supporting partner services.

Who can apply? 

We welcome applications from all backgrounds, and we’re proud of the inclusive culture we’ve built. In our latest employee engagement survey: 

• 88% said they’re proud to work for CFRS 
• 84% agreed everyone is welcome here 
• 82% said their team supports them to do a good job.

We’re looking for people who: 

• Stay calm under pressure 
• Work well in a team 
• Communicate clearly and respectfully 
• Are willing to learn new skills 
• Care about making a difference in their community 
• Are excellent problem solvers.

If that sounds like you, we think you could be the difference we’re looking for. 

Entry requirements 

While we welcome applications from everyone in our community, you’ll need to meet the entry requirements: 

• Live within 20 miles of Cambridgeshire’s boundary (as determined by our mapping system)
• Aged 18 by 1 January 2026
• Eligible to work in the UK 
• Hold a full UK manual driving licence (or be due to pass before employment) 
• Have five GCSEs (grades A–C / 4–9) including English and Maths, or equivalent 
• Meet the required standards for fitness, eyesight, and colour vision 
• Be a confident swimmer 
• Be comfortable working at height, in heat, and in enclosed spaces 
• Willing to work shifts, including weekends and nights.

What we offer

• Starting salary: As a trainee your salary will be £30,384, increasing to £38,881 after successful completion of training and probation (two years).
• Excellent pension scheme 
• Paid leave and generous holiday allowance 
• Family friendly policies  
• Health and wellbeing initiatives, including employee assistance programmes  
• Ongoing training, development, and career progression 
• Access to exclusive discounts for emergency services employees with a Blue Light Card.

Most importantly, you'll gain a career with purpose, variety, and impact.