Fire Service Officers (watch Manager & Below)

Workers in this unit group co-ordinate and participate in fire fighting activities, provide emergency services in the event of accidents or bomb alerts, and advise on fire prevention.

Tasks

• Inspects premises to identify potential fire hazards and to check that fire fighting equipment is available and in working order and that statutory fire safety regulations are met
• Arranges fire drills and tests alarm systems and equipment
• Travels to fire or other emergency by vehicle and locates water mains if necessary
• Operates hose pipes, ladders, chemical, foam, gas or powder fire extinguishing appliances
• Rescues people or animals trapped by fire and administers first aid
• Removes goods from fire damaged premises, clears excess water, makes safe any structural hazards and takes any other necessary steps to reduce damage to property
• Attends and deals with bomb alerts and accidents involving spillage of hazardous substances
• Advises on fire safety measures in new buildings
• Supervises a watch.

Entry Requirements

There are no formal academic requirements, although applicants to fire control roles must demonstrate basic literacy and numeracy, keyboard and communication skills. Applicants to fire-fighter roles must pass psychological, physical and medical tests. Some Fire and Rescue Services operate direct entry recruitment processes to managerial operational roles. There is a minimum age limit of 18 years for entry to fire-fighter and control operator roles.