Recruitment - Wholetime Firefighter General Info
Our Application Process is now closed, for those who have applied, shortlisting will take place in the next couple of weeks, if you are successful there is more information below about all the stages...
We would like forward thinking, dynamic, innovative people to join our team.
Could this be the career choice for you?
You will be:
- Working within the community of Gloucestershire.
- Part of an organisation who are committed to diversity and integrity.
- Joining a team who strive for excellence in staff development.
- Working alongside a team who are committed to protecting the people of Gloucestershire.
- A positive, highly skilled individual.
Requirements for all applicants:
- Applicants must live within 50 miles of the Gloucestershire County Border.
- You must be at least 18 years of age by March 2021.
- You must hold a full UK Driving Licence.
- No Live Disciplines.
- 2 Referees.
If you are a firefighter from another fire and rescue service there is no separate transfer process at this time and you will need to apply through the open process following the link below.
If successful you will be required to attend an evaluation day followed by role related tests and an interview.
The closing date for applications was midnight 15th February 2021. The Application Process is now closed
Supporting Information
- Link to the Wholetime Firefighter Recruitment Information Pack
- Link to a video tutorial on how to fill out the application form
***Please note that subtitles are available for this video and can be turned on in your individual YouTube settings/select captions/select English auto generated. - Further information available here FAQ’ s
The Selection Process
The selection process consists of Ability and Practical Tests, which are job related tasks relevant to a firefighter's role. There are several stages of the recruitment process, which are:
Application Form
Candidates will be asked to complete a detailed application form which will be assessed against the national criteria standards to be returned by the deadline specified.
Many candidates fail the application stage because they do not read or follow the instructions. The instructions are there to advise you what we are looking for from candidates and help you to sell yourself, so please read them carefully.
Once applications have been returned, a number of successful applicants will be invited back to undertake a series of selection tests to include:
Evaluation Day
Mental Agility Test
This stage requires the candidate to complete and pass a written test.
Mental agility example questions:
1) What is the next number in this series? 1, 3, 6, 10, 15, 21...
2) Nose is to Smell as an Eye is to... A) Hearing B) Taste C) Sight D) Touch
3) Which word does not belong in this list? A) Square B) Triangle C) Circle D) Cube
4) James had £5 pocket money. He spent 20% on crisps and ½ on stickers. How much does he have left?
5) Which number is smaller? A) 1/4 B) 0.2 C) 1.02 D) 1/3
6) What is the 4th letter of the month before September?
Group discussion
You will be asked to take part in a group discussion with other candidates. The discussion will be based around the role of a Wholetime Community Firefighter within the community. This will be a great opportunity to demonstrate your excellent communication skills.
Team Building Task
Fitness and Role Related Tests
Role Related Tests
This is designed to assess your ability to become a Wholetime Community Firefighter. If successful, you will be invited to attend an interview.
The tests are:
- A ladder climb - this test is designed to assess confidence and co-ordination whilst working at heights. Candidates will be attached to a safety line
- Ladder extension
- Enclosed space - this involves negotiating through a measured crawlway wearing a Breathing Apparatus facemask within a set time
- Equipment carry
Fitness Tests
There will be an assessment to see if you already have the right level to train as a Firefighter, or give you advice and support on how to reach the standard required.
- Chester treadmill assessment
- 25kg bar lift
Role Related Interview
The interview stage allows you to discuss your personal values and skills that will make you an effective Wholetime Community Firefighter. During the interview you will be asked a number of questions to demonstrate your understanding of the role of a Firefighter and the qualities that you feel would be advantageous to such a role.
Medical
If successful in the above stages you will be required to undergo a full medical examination by the Service Occupational Health Department. The purpose of the medical is to assess your general level of health and to ensure you are fit to take on the role of a Firefighter. You will be asked to complete a questionnaire covering your medical history and will then be subject to a series of tests.
Your medical records may need to be obtained from your GP.
Appointment
An offer of employment is conditional on satisfactory references, DBS Checks and passing selection tests.
For any questions or queries please firstly check out the Frequently Asked Questions page on this website
If your question is not covered on that page please contact recruitmentteam@glosfire.gov.uk
or If your query is to do with IT issues around the application form itself please email recruitment@gloucestershire.gov.uk