New year, new job: Fire and Rescue Service is recruiting to boost numbers and increase diversity

According to a new study by Investors in People around a fifth of UK workers started the new year wanting to leave their current role. Many are thinking of a different career all together, perhaps they are bored or crave doing something worthwhile. For the first time in eight years, Oxfordshire County Council Fire and Rescue Service are recruiting whole-time firefighters. Have you considered joining?

Being a firefighter is not like any other job, each day is different and provides great challenges and even greater rewards. The role of the modern-day firefighter is constantly changing with an increased focus on helping to keep our communities safe by educating, engaging, safeguarding and looking after the vulnerable, as well as responding to a variety of incidents. These can be medical emergencies, dealing with toxic leaks, road traffic collisions, water rescues, floods, and fires.

Simon Furlong, Oxfordshire Fire and Rescue Service’s Chief Fire Officer said: “We want our fire and rescue service to reflect the community we are here to support and our firefighters come from all walks of life. What our firefighters all have in common is self-reliance, confidence, respect, enthusiasm, team spirit and a willingness to be ready for anything when they are alerted to an emergency. I would like to encourage anyone who thinks they could be our future to apply or find out more about the role.”

Cllr Judith Heathcoat, cabinet member for the fire service, added:

“This is an exciting opportunity for people to join a high performing and excellent fire and rescue service. The work undertaken by our firefighters in engaging with both the young and old people in our communities is a great example of where as a County Council we are working together to help make Oxfordshire a safer place for all our residents. I regularly visit the operational crews around the County and I am looking forward to meeting the next generation of men and women who will continue to keep us all safe.”

But are you right for the job? If you can answer yes to the following questions, then you may well be “firefighter material”:

• Are you committed to doing the best you can every day to make Oxfordshire communities safer?
• Do you want to help people when they need it most, to prevent them from falling into harm and keeping them safe and well – at work, at home and on the roads?
• Would you be able to deal sensitively with people in difficult and emotional situations? Can you confidently engage with people in your local community?
• Are you happy to work flexible shifts to ensure we provide a 24/7 service to our residents?
• Could you work at heights or in enclosed spaces?
• Could you work outdoors in any weather?
• Are you prepared to get wet, cold or hot during your work?
• Can you communicate effectively with others to carry out tasks and complete activities successfully?
• Are you able to think on your feet and solve problems under pressure?
• Are you committed to doing the best you can every day to make our communities a safer place?
• Do you enjoy working as part of a team?

Then make it your New Year resolution to change your life and choose a new career.

You can apply online from 9am Monday 8^th January to 5pm Thursday 11^th January and find out more at www.oxfordshire.gov.uk/wholetimefirefighters