Reserve Fire Emergency Control Operators (casual zero hour contract)

About the role

We are seeking to engage a pool of staff to provide additional support to our Fire Control Operators. Reserve staff will only be used to provide resilience support during any periods of unforeseen staff shortages which will include periods of strike action.

You will play an invaluable role and help keep our communities safe. The job is extremely rewarding. You will gain a wide range of skills and training which we hope will assist in your personal development.

You will receive initial training for the role along with refresher training every 6 months (unless you have this training as part of your full time role). The Reserve Control Operators provide an invaluable service to Avon Fire and Rescue Service and our communities during particularly difficult periods.

The role involves handling emergency '999' calls, obtaining accurate information from the caller and taking appropriate action to mobilise Fire Service resources. You will ensure information is logged onto IT and paper-based systems and liaise with fire crews to obtain details about the incident.

Responsibilities

The role involves working under significant pressure and suitable candidates will need to be able to demonstrate the ability to remain calm, ask relevant questions to obtain information from members of the public, other emergency services and external agencies.

Qualifications

• Quick and accurate data entry skills
• The ability to work as part of a team
• Effective communication skills, including verbal, written and listening skills
• The ability to make effective decisions
• A positive, flexible approach to work
• The ability to remain calm in stressful situations
• The ability to work in a disciplined environment
• Able to deal appropriately and effectively with people from all sections of the communities we serve
• Committed to learn new skills and achieving high standards
• The ability to speak a second language would be an advantage

Applicants must live within the Avon Fire & Rescue Service area, possess a driving licence and have access to personal transport or be able to get to Lansdown for shifts.

Benefits

Upon successful completion of basic training you will be issued a casual contract of employment. You will normally be given a minimum of seven days' notice of any work or training commitments. We do not guarantee to provide work. Reserve Control Operators will only be called upon in exceptional situations to cover unexpected shortfalls in staffing.

You will receive £12.60 during training, once training is complete you will be paid £15.00 per hour and will be paid a minimum of 12-hour payment per shift (even if shift duration is less than this) whilst providing resilience cover. You will receive £50.00 allowance for travel, meals and shift working (all payments subject to tax and NI deductions).

The selection process includes a range of tests to assess your skills, along with an informal interview.

You will also be required to undergo a DBS check and successfully pass all pre-employment checks.

With effect from July 2023 legislation was amended to enable all Fire & Rescue Services to undertake standard DBS checks for all employees. All job roles require a standard DBS check, with certain defined roles requiring an enhanced check. These will be renewed throughout employment.

Equality and diversity

Avon Fire & Rescue Service is committed to securing equality of opportunity. We welcome applications from all members of our community who are currently under-represented at Avon Fire & Rescue Service, particularly women, disabled people and members of ethnic minority communities.