Oxfordshire County Council recruiting full-time firefighters

The county’s fire and rescue service is looking to boost its wholetime team as part of routine recruitment, replacing retiring staff and filling vacancies created by promotions and relocations.

Firefighter roles are usually highly sought-after and recruitment for full positions is infrequent, with the last carried out in spring 2024.

Three online Q&A sessions for prospective applicants will be held on Wednesday, March 26, between 7pm and 8pm, and on Monday, March 30, at 12.30pm and 6.30pm.

Matt Chapman, assistant chief fire officer at Oxfordshire County Council Fire and Rescue Service, said: “Joining our fire and rescue service opens up a wide range of opportunities that many people don’t have the chance to experience.

“You develop new skills through fantastic training, work in a wide range of exciting and challenging situations and make a real difference throughout your working life.

“We’re looking for people who care about others and who are ready to play their part in supporting our communities.

“There’s far more to being a firefighter than most people realise; it’s about character, teamwork, and commitment.”

Wholetime firefighters regularly engage with the public, including elderly residents and young people, through presentations, home visits, and educational outreach.

Mr Chapman added: “What our brilliant crews have in common is self-reliance, confidence, respect, enthusiasm, team spirit and a willingness to be ready for anything when alerted to an emergency.”

There are currently 222 wholetime firefighters in Oxfordshire, based at six stations.

Crews have responded to more than 5,000 emergency callouts in the past year.

Anyone wanting to join the online Q&A sessions can join here: https://www.oxfordshire.gov.uk/council/fire-service-recruitment/wholetime-firefighters/recruitment-process