About this role
- Suffolk County Council, Suffolk Fire and Rescue Service
- Location: South District – Debenham, Felixstowe, Framlingham, Hadleigh, Holbrook, Ipswich East, Nayland, Needham Market, Orford and Woodbridge.
- Salary: Annual salary / retainer fee, plus an hourly rate and disturbance fee for attending incidents and training
- Hours: On Call hours
- Contract: Permanent
How would you like a job that earns you extra money and fits around your work and family commitments?
Suffolk Fire and Rescue Service are recruiting On-Call Firefighters to join our emergency response service to deal with fires, road traffic collisions and a wide range of emergencies.
On-Call Firefighters are a vital part of the Suffolk Fire and Rescue Service. They provide an efficient, effective service that gives emergency cover across the county. In Suffolk, on-call Firefighters make up 66% of the Suffolk Fire and Rescue Service workforce and are generally located in rural communities, small towns and villages.
Minimum requirements:
- Minimum 18 years old (there is no upper age limit).
- Live or work within 5 to 8 minutes of a fire station in Suffolk.
- Hold a full UK driving license and access to personal transport.
- Have a reasonable level of personal fitness.
- Have permission to be released from your main employment to attend emergency incidents (if you will be attending calls whilst at work).
- Can operate at heights and confined spaces.
- Keep calm under pressure.
- Ability to work well in a team.
- Can develop your skills and work independently.
Hours of work and pay
You would be contracted to work a set number of hours based on your availability, during which, you would need to keep a pager with you. You would agree which hours you cover; it could be days, nights, weekends or a combination of these.
To find out more, please read our guide to what an On-Call Firefighter is paid (Word).
Benefits of being an On-Call Firefighter:
- The satisfaction and respect that comes with providing such a crucial service.
- Membership of a competitive Firefighters’ Pension scheme.
- Issued with a uniform and personal protective equipment.
- Eligibility for a Blue Light card.
- A lifetime of support from the Firefighters Charity for you and your loves ones.
- Access to national training schemes facilitated by the Fire Service College, Women in the Fire Service and the Asian Fire Service Association.
- An annual cost-of-living increase.
- Training and encouragement to expand your knowledge
- Diverse and active staff networks.
Additional benefits include shopping vouchers and discounts, public transport discounts, tax-free bike schemes, a health, wellbeing and lifestyle support scheme, plus lots more!
If you want to know more about our benefits, values and equality commitments please visit our Suffolk County Council careers website.
Stations available:
Debenham, Felixstowe, Framlingham, Hadleigh, Holbrook, Ipswich East, Ipswich - Princes Street, Nayland, Needham Market, Orford, Woodbridge.
You will state in your application which station you are applying for. Please note that the cover required will be subject to station need and will form part of the shortlisting process.
Find out more about the fire stations in Suffolk and find your nearest station.
For more information
Please read our On-Call Firefighter information pack and visit our On-Call Firefighter site.
For any further questions, please contact our Recruitment Team by emailing [email protected].
How to apply
Step 1: Read the Job and Person Profile (JPP) (Word).
Step 2: Complete the Supporting Statement Form (Word) which includes 3 questions (other formats will not be accepted).
Step 3: Start your online application using “Apply Now” and upload your supporting statement on the final page.
Please note: Without a supporting statement, your interest will not be progressed. Any supporting documents must be in either PDF or MS Word format. If you would like an adjustment to this process due to a disability, please contact us at 03456 014412 or [email protected]
Closing date: 11.30pm, 31 January 2026
This authority is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. DBS (Disclosure and Barring Service) checks or police vetting will be required for relevant posts.
Other facts
About Suffolk Jobs Direct
Reimagine the possibilities.
As one of the largest employers in Suffolk, we have a huge variety of exciting careers to offer people as keen to make a positive impact on the world around them as we are.
As a modern, flexible, and effective council, we’re driven to make a difference to the environment, the communities we serve, and the careers of our people. We explore innovative ways to encourage, respect, and enable everyone to be the best they can be.
By creating meaningful connections with our people and our partner organisations, we’ve built a culture of mutual collaboration, trust, and respect where everyone is supported to be their authentic selves.
We aim to inspire and empower. To improve and evolve. To develop and innovate. To take pride and ownership of the world around us and ensure that we leave a positive and lasting legacy. That’s why it’s time to reimagine a career with the council and take a fresh look at what we can offer you.
What you'll do
- On-Call Firefighters respond to emergencies including fires and road traffic collisions. They provide essential cover across Suffolk, particularly in rural areas and small towns.
Ready to join Suffolk Jobs Direct?
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