Salary: £30,384 – £38,881 per annum
Benefits:
Superb Pension Schemes available
Health and wellbeing support
Gym and parking facilities
Royal Berkshire Fire and Rescue Service is pleased to invite applications for Wholetime Firefighters though the Apprenticeship route to join us in this challenging and highly rewarding career.
The role of a firefighter is varied and as well as responding to a range of incidents, it includes providing fire safety advice and engaging with local communities, through safety advice events, education activities and campaigns.
There isn’t one stereotypical firefighter and we’re keen to encourage people of all backgrounds to apply to join our highly skilled teams. Our #OneTeamForBerkshire campaign highlights the diversity of both people and roles within the Service, all working to serve the people of Royal Berkshire. Appointing the right people is essential in helping us to achieve our goals for the future. You can also read the experiences of some of our staff on the website.
Anyone, from any background or walk of life can apply to be a firefighter, so long as they are new to the role (due to the apprenticeship terms). This could be someone at the beginning of their career, those returning to work after a career break or those looking for a change of career later in life. All applicants will be selected based on the same standards and decisions will be based on merit.
Our recruitment opens on Monday 16th February 2026 at 12:00pm with the initial application stage closing on Monday 16th March 2026 at 09:00am.
Please note we will not have a cap on the number of applications available this year however you will be required to submit a supporting statement within your online application form so please allow yourself time to complete this. Please complete your application before the deadline to avoid disappointment. It is important you only apply once, as multiple applications will not be counted. If you make an error in your application please contact us, rather than applying again.
Please note that for this campaign we have restricted applications to individuals who live within a 40-mile radius of the centre of Reading. This enables everyone within Berkshire and some surrounding areas to apply. Please see the attached campaign booklet for eligible postcodes. You will need to provide evidence that you reside at the address provided during the initial application later within the recruitment process.
Applicants must also be 17 and six months or over at the point of application.
We invite all candidates to read the attached campaign booklet before applying. This document has been written to provide you with the details of each stage of the recruitment process for a Wholetime firefighter. It is important to know how you will be assessed and what you can expect at each stage.
To apply, please access the online application at by clicking Apply now
Please note we are only accepting applications via the web address published above. Therefore please do not sent any CVs or other application forms to Royal Berkshire Fire and Service as these will not be accepted.
Successful candidates will be required to complete an Enhanced DBS check before starting in role.
Please find attached the Wholetime Firefighter job profile, Supporting Statement Guidance, a frequently answered questions document and the anticipated timeline for each stage of the process, you can also find more information on our website rbfrs.co.uk.
All of the information required to apply to become a Wholetime Firefighter is contained within this advert and supporting documents, however if you have any additional queries, please contact us via email at recruitment@rbfrs.co.uk. Please refer to the FAQ document first.
Please note that is your personal responsibility to check whether by applying/accepting this position it would result in any Annual Allowance implications. A breach in the Annual Allowance threshold could result in a Tax charge. Further information on Annual Allowance can be obtained from our Pensions team.
Please view our privacy notice via this link Applicant Privacy Statement
At Royal Berkshire Fire and Rescue Service, we want you to bring your whole self to work.
Our Commitments:
Royal Berkshire Fire and Rescue Service values your individuality, your diversity and your dignity. All are welcome here. Inclusion, diversity and equality are principles which guide our decisions and will be visible throughout the Service, and we will continually work to improve in these areas.
We are committed to creating an inclusive culture of dignity and trust where everyone feels safe and comfortable to bring their whole self to work.
Simply: The communities we serve are varied and diverse, we should be too.
Applications are welcome for job-share or part time arrangements please enquire on application.
All applications are considered on merit alone. We are a Disability Confident Leader – if you meet the essential criteria of the role, you will be guaranteed an interview if you choose to opt into the Offer of an Interview Scheme (formerly known as the Guaranteed Interview Scheme).
To find out more: Equality, Diversity and Inclusion
Royal Berkshire Fire and Rescue Service is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and vulnerable adults, and all employees must share this commitment.
Please view our Safer Recruitment Statement via this link.