On-Call Firefighter
Chopwell Community Fire Station
About the role
Help protect your community. Be there when it matters most.
Tyne and Wear Fire and Rescue Service is seeking dedicated and community-minded individuals to join our team as On-Call Firefighters. This is an exciting opportunity to play a vital role in protecting life, property and the environment while balancing the role alongside other employment, education or family commitments. About the Role
As an On-Call Firefighter, you will respond to emergencies from home or your place of work, supporting frontline operations including fires, road traffic collisions, rescues and other emergency incidents. On-Call Firefighters also help make communities safer by delivering important fire safety advice, working with schools and community groups, and carrying out Fire Safety Checks in homes and businesses. You may also support open days and community events, acting as an ambassador for the Service.
Becoming an On-Call Firefighter gives you the opportunity to learn valuable new skills and gain unique experiences, earn income alongside your existing job or commitments and to make a meaningful difference in your local community.
Key duties of an On-Call Firefighter:
• Respond safely and effectively to operational incidents.
• Work as part of a team under the direction of supervisory officers.
• Participate in regular training and development activities.
• Engage in community fire safety and prevention initiatives.
• Maintain equipment, appliances and personal protective clothing.
• Act in line with Service policies, procedures and values.
Who we’re looking for
You do not need previous firefighting experience to apply. We are looking for people who can demonstrate:
• Commitment to serving and protecting their community
• The ability to remain calm under pressure
• The ability to work effectively as part of a team
• Self-motivation, reliability and flexibility
• Good communication skills
• Commitment to safety, equality and professionalism
• The ability to provide on-call availability as required
• A willingness to uphold and act in line with Service values and behaviours.
• A good level of fitness is important for the role, but this is something most people can work towards with preparation and support
Eligibility criteria:
To be eligible to apply for the role you must:
• Live or work within 8 minutes of Chopwell Community Fire Station to meet response time requirements.
• Be 18 years of age at the time of applying.
• Have the right to work in the UK.
Training and Development
You will receive comprehensive training from day one, including an initial training course and ongoing development to ensure you are competent and confident in the role.
Commitment and Availability
When on call, firefighters must be able to respond promptly when their pager sounds, stopping what they are doing and reporting immediately to their local fire station. Many employers actively support on-call firefighting by releasing staff to attend emergency incidents. Others in the role are self-employed or have flexibility within their daily routines. On-Call firefighting requires a commitment to providing cover during agreed periods. This includes daytime, evenings, nights, weekends, or a combination, depending on your availability and the needs of the Service.
You must also be able to attend weekly training sessions and commit time to essential training during your first few years with the Service. The role is designed to be flexible, with many On-Call firefighters balancing their duties alongside full-time employment, family commitments, education, caring responsibilities or other activities.
Pay and Benefits
You will be paid an hourly rate of pay initially at the development rate of pay (£13.87 hour) for attending the following: Drill Night, Turnout, Training Course, Community safety and Standard tests.
You will also receive an annual retaining fee in accordance with the hours cover you are able to provide. The retaining fee rates for trainees are as follows:
Band A (120+ hours cover provided per week) – £4,239.75
Band B (91-119 hours cover provided per week) – £3,533.13
Band C (61-90 hours cover provided per week) – £2,826.50
Band D (31-60 hours cover provided per week) – £2,119.99
Interested in applying?
Full details regarding the role and application process can be found in the candidate guidance document, please ensure you read the document carefully before applying.
You are not required to upload a supporting statement.
Further information about our Service can be found by visiting www.twfire.gov.uk and our various social media channels. For further information about the role, please contact Station Manager, Andrew Nelson via Andrew.Nelson@twfire.gov.uk
If you are community-minded, adaptable and committed, and ready to take on a rewarding and challenging role, becoming an on-call could be your opportunity to make a real difference where you live.
Reasonable Adjustments
We are a Disability Confident Leader. If you require any reasonable adjustments to the recruitment process, please email: recruitment@twfire.gov.uk
Safer Recruitment
We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of Adults, Children and Young People. Our recruitment and selection procedures reflect this, and all staff are expected to share this commitment.
Pre-employment checks
The successful applicant will be subject to our pre-employment screening process which includes a standard DBS check relevant to the role, completion of an occupational health medical and a substance abuse test. We will also conduct right to work and reference checks.
Please submit your application form by no later than 12 noon on Friday 8th May 2026.