The Role:
Are you a confident communicator? Are you able to stay calm in stressful situations? Would you like to work in an Emergency Service Control Room at the heart of a busy, modern Fire and Rescue Service? If so, we’d like to hear from you!
Hampshire and Isle of Wight Fire & Rescue Service (HIWFRS) operates within the NFSP (Networked Fire Services Partnership) to enable the effective and efficient delivery of many services to the communities of Hampshire and Isle of Wight. Our Service is one of the busiest Fire and Rescue services in the UK, serving a population of nearly 2 million people. We employ around 1,700 people, 85% of these are Firefighters, the remaining 15% is made up by support staff.
We are recruiting to our talent pool for permanent Control Room Operators based in our modern and recently refurbished Control Room at Fire Service Headquarters. Fire Control is the central Command and Control Room for emergency fire calls for the whole of Hampshire and Isle of Wight. We work in partnership with the Fire Controls in Dorset & Wiltshire, Devon & Somerset and Kent Fire and Rescue Services.
Control is crewed 24 hours per day, 365 days of the year, achieved by four watches on a rotating shift pattern averaging 42 hours per week. This consists of two day shifts (9.5 hours), followed by two night shifts (14.5hrs), followed by four days off. You must be able to work a regular pattern of days, nights, weekends, and bank holidays.
As a Control Room Operator, you will be answering emergency ‘999’ calls from the public and you will sometimes need to deal with stressful situations, so responding positively to pressure is essential. A confident telephone manner and excellent communication skills are also key, as is the ability to think and communicate quickly and clearly. Good computer and typing skills are required, ideally with Control Room experience although this is not essential. You will need to promptly mobilise appropriate emergency resources to resolve any situation quickly, and arrange for ongoing support at operational incidents to minimise loss of life and damage to property.
The ability to work as part of a team in a pressurised environment is essential.
Full training and a uniform will be provided.
You can find out much more about what the role entails and what a rewarding career in Fire Control is like by visiting the National Fire Chiefs Council Fire Control careers website.
Candidates who pass the application process will be required to attend for practical testing and interview.
Eligibility:
Must be aged 18+
Must have 5 x GCSE’s A*-C (9-4) to include Maths and English (or equivalent)
Must have Right to Work in the UK
Must be able to work shifts including Nights, Weekends and Bank Holidays
HIWFRS benefits include:
32 shifts annual leave rising to 35 after 5 years service, plus bank holidays when not rostered to work
Local Government Pension Scheme (LGPS)
Work within a friendly and supportive team
Training and development opportunities available, with role progression options
Access to internal network groups
Free onsite parking
Free access to on-site gym
Emergency Services retail and leisure discounts, including Blue Light Card
Additional Information:
Control Room Operator Job Description and Person Specification
HIWFRS Values:
Reaching Further – Inspiring and challenging ourselves and others.
Showing Respect – Fairness, honesty and integrity in everything we say and do.
Supporting Others – Listening and acting with compassion and empathy.
Everyone Playing Their Part – Recognising the contribution we all make.
Vetting Requirements:
This role is subject to Standard DBS Check.
Contact Details for an Informal Discussion:
Michael Carpenter, Control Room Manager on 07918 887778 or michael.carpenter@hantsfire.gov.uk
Hampshire and Isle of Wight Fire and Rescue Service is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and adults. We expect all employees, workers and volunteers to share this commitment. We will ensure that all our recruitment and selection practices reflect this commitment.
Corporate Equalities Employment Policy: In order to combat indirect discrimination, no unnecessary conditions or requirements will be applied to any posts which may unintentionally exclude certain groups of potential applicants from applying or have a disproportionately adverse effect on any one group. All sections of the population will have equal access to jobs. No applicant or employee will receive less favourable treatment because of their gender, disability, age, ethnic or national origin, marital status, creed, sexuality, trade union activity or responsibility for dependants unless a Genuine Occupational Qualification (GOQ) applies.
We are a Disability Confident Employer – committed to ensuring that our recruitment and selection process is inclusive and accessible.