Transfer Opportunities for Wholetime Competent Firefighters.

Opportunities have arisen for substantive, competent wholetime Firefighters, to join one of the country’s leading metropolitan fire and rescue services, serving more than two million people spread over almost 800 square miles.

We are an organisation where everyone is encouraged, trusted, and supported to play their part in promoting safety and wellbeing across all communities in West Yorkshire. We are looking for candidates who are committed to our vision of making West Yorkshire safer and who demonstrate the values of team, responsibility, integrity, communication and learn.

WYFRS are an equal opportunities employer. We value diversity and welcome applications from candidates from all backgrounds. We particularly welcome applications from sections of the community that are currently under-represented at WYFRS, including women, BAME and applicants with disabilities.

About the roles

·       Firefighter roles are available to work on our Shift Duty 0800-1900hrs (2-2-4) and Day Crewing shift pattern stations.

Those eligible to apply must: 

·       Be a Wholetime Firefighter in a UK Fire and Rescue Service.

·       Have been deemed competent in role.

·       Have no current/outstanding development action plans, performance improvement action.

·       No development plans or capability issues related to competency.

·       Be free of current formal disciplinary awards throughout the entire process.

·       Have a full UK driving licence.

·       Be willing to undertake training to support station specialisms.

·       Be available for all stages of the selection process as detailed in the recruitment timeline.

·       For Day Crewing roles, must, or be willing to reside within a 5 minute “turn in” area of the designated station. (Unless WYFRS accommodation is available).

We offer an excellent package including:

·       Access to an employee assistance programme

·       Training and development opportunities

·       Sports and social clubs

·       Free use of gym.

·       Pay in line with National Terms and conditions (Day Crewing staff receive an average 12% total extra pensionable pay and specialist skills allowances payable for some roles.

·       Relocation assistance up to £7500 (Day Crewing Vacancies only subject to conditions).  

The selection process will comprise of:

Stage 1 – Application Form

Applicants must complete and submit an online application form using the e-recruitment system which will require them to detail how they meet the essential criteria for the role. To apply, please visit www.wyfs.co.uk/careers. 

Stage2 – Shortlisting

Following the closing date, submitted application forms will be forwarded to the Shortlisting Panel for consideration.

To be shortlisted for the post you will need to demonstrate your ability to meet the requirements of the job by giving clear, concise examples of how you meet each of the following person specification criteria listed in the job description, on the personal statement in your application form.

You will only be shortlisted from the details in the application form if you meet all Essential criteria.  Any incomplete applications received, or applications received after the deadline date will be discounted.

All applicants will be advised via the e-recruitment system whether they have been successfully shortlisted or not. 

Stage 3 – Interview, Operational Skills and Knowledge assessment and Fitness Testing

Applicant will be required to undertake a combination of practical skills and knowledge assessment aligned with national teaching/guidance.

The fitness test will consist of the full 12-minute Chester Walk test.

The interview will be approximately 60 minutes and involve a number of behavioural style questions. 

Stage 5 – Pre-Employment Checks

All offers of employment will be subject to a skills gap analysis, references, medical, Disclosure and Barring and pre-employment checks.  

Recruitment Timeline

Closing date for applications – Midnight 01/12/24
Shortlisting of applications – Commencing 02/12/24
Interview, Skill and Knowledge assessments and Fitness Testing – 9-11th Dec and 16th-17th Dec.
We aim to have successful applicants in role by March 2025.
For further information please contact SM Dan Howorth at:

Daniel.howorth@westyorksfire.gov.uk

Pension Considerations

Annual Allowance – Please note that it is your personal responsibility to check whether by accepting this position it would result in any Annual Allowance implications. A breach in the Annual Allowance threshold could result in a Tax charge.

Lifetime Allowance – Please note that it is your personal responsibility to check whether by accepting this position it would result in any Lifetime Allowance implications. A breach in the Lifetime Allowance threshold will result in a Tax charge.

***this figure is not guaranteed and may drop below the minimum stated. Any additional allowances, such as specialisms, will not be pensionable.