Firefighter (Control) – Fire Control
We are looking for a dedicated Fire Control Team member to join us as a Firefighter (Control) Operator based in Tolvaddon at the Service Headquarters.
About the role
Fire Control is a vital part of Cornwall Fire & Rescue Service as the first point of contact for all emergency calls. The Service is staffed 24 hours a day, and this role works on a designated Watch, 12‑hour shifts on a 2 day‑2 night‑4 off shift system.
The Firefighter (Control) Operator supports the delivery of services provided by the Cornwall Fire & Rescue Control Room, handling emergency calls, managing radio communications with appliances and vehicles, monitoring movement and resource management, and supporting all Fire Control and operational functions.
Responsibilities
- Answer emergency calls from various sources, including other emergency services, specialist bodies, and neighbouring and national Fire and Rescue Service controls.
- Obtain necessary information from callers for mobilisation, undertake radio communication with appliances and vehicles, and monitor movements.
- Manage resource allocation of appliances and officers and respond to radio messages from the incident ground.
- Provide clear, direct advice to callers while maintaining a compassionate tone to support and protect them in potentially life‑threatening situations.
- Remain calm and level‑headed in high‑pressure situations, prioritise work streams, follow instructions and make critical decisions.
- Listen carefully, ask the right questions, capture information quickly and accurately, and identify the caller’s exact location to mobilise the correct emergency crews.
- Deal sensitively with people in distress, including providing lifesaving advice to those who may be trapped inside a burning building.
- Handle multiple incident types, including road traffic collisions and hazardous materials incidents.
- Take Cornwall Council out‑of‑hours Highways calls and other relevant services, inputting accurate information using software and bespoke systems.
Eligibility to apply
- Excellent communication skills.
- Good ICT skills with competency in Microsoft Word and Outlook.
- Positive, motivated, resilient and flexible; enjoy working as part of a team in a high‑pressure environment.
- Firefighter (Control) Operators from another Fire & Rescue Service are welcome to apply, with proof of competency and any other training records from your current Service if successful.
Application Criteria
- Complete application on Cornwall Council portal.
- Have skills aligned with the NFCC Leadership Framework and the NFCC Code of Ethics.
- Demonstrate key qualities and attributes required to perform the role.
- ICT skills, including Microsoft Word and Outlook.
- Good keyboard skills, including audio typing.
- Good written and verbal communication.
- Experience working as part of a team.
- Experience or ability to collate and interpret information received by telephone or radio and relay it accurately.
- Telephone experience.
Desirable qualifications
- Experience using Vision 4 mobilisation system and DS3000 ICCS or similar.
- Experience in an emergency call‑taking environment or customer service.
- Currently a competent Firefighter (Control) Operator.
- Experience of previous shift work.
- Experience of admin or clerical duties.
Salary and Benefits
- £27,970 (18‑month development programme)
- £35,791 (competent pay)
- Pension: Cornwall Council Local Government Pension scheme based on your career average earnings, with option for extra voluntary contributions.
Training and Development
- Initial training will be given; you must be self‑motivated and committed to ongoing learning and development.
- The initial training lasts 7 weeks, followed by an 18‑month development programme.
- Required to complete regular written and practical tests to confirm knowledge and ability to competently carry out the role.
Reasonable Adjustments
Reasonable adjustments are changes an employer makes to remove or reduce a disadvantage related to a person’s disability.
Please inform the hiring manager and People Team of any reasonable adjustments you require to support you with this process, and do so at least two days prior to the interview date.
Contact
Adam Oliver – adam.oliver@fire.cornwall.gov.uk
Helen Knight – helen.knight@fire.cornwall.gov.uk
#J-18808-Ljbffr…