Thank you for your interest in joining our team!

The majority of our fire stations are staffed by dedicated on-call firefighters. These firefighters perform the same vital emergency duties as wholetime firefighters, but they have the flexibility to balance their role with other jobs or commitments.

While on call, they carry a pager and respond quickly whenever they are needed to attend an incident. They respond to a wide range of incidents from fires and water rescues to road accidents, and hazardous materials incidents and animal rescues. They use specialised tools and protective equipment to stay safe and provide first aid.

On-call firefighters are an essential part of our service, ensuring that our communities stay safe and protected around the clock. We value their commitment and the unique role they play in our team.

Our Fire Stations

How you can apply

In order to apply to become an On-call Firefighter with Hampshire and Isle of Wight Fire and Rescue Service, we ask that you complete the On-call Recruitment Enquiry Form.

Once you complete this form, your enquiry will be sent to the Recruitment Team. The Recruitment Team will review your responses to verify that you:

  • are aged at least 17 and a half
  • live or work close enough to one of our On-call Fire Stations.

If you meet the above criteria, the Recruitment Team will either:

  • if the station is currently open for recruitment – send you a link to the full application form
  • if the station is not currently open for recruitment – save your enquiry and then send you a link to the full application form if/when the station re-opens for recruitment.

Apply now!

Steve's story

“I became an on-call firefighter because I deeply care about my community and take immense pride in protecting the town I call home. Working with Shanklin Fire Station is more than a job—it’s a privilege. We’re not just a team; we’re a close-knit family, united by trust, dedication, and a shared commitment to keeping our community safe”

Who we are looking for

You don’t need any prior firefighting experience to join us. What truly matters is your passion for protecting your community. We provide comprehensive training to equip you with all the skills necessary for success.

To function effectively in emergencies, firefighters must demonstrate courage, strength, and the ability to perform rapid, intense, and sustained efforts when needed:

  • The ability to follow instructions quickly.
  • The capacity to use initiative, both as part of a team and independently.
  • The ability to understand a wide range of topics in order to anticipate and address hazards.
  • A practical and inquisitive mindset.
  • Emotional resilience and self-awareness.
  • The ability to work within the community.

Join us and be part of something special – saving lives and supporting your
community.

Eligibility criteria

  • Live or work no more than 4 minutes from your nearest station.
  • Over 17 and a half years old on the date you apply
  • Have a right to work in the UK
  • Free from any unspent criminal convictions
  • Have a good level of strength and fitness. Find out more about our fitness
    requirements
  • Have a good grasp of Maths and English. If you cannot evidence having
    GCSE’s or equivalent in Maths and English at grade C or 4, or above, we will
    require you to successfully pass two online tests as part of the application
    process.

What to Expect as an On-Call Firefighter

Working Pattern and Salary

As an on-call firefighter, you’ll have the flexibility to tailor your schedule around your existing job or commitments. Call-outs typically occur 2-3 times a week and last a few hours, whether during the day, evening, or on weekends. This makes it an ideal role for those seeking part-time work or a position with flexible hours.
In addition to a retaining fee for being on-call, you’ll be paid for responding to emergencies and attending training courses.

Training & Development

Your journey starts with a pre-core skills training programme which is completed during weekly drill nights. This is then followed by an 8-day core skills acquisition course at our state-of-the-art facilities, where you’ll gain the essential knowledge and skills to become a firefighter.
Training milestones include:

  • Core Skills Initial Acquisition Course: An 8-day program to equip you with the foundational firefighting skills. After completing this you’ll receive a pager and respond to incidents in a limited capacity.

Development firefighters will then return to complete three further courses:

  • Breathing Apparatus Initial Acquisition Course: A 10-day training to handle hazardous environments safely.
  • Road Traffic Collison Initial Acquisition Course: a 3-hour evening session and 5-day training course in the techniques and equipment used at road traffic collisions
  • Immediate Emergency Care (IEC) Initial Acquisition Course: A 5-day training course to learn the medical skills required by firefighters
  • As an on-call firefighter, you’ll then be required to complete a Development Programme over the next 2-4 years and will continue to receive ongoing training to stay up-to-date with the latest techniques and safety procedures, ensuring you are prepared for every call-out.  ​

Find out more about Learning and Development facilities.

Benefits of on-call firefighters to businesses

You might be surprised to know that on-call firefighters make up 90% of emergency cover in the UK. They’re an invaluable part of society.

Whether you are an employer seeking information on how it works, or you are an employee needing assistance in explaining the benefits to your workplace, visit  On-Call Firefighters – NFCC for more information.

Have any questions?

Get in touch – we’d be happy to have a chat and answer any questions you have: Email us ​

Frequently asked questions about becoming an on-call firefighter

Application related questions

Q: What is the age requirement to become an on-call firefighter?

A: The minimum age is 17 and a half at the time of application, but there is no upper
age limit.

Q: How fit do I need to be to become an on-call firefighter?

A: Physical fitness is essential for on-call firefighters. You will need to pass a
physical fitness test as part of the recruitment process, which tests strength,
endurance, and agility. Regular physical training is required to stay fit for the
demanding nature of the role.

Q: Do I need to be a certain height or weight in order to apply?

A: No, there are no height or weight restrictions. There are medical requirements in
terms of body fat composition, blood pressure etc that need to be met to ensure that
candidates are physically fit enough to be able to safely perform the role.

Q: Can you give me any advice on how to improve my fitness to ensure I meet
the required standards?

A: Please see the programmes and advice on the fitness pages. You will find
guidance on how to improve your fitness and health.

Q: Do I need to have a driving license?

No, you don’t need to have a driving license in order to be an on-call firefighter. You
do however need to be able to respond to your station within 4 minutes.

Q: Is being an on-call firefighter a dangerous job?

A: Yes, being an on-call firefighter can be dangerous. On-call firefighters face risks
such as exposure to fire, hazardous materials, and extreme environments. However,
extensive training, advanced safety equipment, and protocols help to minimise these
risks.

Q: Can I have a beard or facial hair if I want to become an on-call firefighter?

A: There are some restrictions on facial hair. Firefighters must ensure that their facial
hair is maintained so it does not interfere with personal protective equipment (PPE).

Q: Can I apply if I have dyslexia?

A: Yes. Reasonable adjustments can be made to the assessment elements, where
appropriate. This might include additional time to undertake an assessment, or
adjustments to the marking metrics used. Read about how we support people with
dyslexia

Q: Can people with disabilities apply to become an on-call firefighter?

A: Yes, we welcome applications from a diverse range of candidates, including those
with mental or physical disabilities and consider all applicants on an individual basis.
We will implement reasonable adjustments throughout the recruitment process and
on appointment to role wherever possible. While being an on-call firefighter requires
a good standard of fitness and practical ability, we will support you to reach your full
potential. Read about how we support people with disabilities

Q: What are the working hours like for an on-call firefighter?

A: On-call firefighters do not work regular shifts. Instead, they are on-call and must
be available to respond to emergencies as needed, which may include nights,
weekends, and holidays. The frequency and duration of callouts depend on the
service’s needs and the area you cover.

Q: How much do on-call firefighters earn?

A: Earnings for on-call firefighters vary depending on the number of callouts
attended. On-call firefighters receive a basic retainer fee for being available and
additional pay for each callout attended. Rates vary depending on experience.

Q: Can I be an on-call firefighter if my main employment is as a police officer?

A: No, unfortunately warranted police officers are not able to also be employed as
firefighters.

Q: I am employed in the armed forces. Can I become an on-call firefighter as
well?

A: We welcome applications from those who currently are, or who have been,
employed in the armed forces. You need to be able to meet the application criteria
and be able to respond from an address in the relevant area and you would need to
ensure that you had the permission of your primary employer.

Q: Which stations have on-call firefighters?

A: Our locations are listed here. Some stations do not have on-call teams –
Redbridge, St Mary’s, Hightown, Southsea and Cosham. All other locations are
either solely on-call or have an on-call section in addition to wholetime firefighters.

Q: How do I apply?

A: Initially, please register your interest by completing the form on the national on-call fire website.

If you live or work within the relevant area (between 4 and 6 minutes, depending on
the station) for one of our on-call stations we will contact you when recruitment
opens at that station and invite you to complete the application form.

Q: I am already a firefighter employed by another fire and rescue service but
would like to become an on call firefighter in Hampshire and Isle of Wight.
What do I need to do?

A: You would need to follow the same process to register your interest and apply
when the relevant station is recruiting. If you were successful, we would need to see
your training records from your current employer in order to complete a skills gap
analysis to determine what additional training might be required.

Medical related questions

Q: What is covered in the medical check?

Initially, you will be required to complete a medical form which will then be reviewed
by our specialist Occupational Health Team. They may request your consent to
obtain more information from your GP as part of this. You will also be required to
attend a medical appointment which will cover:
▪ General health questionnaire includes a history of physical and mental health
▪ BMI (Body Mass Index)
▪ Percentage body fat
▪ Blood pressure check
▪ Pulse reading
▪ Audiometry (Hearing) test
▪ Spirometry (Lung function) test
▪ Measurement of your height and weight
▪ Optician eyesight test
▪ Drug test and urinalysis

Q: How do you deal with medical conditions such as eczema or asthma?

The Services looks at medical conditions on an individual basis so this will be
assessed at the medical appointment and a decision made once all the information
has been reviewed.

Q: What are the eyesight requirements?

During the selection process, you will be required to get a report from an optician.
The need for corrective lenses will not necessarily stop you getting a job with us.
If you have had laser eye surgery it is currently recommended that entry to the
Service should be postponed for 12 months following surgery for stabilisation.
All cases are assessed on an individual basis and advice will be sought from our
specialist occupational health advisors.

Q: I am colour blind. Will that impact on my ability to do the role?

As part of the eyesight test and medical, a colour blindness assessment is
completed. Depending on the nature of your colour blindness, it may be possible to
complete a bespoke assessment to assess the severity of your colour blindness and
the impact on your ability to safely operate as an on-call firefighter.

Appointment related questions

Q: What checks do you do prior to appointment?

A: If you are successful in being offered a role as an on-call firefighter, it will initially
be subject to completion of satisfactory pre-employment checks. At that point we will
look to obtain references, complete a criminal records (DBS) check and you will be
invited for your medical. All of those need to be satisfactory in order for your
employment to be confirmed.

Q: What does the on-call firefighter training process involve?

A: The training includes both classroom learning and practical exercises, covering a
range of firefighting techniques, skills, and equipment handling. You will also
undergo live fire training to simulate real-life fire situations and learn Immediate
Emergency Care (advanced first aid).

Your journey starts with a pre-core skills training programme which is completed
during weekly drill nights. This is then followed by an 8-day core skills acquisition
course at our state-of-the-art facilities, where you’ll gain the essential knowledge
and skills to become a firefighter.

Training milestones include:
• Core Skills Initial Acquisition Course: An 8-day program to equip you with
the foundational firefighting skills. After completing this you’ll receive a pager
and respond to incidents in a limited capacity.
Development firefighters will then return to complete three further courses:
• Breathing Apparatus Initial Acquisition Course: A 10-day training to
handle hazardous environments safely.
• Road Traffic Collison Initial Acquisition Course: a 3-hour evening session
and 5-day training course in the techniques and equipment used at road traffic
collisions
• Immediate Emergency Care (IEC) Initial Acquisition Course: A 5-day
training course to learn the medical skills required by firefighters
• As an on-call firefighter, you’ll then be required to complete a Development
Programme over the next 2-4 years and will continue to receive ongoing
training to stay up-to-date with the latest techniques and safety procedures,
ensuring you are prepared for every call-out.

Q: What are the career progression opportunities for on-call firefighters?

A: On-call firefighters can progress to crew or watch manager roles, depending on
experience and qualifications.

Q: Do on-call firefighters receive additional training throughout their career?

A: Yes, ongoing training is a crucial part of an on-call firefighter’s career. This
includes regular updates on new firefighting techniques, safety procedures,
equipment, and medical practices to ensure readiness for emergencies. There is
also training available in key areas such as leadership, management, performance,
talent and change.

Q: What kind of support do on-call firefighters receive?

A: There is an extensive range of wellbeing support for all employees. This
includes physical training, mental health support, resources, and peer support
networks. Read about how we support people with disabilities.

Q: Can I transfer from being an on-call firefighter to a wholetime firefighter
position?

A: Unfortunately, we do not offer direct transfers from on-call firefighter roles to
wholetime firefighter positions. Each recruitment process is separate, and all
applicants must go through the full recruitment process to be considered for a
wholetime role. However, we encourage all individuals who meet the criteria to
apply, and our recruitment is inclusive and open to everyone, regardless of
background. ​

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