Firefighter recruitment in Merseyside

Merseyside Fire & Rescue Service will soon be recruiting for Firefighters.

The requirements to be a firefighter are as follows:

Must have a Driving Licence
Must be able to swim 50 metres in open water
Must be able to work at heights
Must be able to work in confined spaces

Sefton@Work are hosting information sessions at 4:30pm on Thursday, February 2 (Bootle) and Monday, February 6 (Southport).

Call Helen or Lynda 0151 934 2623/2764 to book your place.

Requirements of the role - the facts

Height restrictions - There are no height restrictions.
Age restrictions - Minimum age of 18 at date of appointment.
Physical requirements - All applicants must pass a series of physical tests to test strength and cardiovascular capacity, as required by the role. Please click on the link on the right hand side of the page for more on this.
A Firefighter does more than putting out fires and rescuing people - A small amount of a Firefighters time is spent tackling fires. A greater amount of time is spent engaging with the community, completing Home Fire Safety Checks (HFSCs) and promoting fire safety awareness as well, as a lot of training to keep skills updated.
Career progression is open to everyone - If you demonstrate ability and enthusiasm you can work your way right up the organisational structure.

As a Trainee Firefighter you will earn £22,017 during your extensive induction programme, rising to £29,345 when you are competent. Throughout your career you have many opportunities to shape your future, potentially progressing up the career ladder to become Watch Manager and onto Station Manager or further still.

The Selection Process

You must live within 30 minutes of a Merseyside Fire and Rescue Authority Community Fire Station - measured under normal driving conditions.
If you currently have a wholetime or similar contract of employment with another Fire & Rescue Service then please do not apply via the website. Should you wish to be considered via the 'transfers in' process then please email recruitment@merseyfire.gov.uk.
You must have a full UK driving licence.
You must have GCSE grade C or above in Maths and English Language or equivalent e.g. level 2 functional skills. If you do not have these qualifications you can still apply and these skills will be tested during the recruitment process. Please ensure that under question one (this will be clear once you have started your application) you clearly state whether you have or do not have these qualifications. You will be required to provide evidence of your qualifications at your first invitation to the recruitment process.

Initial Online Application

This is brief information about you with key questions that you are required to answer to help us decide if you have the right values for the organisation. For more information on the Service's values click on the 'Our Mission and Values' link on the right hand side of the page. From the evidence you provide, we will decide if you are to proceed to the next stage.

Numeracy and Literacy Skills

You must have GCSE grade C or above in Maths and English Language or equivalent e.g. level 2 functional skills.

If you have GCSE grade C or above in Maths and English Language or equivalent and can provide written evidence, you will not have to undertake the numeracy and literacy online tests.

If you do not have these qualifications then you will have to undertake the following online tests:

Numeracy skills - Ability to interpret basic numerical information (e.g. dials, tables, charts) and use arithmetical calculations correctly (e.g. able to work out operational times when using breathing apparatus). Basic adding up, multiplication, division and subtraction
Literacy skills - Ability to communicate in writing i.e. to compose sentences to write emails and reports. More information on where you can improve your numeracy and literacy skills can be found on the below link: www.gov.uk/improve-english-maths-it-skills

Physical tests
Multi-stage fitness.
Ladder climb.
Breathing apparatus crawl.
Casualty evacuation.
Ladder lift.
Equipment carry.
Equipment assembly.
Dummy haul.
Chester step test.

More information on fitness requirements and tests can be found by clicking the link on the right hand side of the page.

Further written evidence
As you successfully progress through the recruitment process we will request further written evidence to support your application.
Assessment Centre Centres are usually half a day in duration and consist of three to four exercises, with a combination of both group and individual exercises. Candidates are assessed against organisational values and key Firefighter role competencies.
Swimming Test Includes a minimum of 50 metres swim unaided. This is to ensure applicants are confident and safe in water.
Interview The candidate will be interviewed by a panel, which will include senior officers as well as a representative from Human Resources, which is known as the People and Organisational Development department at Merseyside Fire and Rescue Authority.
Pre-employment checks Medical Assessment Health screening and medical assessments will be completed to ensure that applicants are fit and healthy to join Merseyside Fire & Rescue Service as a Firefighter. There is also a requirement for applicants to undertake an LGV medical as part of their medical assessment. Enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service Check An enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service check is required as the role of a Firefighter.