Career FAQs

Who can join?

North Yorkshire Fire & Rescue Service is an Equal Opportunities Employer. We actively encourage applications from all sections of the community, regardless of gender, ethnic origin, colour, marital status or religion, who have the necessary attributes for the job.

How do I apply to become a wholetime firefighter with NYFRS?

Vacancies for firefighters will be advertised in the local press and media. Details about the issue of application forms are stated within the advertisements to which you would respond accordingly. A waiting list is not employed therefore applications are not issued prior to advertising.

How do I apply to become a retained (part-time) firefighter with NYFRS?

You should contact your local fire station to determine if it is a retained (part-time) station and whether there are any vacancies. Opportunities may exist for you to provide part time employment as a firefighter providing you reside within near proximity to you local retained station.

What are the age limits?

Anyone wishing to join NYFRS must be 18 years of age at the date of appointment. There are no upper age limits.

Are there height limits?

There are no maximum or minimum height limits.

What qualifications are needed?

No formal qualifications are required to join NYFRS but a written test has to be passed before being invited to attend the physical assessments.

If invited for interview, what questions will be asked?

It is a good idea to find out as much as possible about NYFRS if you are invited for interview. Copies of the Annual Reports are available from the library and they contain lots of different information about the Brigade. Also this website provides a vast amount of information on the brigade and the day to day duties of a firefighter.

What about physical fitness?

Due to the strenuous nature of firefighting, a high level of physical fitness, particularly aerobic capacity, must be possessed by all potential recruits. The cardio-respiratory fitness of all applicants will be measured as part of the selection process. Certain strength requirements are necessary. Applicants are tested using dynamometers to gain a measure of their hand grip and upper body strength.

Is there a medical examination?

Yes, applicants are required to pass a very stringent medical examination designed to ensure that they possess the health and fitness necessary to undertake the arduous duties associated with being a professional Firefighter for 30 years.

Which Station will I be based at?

On completion of basic training trainees may be posted anywhere within the Brigade area. We will try to ensure that Firefighters are posted to a station within a reasonable distance of their home address, however, it must be noted that this cannot be guaranteed.

If you are attached to a day crewed station you will have to live within a 5 minute response time

What hours of duty will I be required to work?

As a wholetime firefighter against the shift duty system you would be required to work 42 hours a week based on a 4 shift duty system. Day duty shifts commence at 0800hrs and finish at 1800hrs. Night duty shifts commence at 1800hrs until 0800hrs the following morning.

 As a wholetime firefighter against the day crewed system you would be required to work 42 hours a week based on a days on and 4 days off duty system. On your 4 days on you would work at the station from 0800 hours until 1800hrs, then be on call from 1801hrs until 0759 hours.

How much leave will I be entitled to?

Retained Firefighters
Leave when you join the service is 28 paid days per year, in addition to public holidays. Leave entitlement increases later in your career.

Wholetime Firefighters

As a wholetime firefighter you will be entitled to 30 paid days per year, in addition to public holidays. Leave entitlement increases later in your career.

How much will I be paid?