Career FAQ

This section includes frequently asked questions (FAQs) about careers in North Yorkshire Fire & Rescue Service (NYFRS).

1. Who can join?
2. How do I apply to become a wholetime firefighter?
3. How do I apply to become a retained (part-time) firefighter?
4. What are the age limits?
5. Are there height limits?
6. What qualifications are needed?
7. If invited for interview, what questions will be asked?
8. Are there any tests prior to interview?
9. Is there a medical examination?
10. Which station will I be based at if I am appointed as a wholetime firefighter?
11. What hours of duty will I be required to work as a wholetime firefighter?
12. What hours of duty will I be required to work as a retained (part time)/ on call firefighter?
13. How much will I be paid?

Who can join?

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

How do I apply to become a wholetime firefighter?

Vacancies for firefighters will be advertised on the website, where you will be able to download an application pack. A waiting list is not employed so you can only apply as and when we are recruiting.

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

You can download an application form from our website. Detailed information on how to complete the application form is included within the information pack.

What are the age limits?

Anyone wishing to join NYFRS must be at least 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.

If invited for interview, what questions will be asked?

It is a good idea to find out as much as possible about North Yorkshire Fire & Rescue Service if you are invited for interview. This website provides a vast amount of information on the service and the day to day duties of a firefighter. We conduct behavioural style interviews where the main aim is to gather examples of when and how you have used skills that are important for the role of a firefighter. There are five areas which are assessed:

• Working with others: This is about working effectively with a variety of people, whether they are in your team or in the community.
• Commitment to excellence: This is about adopting a conscientious and proactive approach to work, and achieving and maintaining excellent standards.
• Commitment to development: This is about being committed to, and being able to develop, yourself and others.
• Commitment to diversity and integrity: This is about understanding and respecting other people's differences and treating people fairly and ethically.
• Communicating Effectively: This is about how effectively you verbally deliver information, make yourself understood and how you understand information.

You will not be asked questions to assess ‘Communicating effectively'. This will be examined through the way in which you communicate throughout the interview.

Are there any tests prior to interview?

There are written and physical tests.

If you are successful at the written tests, you will be required to perform a series of practical and physical tests designed to assess fitness, strength, stamina, co-ordination, ability to understand and apply information, dexterity, ability to work at heights and in confined darkened spaces. These are physical and job related tasks relevant to a firefighter’s role.

Is there a medical examination?

Yes, applicants are required to attend a medical, including a Chester Step test designed to ensure that they possess the health and fitness necessary to undertake the role of a firefighter. It also enables any reasonable adjustments to be identified.

Which station will I be based at if I am appointed as a wholetime firefighter?

On completion of basic training, you may be posted anywhere within the Service area. We will try to ensure that firefighters are posted to a station within a reasonable distance of their home address, but this cannot be guaranteed.

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

What hours of duty will I be required to work as a wholetime firefighter?

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

What hours of duty will I be required to work as a retained (part time)/ on call firefighter?

As part of your application you will be asked to declare your average weekly availability to attend fire calls. If your availability does not meet the requirements of the station or your address is outside the 1 mile/4 minute response time then your application will not be progressed.

How much will I be paid?

Click on the link below to find the latest pay rates.

http://www.fbu.org.uk/?page_id=1287