Fire service officers (watch manager and below)

Average National Salaries (2020)

What does this career do?

Workers in this unit group co-ordinate and participate in fire fighting activities, provide emergency services in the event of accidents or bomb alerts, and advise on fire prevention.

Typical tasks

• inspects premises to identify potential fire hazards and to check that fire fighting equipment is available and in working order and that statutory fire safety regulations are met
• arranges fire drills and tests alarm systems and equipment
• travels to fire or other emergency by vehicle and locates water mains if necessary
• operates hose pipes, ladders, chemical, foam, gas or powder fire extinguishing appliances
• rescues people or animals trapped by fire and administers first aid
• removes goods from fire damaged premises, clears excess water, makes safe any structural hazards and takes any other necessary steps to reduce damage to property
• attends and deals with bomb alerts and accidents involving spillage of hazardous substances
• advises on fire safety measures in new buildings
• supervises a watch.

Current entry requirements

There are no formal academic requirements, although applicants to fire control roles must demonstrate basic literacy and numeracy, keyboard and communication skills. Applicants to fire-fighter roles must pass psychological, physical and medical tests. Some Fire and Rescue Services operate direct entry recruitment processes to managerial operational roles. There is a minimum age limit of 18 years for entry to fire-fighter and control operator roles.

Percentage in work

• Employed

• Unemployed

Due to insufficient sample sizes, some data was excised.

Predicted employment status in 2022

• Full-time

• Part-time

• Self Employed

Predicted employment levels in the East Midlands

Career related courses available at West Notts

• Preparation for Uniform Protective Services (Intermediate) - Level 2
• Extended Diploma in Uniformed Protective Services (Advanced) - Level 3

About the statistics

Data is powered by LMI for All and is sourced from labour market statistics from the Office for National Statistics (ONS), the Institute for Employment Research, the Department for Works and Pensions, and the UK Commission for Employment and Skills.