Apply to be an on-call firefighter

How to apply

As an on-call firefighter, you will respond to emergencies within your local area.

The role is exciting, challenging and rewarding. You will learn new skills, such as first aid, trauma training and fire safety.

At Lincolnshire Fire and Rescue we are committed to fostering a diverse, inclusive, and equitable workplace where all employees feel valued, respected, and empowered to contribute their unique perspectives.

We believe that diversity in backgrounds, experiences, and ideas drives innovation and strengthens our ability to work together for safer communities. 

Before you apply, you must:

Apply to be an on-call firefighter

The recruitment process

Stage 1

Once you apply, we will contact you to arrange an informal discussion. We will explain more about the role and the commitment required. You will be able to ask us questions too.

You will also be asked to undertake a Chester Step Test (CST). The CST is a multistage fitness test which assesses your aerobic fitness. You are required to step on and off a low step at a rate set by a recorded beat. The minimum standard required is 42 VO2 Max. A description of the test can be found here.

Stage 2

You will be emailed an Awareness Package which you must read. It contains further information on the role and the recruitment process. If you haven't already attended one of our 'Have a Go' Days, the Awareness Package will include details of how to book onto one. 

Have a Go Days are not a mandatory part of the process but you’ll be able to try out some of the physical assessments with an instructor and speak to existing On-Call Firefighters prior to your Selection Day. Some of our Have a Go sessions are for underrepresented groups only, to encourage individuals to attend and dispel any myths about who can become a Firefighter, as well as provide the right support.

Stage 3

You will be invited to a Selection Day where you will be asked to complete a one-hour test in maths and English. Your results are valid for 12 months. If unsuccessful, you will be able to retake it.

We have a practice booklet you can try before sitting the test.

For support to improve your maths and literacy skills, we offer a range of free courses, including distance learning options.

If you are unsuccessful on your second attempt, your application will be withdrawn. You will be able to reapply after 12 months.

You also undertake job-related test (JRT) exercises.

The tests will assess your fitness, strength, stamina, co-ordination and dexterity. All the tests are relevant to the role of a firefighter, such as:

  • ladder carry and climb
  • casualty evacuation
  • equipment carry and assembly
  • enclosed spaces
  • simulated hose running

Watch our training videos for an idea of what to expect

You can follow our 12 week training programme to prepare for the fitness test. 

You will also undertake a dictation test. This 10 minute test will assess your ability to listen and accurately record a message from the incident ground by writing the message exactly as it is heard.

It will be played twice. You are asked to listen to the message first, then write the message as you hear it the second time.

Stage 4

If you successfully complete the physical tests, you must attend a one-hour interview. This will focus on your knowledge and understanding of the role.

When you are invited to attend the interview, you will also receive an Information Guide to help you prepare.

Stage 5

You must complete a medical assessment with our occupational health provider.

Along with a general exam, you will undergo the following tests:

  • vision (including colour)
  • hearing
  • lung function
  • grip strength
  • co-ordination and flexibility test
  • urine test

Stage 6

You must undergo a Police Act Disclosure check (DBS).

Stage 7

If all the above is successful, you will be offered a place on the next available Trainee Firefighter course.

Stage 8

Upon successful completion of the training course, you will be formally offered a role as an on-call firefighter. 

The above process can take up to three months to complete (assuming all assessments/checks are successfully completed first time).

Pay and benefits

There are three levels of pay for on-call firefighters:

  • trainee
  • development
  • competent

Your level depends upon your training, knowledge and experience.

The current on-call firefighter pay includes:

  • a retainer fee (between £2,383 and £3,177 per annum)
  • an hourly rate (between £10.88 and £14.51)
  • a disturbance allowance (£4.18 per hour for each call-out)

As an on-call firefighter, you will get the same benefits as other employees. This includes:

  • a pension scheme
  • employee discounts
  • flexible working practices
  • excellent training
  • paid holidays
  • tax-saving schemes, such as childcare vouchers

Advice for employers

We ask our on-call staff to ensure that their primary employers are a priority.

On-call firefighters must attend the fire station within five minutes of receiving a call. We appreciate the disruption that this can have on your business.

We aim to ensure that everyone is fully aware of their commitment. We will work with business owners to find the best approach to any staffing concerns.

Benefits to you as an employer

On-call firefighters receive the same training opportunities as their wholetime colleagues.

This means they may be able to help you with:

  • trauma training
  • health and safety training
  • driving large goods vehicles
  • emergency situations

Supporting your staff and the community can enhance the reputation of your business too.

Medical conditions

Firefighters may be exposed to extreme physical and psychological demands in hostile and dangerous environments. The medical screening for Firefighters is rigorous to comply with relevant statutory provisions. 

Under the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974, the Fire and Rescue Service must reduce risk so far as is reasonably practicable. However, the nature and effect of medical conditions vary, and it is impossible to confirm medical conditions that would be unacceptable before an individual medical assessment. A medical condition giving rise to reasonably foreseeable occupational risk would not be acceptable. 

If you have a medical condition or a history of medical conditions which might present problems, following the guidance below should help you to consider your suitability for the role.

A medical condition or functional limitation that, despite any reasonable adjustments, gives rise to a significantly increased occupational risk of the following is likely to be unacceptable: 

  • Sudden collapse or sudden incapacitation 
  • Impaired judgement or altered awareness 
  • Substantial physical or psychological injury/ill health 
  • Any other effect which would pose a considerable health and safety risk to themself or others 

Asthma

Asthma does not necessarily prevent an individual from becoming a firefighter. Firefighters are exposed to smoke and other toxicants as part of their job, which irritate the lungs/upper respiratory tract and can exacerbate wheezing symptoms in firefighters with asthma. The potential applicant's condition will be assessed at the medical stage, after which the Fire and Rescue Service will decide on suitability for the role. The assessment will include:  

  • Looking at the history of the potential firefighter's asthma, focusing on current symptoms and treatment requirements  
  • Potential triggers involved in the role including exercise and irritant exposures  
  • The frequency and history of exacerbations  

Blood Pressure

During the medical assessment, blood pressure readings will be taken to ensure that it is safe for someone to undertake firefighting activities. If the readings indicate Stage 2 hypertension, it will be suggested that the results are discussed with the applicant's GP. 

People can have fluctuations in their blood pressure readings depending on many factors. If they are aware that they have currently or previously had high blood pressure, they should ensure that this is well managed before attending assessments. There will not be an opportunity to schedule further readings during the medical appointment.

Vision

Potential firefighters must have a normal visual field and good vision in both eyes. The minimum uncorrected vision for recruits should be 6/18 in the better eye and 6/24 in the worse. The current 6/60 unaided limit has been retained for serving firefighters.

Applicants aged 25 and over must be able to read N12 at 30cm unaided with both eyes open. Applicants aged under 25 must be able to read N6 at 30cm unaided with both eyes open.

To be considered, potential firefighters must have no history of night blindness or any other ocular disease that is likely to progress and result in future failure of the visual standards for serving firefighters. They must also not have undergone refractive surgery in the previous 12 months. 

Individuals who have had Radial Keratotomy cannot be considered for operational firefighting duties due to the relatively high incidence of refractive instability. Individuals who have undergone the following types of refractive surgery can be considered 12 months after surgery: 

  • Photorefractive Keratectomy (PRK) 
  • Laser assisted in-situ keratomileusis (LASIK) 
  • Laser epithelial keratomileusis (LASEK) 

Firefighters can wear soft contact lenses, but rigid (hard) lenses are not considered safe as debris can become trapped beneath them.

A colour vision test will also be included in the medical assessment. The Ishihara Test will be used to test for colour perception. If this is not passed, a formal specialist evaluation is required before a vocational colour vision test will be performed.  

Hearing

Hearing defects often result from damage to the ears, and those with hearing damage are more susceptible to further damage and normal age deterioration. 

During the medical assessment, a test using audiometry pure tones will be given using sounds. This follows the national standards and results in either a pass or a grade of hearing defect, defined as:

  • Low H1 and H2
  • Moderate H3
  • High H4
  • Severe H5

The hearing assessment results are then used to assign an overall score for each ear. The worse ear is used to grade the individual in their placement.

New firefighters must achieve a minimum hearing standard of level H2.

Medical Assessment

The Firefighter Medical assessment will include the following:  

  • General health questionnaire - history of physical and mental health (with additional respiratory questions for the Asbestos Regulations) 
  • Measurement of pulse, blood pressure, height, weight and waist measurement 
  • Urinalysis (glucose, protein, blood) 
  • Vision (both near and distance) plus colour vision
  • Spirometry (lung capacity test) 
  • Audiometry (hearing test) 
  • Drug and alcohol screening 
  • General physical examination (e.g., cardiovascular, neurological, respiratory, musculoskeletal etc.)