Job Description

Title: Firefighter (Control)


Publish date: Monday 3 rd November 2025


Closing date: Monday 3 rd August 2026 at 1200 noon


Salary: Up to 34,415 plus CPD (1,070)





Hours: The role is a full-time position, averaging 42hrs a week (48hrs over an 8-day cycle). The role follows a four watch-based pattern of 2 consecutive day shifts, followed by 2 consecutive night shifts, then 4 days off. Day shifts are 8am to 7pm. Night shifts are 8am to 7pm.

Location

: Primarily based at West Midlands Fire Service headquarters, in Birmingham, with the requirement to work from a secondary location (in the West Midlands) at short notice.


Overview


West Midlands Fire Service (WMFS) is the second largest fire and rescue service in England, serving an area of 902km square and a population of more than 2.9 million people.


Our vision is 'Making the West Midlands safer, stronger and healthier'.


This vision and the strategic goals outlined in 'Our Strategy' are what drives the people, professionalism and pride with which we serve our communities.

Expression of interest for Firefighter (Control) inter-service transferees to Staffordshire and West Midlands Fire Control (SWMFC).

Are you ready for the challenge of working in one of the leading fire control rooms in the country?


SWMFC is at the core of innovation and pushes the boundaries of emergency response and mobilisation across two counties in the heart of England.


We are welcoming expressions of interest for fire control vacancies that may become available within the next 12 months, within our shared fire control, with plenty of opportunity for development towards supervisory management.



SWMFC serves as the fire control room for West Midlands Fire Service (WMFS) and Staffordshire Fire and Rescue Service (SFRS).


Our fire control operators take emergency calls, diffuse stressful situations, mobilise resources and equipment, and manage our vehicles and officers.


They liaise with firefighters who are at the scene of emergencies, record important details on incident logs, and work closely with the public and businesses on protection and prevention work. They also use our 999eye system to get imagery and video from 999 callers and use this, alongside other key skills, to dynamically adjust resources mobilised, where applicable and appropriate.


At SWMFC, the types of incidents we deal with can be many and varied - from fires to road traffic collisions, major industrial incidents and other significant threats to life and property. This is why we need our operators to be professional, highly skilled and dedicated to the service they provide.


With the responsibility of keeping the 3.8 million people that form the communities of Staffordshire and West Midlands safe, we serve a diverse geographical area of 3615 sq. metres.


We are a forward thinking and innovative team who adapt and respond effectively to emerging risks, while delivering the best possible service to our communities. As a result, the role of fire control continues to grow as we meet these new challenges.


We provide our fire control function primarily from one site, with two further sites in the West Midlands to enhance resilience. This is further supported locally and nationally through "buddy" arrangements with other fire controls across the country. These arrangements help all parties to meet dynamic demands, unique to the fire and rescue service.

Responsibilities

You will need to be adaptable to varying challenges and proactive in managing change. You will be robust in leading and supporting your team through periods of spate, spike and business continuity.


Y ou must be sector competent against the National Occupational Standards for Firefighter (Control). Knowledge of VISION 4 is desirable, but not essential, as training will be provided for any cross-system familiarisation.


You will need to be resilient and enthusiastic, with high degree of self-motivation, acknowledging the challenges that come with promoting change in organisational culture. We actively promote diversity and inclusivity in our workforce.


Experience and skills

Eligibility

We invite applications from fire control operators who are currently employed by a local authority fire and rescue service, and are either:


competent and have current compliance with all Firefighter (Control) National Occupational Standards, or


are in development working towards compliance with all Firefighter (Control) National Occupational Standards.


this must be supported by a certificate/summary of achievement, covering statement, or equivalent, by your current service


there should be no active or outstanding conduct investigations, or capability development outside of the normally expected development plans. This does not include development towards supervisory management


this is an open-ended expression of interest and as such there are no set timescales for the process. Information will be communicated to interested candidates as it becomes available.


Benefits


We offer a friendly working environment and benefits including:


free, on-site gym facilities


free, on-site parking.


We also offer access to an in-house occupational health (OH) facility, including OH health and fitness advisors, sports therapists, physiotherapists, cognitive behavioural therapy practitioners and counsellors.


In addition, employees have access to:


24/7 Employee Assistance Programme


wellbeing programmes


'blue light' discounts across many retailers, through partner schemes


Sports and Welfare scheme (for a small fee), with access to discounted products and services.


Diversity


We welcome applications from all eligible candidates. However, as women and black and minority ethnic employees are currently under-represented in our service, we particularly encourage applications from these groups.


WMFS is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and adults. We expect the same of every staff member.


Successful candidates will be subject to necessary pre-employment checks, including - where applicable - relevant level Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check, qualifications, medical clearance, identity and right to work. All applicants will be required to provide two suitable references.

Pre-employment checks

Please note that all appointments are subject to:


Satisfactory Basic DBS check


social media vetting


medical clearance following completion of relevant medical questionnaires


suitable references - this will include verification of competent or in-development status at the FF (Control) level.



A development needs analysis will be undertaken, by WMFS to, to assess what support and level of integration will be required as part of the transition process into our service, on a case-by-case basis.


How to apply


To apply, please complete the application questions outlining your skills and experiences in line with the job description.

Contact

Should you wish to discuss the role further please contact Darryll Darkin (Station Manager for Fire Control) on 07973810384 or via email

darryll.darkin@wmfs.net

We look forward to hearing from you!