Last updated

3 September 2024

About the role

Firefighters control are important for protecting communities and responding to emergencies.

Firefighter control

The role of a firefighter control is unique and dynamic. They play a vital role in supporting an emergency incident from the first call until the incident is safely resolved.

Firefighters control are professional, highly skilled, dedicated, and work as a team to deal with varied incidents. They train to use specialised emergency call handling techniques. During incidents, they support and protect callers in potentially life-threatening situations.

The role also involves managing many tasks during an incident, including:

  • answering emergency calls
  • mobilising our resources
  • communicate using radios
  • working with partners and other organisations
  • monitoring incidents from start to finish
  • maintaining accurate logs
  • supporting crews on the incident ground

Firefighters control use bespoke computer systems to mobilise resources quickly to an emergency. It also allows them to communicate with resources and officers, to gather information and provide support.

Two firefighters control seated at desks in an emergency control room, actively using computers.
Firefighters Control in our Operations Control room

What you'll need

  • You must be at least 18 years old to apply.
  • Stay calm and work under pressure while processing key information.
  • Keyboard experience with good analytical skills and the ability to communicate effectively.
  • An ability to record and manage data and a commitment to learning.
  • A flexible approach to rotating shift patterns. These include nights, bank holidays and weekends.

Training and development

  • As a Firefighter Control, you will undertake intensive training course at our National Training Centre in Cambuslang. The course runs from Monday to Friday, 9am to 5pm.
  • This includes theoretical and practical assessments.
  • On completion of your initial training course, you will join your assigned watch.
  • The pathway to becoming fully qualified takes 36 months.
  • Upon completion of your assessment, you will become a fully competent member of the watch.

Progression opportunities

We have realistic promotion opportunities.

You first need to develop your skills and show a level of competency within your current role.

To progress, you'll take part in an interview process to make sure you're right for the next role.

Annual leave

  • Firefighters control have 30 days’ leave allowance per year.
  • After five years you'll be entitled to an extra three days' leave.

Salary

Salaries for firefighter control are as follow (as of July 2024):

  • Trainee rate - £26,852
  • Development rate - £27,970
  • Competent rate - £35,791

Related content

Interviews

Overview of the interview for the role of firefighter control

Practical selection tests

The practical selection tests evaluate your ability to perform tasks required in the role of a firefighter control.