On-Call Firefighter Jobs in Dorset & Wiltshire – Part-Time Opportunity
Job Type: Part-Time
Job Category: Firefighter
Job Reference: REQ0006
Date Posted: 24 March 2026
Employer: Dorset & Wiltshire Fire and Rescue Service
Role: On-Call Firefighter
On-Call Firefighter Job Opportunity
Dorset & Wiltshire Fire and Rescue Service is inviting applications for On-Call Firefighter positions at eligible fire stations across Dorset and Wiltshire.
This is a part-time opportunity for people who live or work close enough to an on-call fire station to respond quickly to emergencies when paged.
Unlike wholetime firefighters, on-call firefighters do not work at the fire station full-time. Instead, they provide agreed hours of availability and are paid for the hours they provide, while responding to emergency incidents when required.
What Does an On-Call Firefighter Do?
On-call firefighters play an essential role in protecting local communities and may respond to:
- Fires in homes, businesses and open spaces
- Road traffic collisions
- Rescues from height or water
- Flooding incidents
- Animal rescues
- Other emergency and community incidents
Approximately two-thirds of firefighters in Dorset and Wiltshire are on-call, making these roles an important part of the Fire and Rescue Service.
Why Become an On-Call Firefighter?
Being an on-call firefighter can be both rewarding and challenging. You will have the opportunity to serve your local community while developing practical skills that can benefit your career and personal development.
You will gain experience and training in:
- First aid and medical response
- Driving qualifications
- Health and safety
- Emergency response
- Teamwork
- Communication
- Leadership
- Problem-solving
Who Can Apply?
You may be eligible to apply if you:
- Are 18 years old or over. Applications can be made from 17½.
- Live or work close to the fire station you are applying to.
- Have a good standard of physical fitness.
- Have basic swimming ability and sufficient water confidence to work safely during water-rescue situations.
- Can communicate clearly and confidently with members of the public.
Applicants must be able to demonstrate the required swimming and water-confidence ability if requested during the selection process.
Important: Your Location Matters
Because on-call firefighters must be able to respond quickly to emergencies, applicants need to live or work close to their chosen fire station.
When completing the application, you will be required to select one station.
Do not select more than one station on your application.
Fire Stations Not Currently Recruiting
The following stations are not currently recruiting for on-call firefighters:
- Christchurch
- Lyme Regis
- Melksham
- Weymouth
- Bridport
The following stations are crewed by wholetime firefighters only and are not open to on-call applications:
- Springbourne
- Westbourne
- Redhill Park
- Westlea
Equal Opportunities
Dorset & Wiltshire Fire and Rescue Service is an equal opportunities employer and welcomes applications from members of all communities.
The Service particularly encourages applications from:
- Women
- Neurodivergent applicants
- Black, Asian and minority ethnic communities
- LGBTQ+ candidates
- Applicants from diverse backgrounds
Pre-Employment Checks
Any offer of employment will be subject to the required pre-employment checks, which may include:
- Identity verification
- Right to work in the UK checks
- Medical assessment
- References
- Explanation of gaps in employment
- Standard DBS check
English Language Requirement
The role is covered by the Code of Practice on the English language requirements for public sector workers under Part 7 of the Immigration Act 2016.
As a firefighter, you will need to communicate clearly and confidently with members of the public and provide accurate advice in English.
Your spoken English will be assessed during the recruitment and selection process.
Certificate of Sponsorship / Visa Sponsorship
No Certificate of Sponsorship or visa sponsorship is stated in the vacancy information provided.
Applicants should therefore not assume that Skilled Worker visa sponsorship is available for this position.
The vacancy specifically requires successful applicants to complete right-to-work checks in the UK.
How to Apply
- Check that your preferred station is currently recruiting.
- Confirm that you live or work close enough to respond quickly.
- Review the requirements for becoming an on-call firefighter.
- Read the recruitment guidance.
- Select one station only on your application.
- Complete and submit your online application.
On-Call Firefighter Information
Fire Station Information
Email: oncallsupportofficers@dwfire.org.uk
Important Application Note
This is a local-response firefighter position, so proximity to the selected station is a key requirement.
Applicants should carefully check station availability and eligibility requirements before submitting an application.
Job Reference: REQ0006
Position: On-Call Firefighter
Contract: Part-Time
Employer: Dorset & Wiltshire Fire and Rescue Service