Firefighter - Joint Fire Control Opportunities

Job Introduction

Join Our Team: Fire Control Room Operator – Salfords, Surrey

Surrey Fire and Rescue Service (SFRS) is building a talent pool for future vacancies in our Joint Fire Control Room, based in Salfords, Surrey, with a view to selecting delegates for the apprentice course starting in January 2026. This vital role supports emergency response across Surrey, West Sussex, and East Sussex.

Salary & Benefits

• Starting salary: £28,865 per annum (Development Firefighter Control)
• Competent salary: £36,937 per annum
• Additional Surrey Allowance: £1,690 per annum
• Hours: 42 per week (rotating shifts including days, nights, and weekends)

Make a Real Difference

Are you calm under pressure? A strong team player? Ready to help save lives?

If so, this could be the role for you.

As a Fire Control Room Operator, you’ll be the first point of contact for emergency calls. You’ll help mobilise fire engines and crews, support incident management, and work closely with other emergency services.

You’ll join us as an apprentice, enrolled on the Level 3 Emergency Contact Handler Apprenticeship. Full training is provided.

What You’ll Do

• Answer and manage emergency calls
• Record and action information quickly and accurately
• Support ongoing incident coordination
• Carry out emergency and non-emergency tasks to ensure an effective response

What We’re Looking For

To be shortlisted, your application should show that you:

• Work well under pressure in a fast-paced environment
• Are flexible, positive, and proactive
• Can work independently and as part of a team
• Are committed to learning and development
• Can type at least 30 words per minute accurately
• Can process complex information quickly and effectively

Essential Qualifications

• GCSE English Language (Grade C / Level 4 or above)
• Four additional GCSEs (Grade C / Level 4 or above)

About Us

Surrey, East Sussex, and West Sussex Fire Services protect over 2.5 million people across 2,100 square miles. Surrey Fire & Rescue Service employs nearly 700 staff, all united by our vision:
With you, making Surrey safer.

We value:

• Community service
• Flexibility and innovation
• Diversity and inclusion
• Collaboration and continuous improvement

We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people, and vulnerable adults.

Our Core Code of Ethics

• Putting communities first
• Integrity
• Dignity & Respect
• Leadership
• Equality, Diversity & Inclusion

Recruitment Process

Stage 1:

• Submit your application via our recruitment portal
• Upload evidence of qualifications

Stage 2:

• Attend an assessment centre (week commencing 17th November)
  • Typing test
  • Group discussion

Stage 3:

• Behavioural interview (week commencing 24th November)

Training Start Date:

• Monday 12th January 2026

Open Day – 25th October 2025

Come and see the control room in action!
To attend, please register via this link: JFC Open Day – 25th October 2025

Location

• Broadcast House, Woodhatch Place, Cockshot Hill, Reigate RH2 8EF
• Interviews held at Joint Fire Control, Salfords

Contact Us

For an informal chat about the role, contact:

• Lucinda Baker – lucinda.baker@surreycc.gov.uk
• Lorraine Cleaver – lorraine.cleaver@surreycc.gov.uk

Our Commitment

Surrey County Council is proud to be a Disability Confident Employer.
We offer guaranteed interviews to disabled applicants who meet the minimum criteria.
As an inclusive employer we welcome applications from all backgrounds and communities.