Retained Fire Fighter

Mayo County Council is the Fire Authority for all of County Mayo and, as such, is required to make reasonable provision for the prompt and efficient extinguishing of fires occurring in buildings and other places and for the protection and rescue of persons and property from injury by fire.

Mayo County Council, with one of the largest fire authority areas in the country, employs 150 retained Fire Fighters and has Fire Brigade units located at Castlebar, Ballina, Westport, Claremorris, Ballinrobe, Ballyhaunis, Swinford, Kiltimagh, Achill Sound, Belmullet, Crossmolina and Charlestown.

We are currently now inviting applications from candidates who are passionate in supporting and serving their local communities, for the position of Retained Firefighter. Panels will be created for positions in our Fire Brigade units in Ballina, Westport, Ballyhaunis, Achill Sound, Crossmolina and Charlestown.

In most circumstances a Retained Firefighter has another job / career and provides on call cover for a minimum of 24 weeks in the year for the Fire Service either from home, or in some circumstances, from their place of work. In the event of a fire call, the Retained Firefighter will be notified, typically by pager, and he / she must respond to the Fire Station immediately.

The Fire Service responds to all emergency calls from the public for assistance, primarily to protect life and save injury to individuals, but also to prevent and restrict damage to property. Many emergency calls, however, are not to fires, but to incidents where members of the community are trapped in vehicles, machinery or in other less life-threatening circumstances.

The firefighter’s working life and training is geared to responding safely and effectively to emergency calls, regardless of weather conditions or the time of day or night. Fully qualified firefighters are skilled technicians capable of using the most modern equipment, methods and techniques to undertake the full range of duties which can be deployed at any emergency incident.

It is essential before applying for this position that you are aware of the on-going training demands and the personal commitment that must be given to fulfil the role of a Retained Firefighter. This includes being able to drop personal responsibilities at immediate notice to respond to a fire call, which may last anytime from 10 minutes, 10 hours, or longer.

In order to function effectively in emergencies, Firefighters must demonstrate the following characteristics:

• Courage and physical strength

• A capacity for rapid, intense and sustained effort

• A capacity to use their own initiative when alone

• Complete and automatic familiarity with the equipment and tools of the profession (which may range up to major items of plant such as Fire Fighting appliance vehicles)

• A practical understanding of the basis of a wide range of subjects necessary to anticipate and overcome hazards

• Empathy with victims of emergency situations

• An ability to carry out their function in what may occasionally be emotionally difficult and harrowing circumstances

The role of a Firefighter is very challenging and rewarding and individuals are required to display determination, physical stamina and discipline in challenging situations.

Please take a moment to complete the questionnaire contained in Appendix B to determine if this is the career for you.

1. CHARACTER:

Candidates shall be of good character.

2. HEALTH:

Candidates shall be in a state of health such as would indicate a reasonable prospect of ability to render regular and efficient service.

Candidates who are successful will be required to undertake and successfully pass a medical examination before recruitment and in accordance with The Medical Standards for Recruitment to the Retained Fire Service; Local Government Management Services Board (2005).

3. RESIDENCE:

Candidates, on appointment and during their employment thereafter, must live and work within either 3 km or a maximum of 4.5 minutes travel time (based on GPS navigation planner e.g. Google maps or similar as determined by Mayo County Council) of the Fire Station. The distances are measured from the place of employment and from their primary residence (home) to the Fire Station. On receipt of a fire or other emergency call personnel should be in attendance at the station within five minutes.

4. EDUCATION, TRAINING, SKILLS ETC::

Candidates must have attained a suitable level of education to enable him/her to undergo successfully the appropriate training and to perform his/her duties satisfactorily as a Firefighter.

Candidates must hold both a valid Category B Licence on the latest date for receipt of the application form and a valid Learner Permit for Category C licence on appointment.

It is desirable but not essential to hold a valid Category C Licence.

5. CITIZENSHIP:

Candidates must, by the date of any job offer, be:

a) A citizen of the European Economic Area (EEA). The EEA consists of the Member States of the European Union, Iceland, Liechtenstein, and Norway; or

b) A citizen of the United Kingdom (UK); or

c) A citizen of Switzerland pursuant to the agreement between the EU and Switzerland on the free movement of persons; or

d) A non-EEA citizen who is a spouse or child of an EEA or UK or Swiss citizen and has a stamp 4 visa; or

e) A person awarded international protection under the International Protection Act 2015, or any family member entitled to remain in the State as a result of family reunification and has a stamp 4 visa; or

f) A non-EEA citizen who is a parent of a dependent child who is a citizen of, and resident in, an EEA member state or the UK or Switzerland and has a stamp 4 visa.

1. POSITION:

The employment is part-time and pensionable. A panel will be formed from qualified candidates from which appointments may be made.

2. REMUNERATION:

A Firefighter shall be paid at the appropriate approved national rates of Fire, Drill Fees and Retainer Fees and in accordance with any national agreements for Retained Firefighters.

Payment of fees is currently made quarterly but will be moving to fortnightly payment in due course. The current rates, as per Circular EL 07-2025, are outlined below.

A Firefighter shall be paid for hours attended at a fire or other emergency incident at the hourly rates shown below:

HOURLY RATE OF ATTENDANCE

Fire – Day*

Fire – Night/Weekend Bank Holidays

€51.04 (1st Hour)

€25.52 (Subsequent Hour)

€102.08 (1st Hour)

€51.04 (Subsequent Hour)

* Day is 08:00 – 20:00 every weekday excluding Bank Holidays

A Firefighter shall be paid an annual retainer allowance depending on years’ service as shown below:

€16,190 (0-1 Year); €17,192 (2-4 Years); €18,428 (5-7 Years)[ €19,555 (8+ years)

A Firefighter shall be paid for all hours worked at the appropriate approved national rates shown over.

Rates of pay

Drill fees

€51.04 per hour

Training courses/Special works – all other hours authorised by the Line Manager

€25.52 per hour

Community Fire Safety

A fixed payment of €39.26 per fortnight plus €25.52 per hour

The above rates are subject to review on an ongoing basis.

3. DUTIES:

A Retained Firefighter;

• Shall be required to attend at fires and other emergencies, drills, displays and other duties at such times and for such periods as required by the County Council. Failure to respond promptly to fire or other emergency calls will be addressed through the Local Authority’s disciplinary procedure.

• Who attends for Fire Brigade service must be prepared to accept the work entailed and to fulfil to the best of their ability their duty as a Firefighter in the saving of life, saving of property and the fighting of fires or other such emergencies.

• Must comply with the County Council’s Crew Management Arrangements for Retained Firefighters. Firefighters who are on standby during fires or other incidents shall remain at the Station and perform such duties as may be assigned by the Station Officer from time to time during the callout.

• Shall ensure that the Fire Station is kept clean & tidy at all times. Firefighting equipment shall be kept clean, maintained properly and stowed away in a safe manner.

• Is required to adhere to and co-operate with all National and Local Agreements pertaining to the Fire Services.

• Must attend Training Courses as directed.

• Must undertake driving duties as required.

• Must comply with all organisational policies, procedures and legislation.

• Must undertake any other duties as may be assigned from time to time.

4. COMPETENCIES:

Candidates for the post must demonstrate that they have competency and skills in the following areas. Application forms should include two practical examples which demonstrates these competencies. Interviews will be competency based and marks will be awarded under these skills sets.

Communication & Interpersonal Skills:

• Demonstrates effective interpersonal and communication (verbal and written) skills including skills in multi-disciplinary working and the ability to collaborate with colleagues.

Teamwork/Working with Others

• Demonstrates a clear understanding of Teamwork and group dynamics.

• Contributes fully to the team effort.

• Plays an integral part in the smooth running of teams without necessarily taking the lead.

Adaptability/ Flexibility

• Adjusts to changing environments whilst maintaining effectiveness.

• Modifies his or her approach to achieve a goal.

• Open to change and new information.

• Rapidly adapts to new information, changing conditions, or unexpected obstacles.

Candidates will also be assessed at interview on the basis of how they demonstrate their Relevant Knowledge and Experience.

Relevant Knowledge /Organisational Awareness

• Demonstrates an understanding and knowledge of the Local Government services and structure including the Retained Fire Service.

• Demonstrates an awareness of the operational abilities of Mayo Fire & Rescue Service and the demands placed on members of the Retained Fire Service.

• Demonstrates an understanding and knowledge of company policies and procedures (including Health and Safety) and the ability to conform with same.

5. AGE:

A Firefighter must be not less than 18 years of age on the first day of the month in which the latest date for receipt of applications occurs. A Birth Certificate must be submitted to the County Council as proof of age on or prior to employment.

6. RETIREMENT:

Retained firefighters shall retire upon attaining the age of 55 years (minimum retirement age) or sooner, if found to be medically unfit.

Firefighters who are physically capable of working beyond age 55 will have the option to continue working for a defined limited period of 1 year, subject to annual compulsory medical assessment on the basis of set medical standards under the Occupational Health Scheme. Such extended periods will be to the maximum age of 62 and, for the avoidance of any doubt, no firefighter can remain in service beyond their 62nd birthday, i.e., upon reaching age 62 years.

7. SUPERANNUATION:

Membership of the Single Public Service Pension Scheme is compulsory for all new entrant Retained Firefighters who commence employment on or after 1 January 2013. The provisions of the Single Public Service Pension Scheme will apply in the case of Retained Firefighters, with the exception of minimum pension age, as an earlier pension age is applicable to those employed in the retained fire service. Circular letters S. 6/2013 and S. 6/2013 (amended) apply.

8. HEALTH:

For the purpose, of satisfying the requirements as to health it will be necessary for successful candidates, before they are appointed, to undergo, at their own expense, such medical examinations (which may include x-ray and/or other special tests) as the County Council considers necessary. The County Council will nominate the medical examiners. On taking up appointment the expense of the medical examination will be refunded to candidates.

9. RESIDENCE AND PLACE OF EMPLOYMENT:

Successful candidates must live and work within 3.0 km of the Fire Station in which they are employed so as to allow them to respond for the duration of their employment as a Firefighter. However, other locations in excess of the 3.0 km from the Fire Station may be considered if the travel time (based on GPS navigation planner e.g. Google maps or similar as determined by Mayo County Council) does not exceed 4.5 minutes and the Council are satisfied that it does not adversely affect turn out times at their Fire Station. The routes are measured from the place of employment/ their primary residence (home) to the Fire Station.

Successful candidates will be required to provide documentary evidence of both the addresses of their primary residence and place of employment prior to being appointed. Such evidence may include, but is not limited to, House/ Car/ Business insurance policy documents, employer letter, bank statements, correspondence from the Revenue Commissioners, tenancy agreement etc. The Council reserve the right to seek any other documentation deemed necessary to ensure that it is satisfied that the evidence so required is provided.

10. OTHER EMPLOYMENT:

Written evidence must be provided from the employer as to availability prior to appointment, and the County Council in its sole discretion, shall decide as to whether the availability, as so evidenced, is acceptable. Self-employed persons must provide written evidence as to availability.

Such written evidence must cover a candidate’s availability for initial training and for fire and other calls, drills, training, and such other duties which he/she may be required by the County Council to perform.

11. ANNUAL LEAVE:

Annual leave entitlement is 28 days per year pro rata

12. DRIVING LICENCES:

Successful candidates must hold a current valid learner permit for Category C licence, on recruitment, and obtain the full valid Category C and Category BE driving licences within their probation period.

13. LEARNING AND DEVELOPMENT:

It is a condition of employment that successful candidates will be required to participate in training programmes relevant to the skills necessary for the performance of the duties attaching to the post. In addition, there are many opportunities for further professional and personal development.

A Firefighter shall be expected to acquire a level of training and knowledge as to enable them to interchange with and act as substitute for all personnel at operational level in the Fire Service of the County Council.

14. ATTENDANCE AT DRILLS AND INCIDENTS:

Firefighters are obliged to attend at alert/fire calls and at drills. This is the basis on which a retainer is paid. The onus on arranging to receive an alert/fire call shall rest with the Firefighter.

Drills

On station training is currently delivered in 2 hour modules during each and every week of the year. Allowing for 4 weeks of annual leave the maximum number of drill hours to be attended is 96 hours per annum i.e. 48 weeks at 2 hours per week. Crew members must attend/ participate in a minimum of 85% or 82 hours over the course of the year.

Incidents

Firefighters will be on duty as per the Crew Management Arrangements for Retained Firefighters as operated, from time to time, by Mayo County Council. Where manning levels permit, all firefighters will be rostered on for a minimum of 24 weeks per year. Firefighters must attend all incidents while rostered on.

They will be on Flexible duty at other times and can attend incidents during this time should they so wish.

15. CLOTHING/ EQUIPMENT:

Firefighters are, on appointment, issued with appropriate clothing and equipment relevant to the role of the Firefighter. While on duty a Firefighter shall use the clothing and personal equipment provided by the Council and same should be left in the fire station immediately after cessation of duty.

Firefighters are issued with an alerter and must carry the alerter at all times when on duty and shall not give it to any other person. They must maintain the alerter in good working condition and shall report any defects to the Station Officer / Sub Station Officer.

16. PROBATION:

Recruit Firefighters will be required to undergo and successfully complete each of the following training courses during their probationary period: -

i. A three-week Recruit Firefighting Skills Course (including Manual Handling);

ii. A two-week Using Breathing Apparatus (Initial Wearers') Course;

iii. A one-week Using Breathing Apparatus (Compartment Fire Behaviour Course);

iv. Any other course that the County Council may consider necessary.

Failure to successfully complete the three-week Recruit Firefighting Skills Course (item i above) will result in the immediate termination of your employment, while failure to successfully complete all of the above courses during your probation period will result in the termination of your employment at the end of the probation period. Some or all of the above courses will be held at a training facility, which may or may not be situated locally.

17. TRAVEL:

Mayo County Council reserves the right to provide a vehicle to enable you to carry out your duties. The provision of a vehicle will be at the discretion of the Chief Executive.

You may be required to use your car on official business. In such situations you must hold a current clean driver’s licence and have available adequate means of transport. It is your responsibility to arrange insurance cover with your own motor insurer for business use and to indemnify Mayo County Council (your employer). Travelling expenses and subsistence expenses necessarily incurred in the course of official duties will be refunded in accordance with appropriate rates and in line with Mayo County Council’s Travel and Subsistence Policy.

18. SAFETY HEALTH AND WELFARE:

Mayo County Council acknowledges its role in protecting the safety, health and welfare of its Firefighters. The County Council is committed to implementing and maintaining a programme that ensures, where possible, that all risks and hazards are eliminated or controlled to an acceptable level. The County Council will implement safe systems of work and methods to protect the safety, health and welfare of its Firefighters.

A firefighter shall comply with Section 13 of the Safety Health and Welfare at Work Act 2005, and shall familiarise themselves and cooperate with the terms of Mayo County Council’s safety management system.

19. THE COMPETITION:

Mayo County Council is committed to a policy of equality of opportunity in its employment practices and has a positive action programme in place to realise this policy. Mayo County Council is also committed, through its ‘Dignity at Work’ policy to the maintenance of a working environment free from all forms of harassment including sexual harassment and harassment on the grounds of gender, civil status, family status, sexual orientation, religion, age, disability, race and membership of the traveller community.