Retained Fire Fighter

PARTICULARS OF SERVICE

The Council is seeking applications from suitably qualified candidates with relevant experience for the position of Part-Time Retained Firefighters. It is proposed to form a panel of qualified candidates from which vacancies will be filled during the lifetime of the panel.

QUALIFICATIONS

CHARACTER: Each applicant must be of good character

EDUCATION: Each candidate must have obtained a good standard in general education.

AGE: Each applicant must not be less than 18 years on the closing date for receipt of application forms. Candidates should not be more than 55 years of age on the latest date for receipt of applications.

HEALTH: Each applicant must be free from any defect or disease which would render him / her unsuitable to hold the post and must be physically fit. Before being accepted, he / she will be required to pass a medical examination and any further medical examinations required during his / her employment with the Fire Service.

LOCATION: Candidates must reside and work a maximum of 5 minutes of the fire station in which they would like to be stationed.

PRINCIPAL CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT

Wicklow County Council is recruiting for the following Fire Brigade:

• Blessington Brigade

Each applicant must submit with their application form, a letter from their employer which states that he/she had no objection to releasing the applicant as necessary to respond to fire calls. The employment is part-time. The initial employment will be for a probationary period of one year. Normal age of retirement for retained fire-fighters is 55 years of age, however in accordance with Circular 04/2024 this may be extended up to 62 years of age, subject to approval and successful occupational health assessments.

The appointment is subject to Garda Vetting. If progressing with appointment, successful candidates will be required to:

Attend and successfully complete a Suitability Test

Attend and successfully complete a three week Recruit Training Course; and thereafter

Attend a two-week Breathing Apparatus Wearers Course; and

Attend a one-week Compartment Fire Behaviour Course (usually within the first year of employment).

Scheduled dates will be confirmed.

COMPETENCIES

Key Competencies for the post are set out as follows:

COMPETENCY – BEHAVIOURS

RELEVANT EXPERIENCE

• Technical competence

• Dealing with an emergency situation

• Administering first-aid

• Local Authority general operative/army

• Knowledge of health and safety issues

• Knowledge of the role

TEAM WORK

All fire fighters form part of a team. Candidates are assessed on the basis of evidence of:

• Team working to date in work, school or leisure time activities

• Understanding of group dynamics

COMMUNICATIONS / INTERPERSONAL SKILLS

• Good communication/interpersonal skills

• Ability to get message across in a clear and concise manner

• Experience to date

• Communication expertise at interview

AVAILABILITY & ADAPTABILITY

• Flexibility

• Versatility

• Adaptability

• Experience to date

DUTIES

He / She shall be available and capable at all times when required for attendance at fires or other type incidents.

He / She shall operate any duty rostering or availability scheme required by the Local Authority where rostering is in place.

Response time to Fire Calls shall generally be 5 minutes after the call is received.

He / She will carry one of the Fire Brigade Pocket Alerters at all times and will be responsible to see that it is kept in proper working order at all times.

He / She must reside and work sufficiently close to the Fire Station, to enable him / her to respond promptly to all calls. If at any time his / her availability is affected by change of work or any other reason, he / she will be required to resign.

He / She will be responsible for items of personal equipment issued to him / her in connection with his / her employment.

He / She will carry out all instructions issued to him / her in connection with his / her employment.

He / She will attend weekly training sessions at the local fire station, or any other training or courses, as required by the Fire Authority during their employment with the Fire Service.

When required, he / she will assist or carry out the cleaning, testing or repair of equipment.

He / She shall carry out further duties that may be assigned to him / her from time to time by the Local Authority.

He / She will inform his / her employer that he / she is applying for the post.

Each member of the fire Brigade will be required to undergo regular medical examinations, as required by the Fire Authority. The medical examination will be carried out by a Doctor nominated by the Fire Authority, who will be responsible for the payment of their fee.

Absence from practices or fire calls without good reason will debar payment or retaining fee and continued absence over a six month period will incur dismissal from the Brigade.

REMUNERATION

REMUNERATION OF PART-TIME RETAINED FIRE-FIGHTER INCLUSIVE ANNUAL ALLOWANCE - Circular EL 07/2025

Annual Retainer:

On recruitment €16,190

2-4 Years €17,192

5-7 Years €18,428

8+ €19,555