Retained Firefighter

Qualifications

1. Character Each candidate must be of good character, and the successful applicant may be subject to Garda Vetting prior to any appointment being confirmed.

2. Age Each candidate must be at least 18 years of age on 1 April 2026.

The retirement age for retained firefighters is 55 years of age, with the possibility of extension up to 62 years of age subject to conditions.

3. Health Each candidate must be free from any defects that would render the person unsuitable to perform the duties of the post and must be in a state of health that indicates a reasonable prospect of delivering regular and efficient service.

To satisfy this requirement, candidates must undergo, at their own expense, an initial medical examination by a qualified medical practitioner nominated by Cork County Council. On taking up appointment, the cost of the medical examination will be refunded.

Retained firefighters will be required to undergo regular and ad hoc medical examinations at any time.

Given the strenuous nature of firefighting duties, the medical examination will be very thorough. The following conditions will render an applicant unsuitable and lead to disqualification:

It is recommended that retained firefighters be vaccinated against the Hepatitis B virus. The vaccine will be made available free of charge to successful candidates.

Fitness Test

As part of the pre-employment medical examination, candidates must complete a fitness test. Candidates who are successful at interview must pass the fitness test before employment is offered.

The fitness test is the Chester Step Test, which measures aerobic capacity and fitness and involves a moderately vigorous level of physical activity. A good level of fitness is required to pass this test, and it typically takes several weeks or longer to achieve the necessary fitness level.

Candidates who fail the initial Chester Step Test will be offered one further fitness test only. This may be either a Chester Step Test or a Shuttle Run test, as determined by Cork County Council. No additional retests will be offered.

4. Residence and Availability

Applicants must reside and work within two miles of the fire station of the relevant unit and must not have ordinary activities that take them away from the town where the brigade is located.

On receipt of a fire or emergency call, the firefighter must be able to attend the station within five minutes.

Unemployed persons may apply, provided they meet the residence and availability requirements.

5. Licence

Each applicant must hold a full current Category B European Community Model Driving Licence free from endorsement.

6. Garda Vetting

Candidates successful at interview will be required to undergo Garda Vetting, which will be arranged by Cork County Council.

Particulars of Employment

1. Employment Type The employment is part time. Panels may be used to fill permanent and temporary vacancies.

2. Pension New entrant retained firefighters who commence on or after 1 January 2013 will be members of the Single Public Service Pension Scheme, established under the Public Service Pensions (Single Scheme and Other Provisions) Act 2012.

The Single Scheme does not provide for a retained firefighters gratuity.

New entrants will pay superannuation contributions each quarter, with pension lump sum and pension payable on retirement, subject to conditions.

3. Retirement Retained firefighters must retire upon reaching the age limit for the employment, currently 55 years of age, with extension up to 62 years subject to conditions.

4. Training Requirements

Successful candidates will be appointed on a probationary basis and must complete the following courses:

a) Firefighting Skills Course A full time three week course held in Ireland, requiring attendance away from home from Monday to Friday

b) Breathing Apparatus Course A full time course of two weeks duration held outside the county

c) Compartment Fire Behaviour Training Course A one week course, normally held outside the county

d) Occupational First Aid Course A full time course of approximately three days held within the county

e) Class C Heavy Goods Vehicle driving licence

Failure to complete these courses satisfactorily will result in termination of employment.

5. Probation Subject to completion of required training, employment is subject to a one year probationary period. During this period, employment may be terminated by either party with one week’s notice.

After confirmation, employment may be terminated in accordance with the Minimum Notice and Terms of Employment Act 1973 or without notice in cases of serious misconduct.

6. Grooming Requirement Due to the requirement to wear breathing apparatus, all facial hair below the line of the upper lip must be removed.

7. Additional Training Retained firefighters must be prepared to attend additional training courses in Ireland or the United Kingdom.

8. Availability

Retained firefighters are required to be available for 24 weeks per year on a week on and week off basis, excluding four weeks of annual leave.

During off duty weeks, firefighters may attend incidents if they wish.

If a rostered member is unavailable, they must arrange cover with another member and notify the Station Officer or Sub Station Officer in advance.

Firefighters must reside and work within a distance that allows attendance at the station within five minutes. Any change in residence or workplace must be reported to the Chief Fire Officer. Failure to comply may result in termination.

The Council may request proof of availability prior to appointment.

9. Annual Leave

Four weeks annual leave per year is provided. Payment for annual leave is calculated as 8 percent of earnings from the previous year, excluding retainers, clothing allowance, and leave payments. Payment is made during leave through the fortnightly pay cycle.

10. Regulations and Conduct

Firefighters must comply with all rules and regulations issued by the Council. They must follow instructions from the Station Officer or designated officer during drills, incidents, or emergencies.

Failure to comply may result in dismissal.

Firefighters are under the supervision of senior fire service officers, including the Chief Fire Officer and other designated officers.

While on duty, firefighters must use the clothing and equipment provided and must not use them outside duty.

All safety policies and directives must be followed at all times.

11. Rostering Rostering arrangements will be determined by the Council.

12. Rate of Pay

€16,852 to €20,251 per year