Retained Firefighter

PARTICULARS OF SERVICE

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

QualificationsCharacter

Each applicant must be of good character.

Education

Each candidate must have obtained a good standard of general education.

Age

• Each applicant must be at least 18 years of age 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 that 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 employment with the Fire Service.

Location

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

Wicklow County Council is recruiting for the following Fire Brigades:

• Blessington Brigade
• Dunlavin Brigade

Each applicant must submit, with their application form, a letter from their employer stating that they have no objection to releasing the applicant as necessary to respond to fire calls.

The employment is part-time. The initial appointment will be for a probationary period of one year.

The normal retirement age for retained firefighters is 55 years. However, in accordance with Circular 04/2024, this may be extended up to 62 years, subject to approval and successful occupational health assessments.

If progressing with appointment, successful candidates will be required to:

Complete Garda Vetting.

Complete a pre-employment medical assessment.

Attend and successfully complete a Suitability Test.

Attend and successfully complete a three-week Recruit Training Course.

Attend a two-week Breathing Apparatus Wearers Course.

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

Duties

Be available and capable at all times when required to attend fires or other types of incidents.

Operate any duty rostering or availability scheme required by the Local Authority where rostering is in place.

Respond to fire calls, with a general response time of 5 minutes after the call is received.

Carry a Fire Brigade Pocket Alerter at all times and ensure it is kept in proper working order.

Reside and work sufficiently close to the Fire Station to enable a prompt response to all calls. If availability is affected by a change of work or any other reason, the firefighter will be required to resign.

Be responsible for all items of personal equipment issued in connection with employment.

Carry out all instructions issued in connection with employment.

Attend weekly training sessions at the local fire station and any other training or courses required by the Fire Authority during employment with the Fire Service.

Assist with or carry out the cleaning, testing, or repair of equipment when required.

Carry out any further duties assigned by the Local Authority from time to time.

Inform their employer that they are applying for the post.

Undergo regular medical examinations as required by the Fire Authority. These examinations will be carried out by a doctor nominated by the Fire Authority, which will be responsible for payment of the doctor's fee.

Absence from training sessions or fire calls without good reason will result in loss of payment or retaining fee, and continued absence over a six-month period may result in dismissal from the Brigade.

RemunerationRemuneration of Part-Time Retained Firefighter (Inclusive Annual Allowance)

Circular EL 04/2026

€17,021 - €20,454 per year