jobs

Waterford City & County Council

Role of the Firefighter<ul><li>To save life and preserve endangered life.</li><li>To protect property from damage by fire and firefighting measures.</li><li>To render humanitarian services.</li><li>To inform and educate the community to improve awareness of safety.</li></ul>Requirements for a Firefighter<ul><li>At least 18 years of age on appointment.</li><li>Physically fit and agile with good stamina.</li><li>Able to work in hazardous conditions for long periods, including at heights and in confined spaces.</li><li>Mechanically adept with good dexterity and coordination.</li><li>Trustworthy, honest, dependable, and of good character (Garda Clearance required).</li><li>Self-reliant and self-assured with a keen sense of discipline.</li><li>Able to contribute to and work within a team.</li><li>Able to understand and memorise technical information.</li><li>Able to communicate effectively verbally and in writing.</li></ul>Health and SafetyHealth and Safety is a key part of every firefighter’s role.<li>Duty while at work:<ul><li>Take reasonable care for one’s own safety, health, and welfare and that of others who may be affected by their acts or omissions.</li><li>Cooperate with the employer and others to comply with statutory provisions.</li><li>Properly use any protective clothing, appliances, equipment, or other safety measures provided.</li><li>Report any defects in plant, equipment, workplace, or system of work that might endanger safety, health, or welfare without unreasonable delay.</li></ul></li><li>No person shall intentionally or recklessly interfere with or misuse any appliance, protective clothing, or other safety equipment.</li>Garda Clearance<ul><li>The Service is in a position of public trust. A criminal record does not automatically disqualify applicants; all cases are assessed on merit.</li><li>Candidates must declare any convictions or pending charges. Failure to disclose may void the application or result in termination of employment.</li><li>Garda clearance will be carried out prior to appointment.</li><li>Any offences occurring between application and appointment must be reported in writing.</li></ul>Training<ul><li>Retained Firefighters must attend and pass a three-week initial training course at a training centre selected by the Chief Fire Officer.</li><li>Training covers practical firefighting, search and rescue, and the safe use of equipment such as ladders, pumps, and hoses.</li><li>Two weeks of Breathing Apparatus training follows. Failure to complete training satisfactorily may result in termination.</li><li>Ongoing recruit induction and development programs are required to equip firefighters with necessary skills.</li><li>Firefighters must attend weekly 2-hour drill nights and a 3-day block training course, typically held in Spring.</li><li>Attendance at all training is mandatory and may require absence from other employment.</li></ul>Character<ul><li>Candidates must be of good character and submit certificates from two responsible citizens not related to them.</li></ul>Age<ul><li>Candidates must be over 18 years at appointment.</li><li>Normal retirement age is 55 years.</li></ul>Health<ul><li>Free from defects or disease that would render them unsuitable.</li><li>Must pass a medical examination by a qualified practitioner nominated by Waterford City &amp; County Council.</li><li>Required to cooperate with the National Occupational Health System for Retained Firefighters.</li></ul>Educational Standard<ul><li>Minimum of Grade D (or a pass) in five subjects, including Mathematics and English, from the Junior Certificate or equivalent.</li></ul>Driving Licence<ul><li>Must hold an unendorsed Class ‘B’ Driving Licence or provisional Class ‘B’.</li><li>Firefighters may be required to obtain an HGV licence to drive fire appliances.</li></ul>Annual Leave<ul><li>Four weeks per annum (28 days).</li><li>Payment for annual leave is 8% of earnings (excluding retainer, clothing allowance, and previous year’s public holiday/annual leave pay).</li><li>Payment is made during the fortnightly pay cycle.</li></ul>References<ul><li>Submit details of two responsible persons known to the applicant but not related; at least one must be a previous employer.</li><li>Employment offers are subject to satisfactory references. Waterford City &amp; County Council reserves the right to withdraw offers based on unsatisfactory references.</li></ul>Remuneration<ul><li>Part-time employment.</li><li>Fortnightly pay schedule effective from 2025 (Circular E.L. 03/2023).</li><li>Annual pay range: €16,190 – €19,555.</li></ul>

Council jobs

Council jobs

Retained Firefighter