NIFRS Launch NI-Wide Recruitment Drive

Northern Ireland Fire & Rescue Service (NIFRS) has launched a recruitment drive for On-Call Firefighters for 46 Fire Stations across NI.

On-Call Firefighters are part-time Firefighters who respond to emergency incidents in their local area, including fires, road traffic collisions and other specialist service calls. They also play a crucial role in providing safety advice to their local community.

NIFRS is recruiting people who live or work within 5 minutes of the following stations- Antrim, Ballycastle, Ballyclare, Ballymena, Ballymoney, Ballynahinch, Ballywalter, Bangor, Belleek, Carnlough, Carrickfergus, Carryduff, Castlederg, Clogher, Coleraine, Comber, Cookstown, Crescent Link, Crossmaglen, Cushendall, Downpatrick, Dromore (Down), Dromore (Tyrone), Dungannon, Dungiven, Enniskillen, Fintona, Glengormley, Holywood, Irvinestown, Keady, Kilkeel, Kilrea, Larne, Lisburn, Lurgan, Maghera, Newcastle, Newtownhamilton, Newtownstewart, Omagh, Portadown, Portaferry, Portrush, Portstewart and Warrenpoint.

Brian Stanfield, Area Commander, NIFRS explains: "NIFRS simply could not operate without our On-Call Firefighters as they provide emergency fire and rescue services to their local communities 24/7. Being a Firefighter is an interesting and fulfilling role, allowing you to protect your local community.

"On-Call Firefighters must be able to quickly respond to emergencies by making their way to the Fire Station within 5 minutes when alerted by pager, where they will meet the rest of their crew.

"Local employers also have an extremely important role to play in the success of our On-Call Firefighter system by allowing their employees to become On-Call Firefighters. Local employers who have On-Call Firefighters on their staff benefit by having someone on site who has developed a wide range of skills and experience. NIFRS greatly appreciates the support of local employers in helping provide the best possible fire and rescue service.

"On-Call Firefighters are paid a retaining fee, emergency call-out payments and a payment to attend a weekly drill night, which is 2 hours per week in the evening. Our On-Call Firefighters are trained to the highest standards and take part in 12 days training each year to ensure we have the most highly skilled Firefighters to help protect our local communities."

Candidates can apply online and download application packs from the Current Vacancies page.

NIFRS values its people and is committed to the principle of equal treatment for all applicants for employment irrespective of age, gender, race, sexual orientation, disability, religion or political opinion.

NIFRS is currently under represented by women and applications from this group are particularly welcome. Appointment will be made solely on merit.

The closing date for applications is 12pm on Friday 10 February 2023.

• Open Nights

Each station will host an 'Open Night' where interested candidates can come along to find out more information on the On-Call recruitment process. These will be held on the following evenings:

Monday 30 January 2023

Ballycastle- 7.30pm

Ballymena- 7.30pm

Belleek- 7.30pm

Carrickfergus- 7.30pm

Clogher- 7.30pm

Cookstown- 7.30pm

Kilkeel- 7.30pm

Newcastle- 7.30pm

Portaferry- 7.30pm

Warrenpoint- 7.00pm

Tuesday 31 January 2023

Ballyclare- 7.00pm

Ballynahinch- 7.30pm

Carnlough- 7.30pm

Coleraine- 7.30pm

Holywood- 8.00pm

Keady- 7.30pm

Lurgan- 7.00pm

Maghera- 7.30pm

Omagh- 7.30pm

Wednesday 1 February 2023

Antrim- 7.30pm

Ballywalter- 7.30pm

Bangor- 7.30pm

Carryduff- 7.30pm

Crossmaglen- 7.30pm

Cushendall- 7.30pm

Downpatrick- 7.30pm

Dromore (Down)- 7.30pm

Dromore (Tyrone)- 7.30pm

Dungannon- 7.30pm

Irvinestown- 7.30pm

Kilrea- 7.30pm

Larne- 7.00pm

Portstewart- 7.30pm

Thursday 2 February 2023

Ballymoney- 7.30pm

Castlederg- 7.30pm

Comber- 7.00pm

Crescent Link- 7.30pm

Dungiven- Please attend Crescent Link

Enniskillen- 7.30pm

Fintona- 7.30pm

Glengormley- 7.30pm

Lisburn- 7.30pm

Newtownhamilton- 7.00pm

Newtownstewart- 7.30pm

Portadown- 7.30pm

Portrush- 7.30pm

As well as in-person 'Open Nights' at local stations, there will also be a 'Virtual Open Night' for all stations held on Zoom on Tuesday 7 February from 7.30pm-9pm. This 'Virtual Open Night' will provide further information on the On-Call recruitment process. If you are interested in attending the Virtual Open Night please email nifrs.recruitment@nifrs.org by no later than 9am Tuesday 7 February 2023 to register.