Key Skills

Job Description

The right person, in the right role, at the right time Wholetime Transfer Opportunities - APPLICATION CLOSED Cumbria Fire and Rescue Service is entering an exciting period of growth, and we are looking to expand our wholetime operational workforce. We welcome applications from our own dedicated On-Call colleagues who are looking to move into wholetime roles as well as external Firefighters, Crew Managers and Watch Managers from other Fire and Rescue Services. If you are committed to delivering an excellent service to our communities and would like to be part of our future, we would love to hear from you. The enhancement to Cumbria's response capability has been supported by funding from MHCLG About This Opportunity As part of our commitment to strengthening and growing our wholetime operational workforce, Cumbria Fire and Rescue Service is inviting applications from both internal and external candidates for wholetime Firefighter, Crew Manager and Watch Manager positions. This is a like-for-like transfer process and is not a promotion opportunity. Applicants are eligable to apply for multiple posts within this process but they cannot apply for a post higher their current substantive role. Eligibility We Welcome Applications From Current Cumbria Fire and Rescue Service On-Call Firefighters who have successfully completed their six-month Breathing Apparatus (BA) assessment and have achieved competent BA wearer status (out of red peaks). Current Cumbria Fire and Rescue Service On-Call Crew Managers and Watch Managers who are competent in their substantive role. External Wholetime Firefighters, Crew Managers and Watch Managers from a Local Authority Fire and Rescue Service who are competent in their current role. Please note that we will only accept applications from candidates employed by Fire Authority Fire and Rescue Services. For all external applicants, confirmation of competence and operational status will be sought directly from your current Fire and Rescue Service as part of the selection process. Desirable Qualifications Whilst not essential, applicants who hold any of the following qualifications or training may be able to demonstrate additional skills and experience relevant to the role: Incident Command Level 1 (ICL1) qualification Emergency Response Driving Training Applicants should provide details of any relevant qualifications or training held within their application. Evidence of qualifications and training may be requested as part of the selection process. Station Location and Working Patterns Cumbria Fire and Rescue Service operates several wholetime stations across the county. Successful candidates should be aware that there is no guarantee of placement at a particular station, and appointments will be made based on the needs of the Service. However, due to the funding from MHCLG the main focus of building in operational capacity into the service will be in Barrow and South Lakes (Windermere). Different stations operate different duty systems. Successful candidates may be required to work on any of the following arrangements: Wholetime Shift Pattern (2,2,4): Two day shifts, two night shifts, followed by four rest days. Day Crewed Duty System (at Penrith HQ - 10.5 hour shifts) Day Crewed Duty Systems (at Ulverston Blue Light Hub - 12 hour shifts) Day Crewed Standby Duty System (at Barrow Fire Station and Windermere Fire Station): Colleagues on this duty system will be required, on a rota basis, to remain within one hour of their designated station to provide support when required. An allowance is payable in recognition of this commitment (duty system and allowance currently being negotiated). Candidates, particularly those relocating from outside the county, should carefully consider the implications of these duty systems and location requirements before applying. If successful, you will join a professional and dedicated workforce committed to protecting the communities of Cumbria and delivering an excellent fire and rescue service across the county. Engagement Sessions To help you learn more about the opportunities available, we will be hosting two online engagement sessions via Microsoft Teams during the recruitment process. These informal sessions will provide prospective applicants with the opportunity to hear more about Cumbria Fire and Rescue Service, the roles available, the selection process, and what it is like to work within our wholetime workforce. Representatives from our operational management team and the Recruitment Team will be available to answer questions and provide further information to help you decide whether this opportunity is right for you. Whether you are an existing On-Call colleague considering a move into a wholetime role or an external applicant interested in transferring to Cumbria, we encourage you to attend one of these sessions to find out more. Dates, times and joining instructions for the sessions are provided in the key dates and information section. Key Dates and Information Salary: Dependent on role. Salary will be in line with the NJC Pay Settlement 2026. Posts assigned to stations operating a Day Crewed Standby Duty System may attract an additional allowance (duty system and allowance currently being negotiated) Hours: 42 hours per week Contract: Permanent Location: County-wide/ Subject to Duty System Engagement Sessions To help prospective applicants learn more about the opportunities available, we will be hosting two online engagement sessions via Microsoft Teams. Tuesday 20th Ocotober 2026 at 7pm - Link (link is external) Meeting ID: 358 349 267 863 647 0 Passcode: cE2JS6qL Tuesday 3rd Novemebr 2026 at 7pm - Link (link is external) Meeting ID: 345 713 503 774 217 Passcode: KC6yh36B These sessions will provide further information about the roles, the Service, and the transfer process. Members of the operational management team and the Resourcing and Talent Team will be available to answer any questions you may have. Closing Date: Sunday 8th November 2026 at 11:59pm Assessments: Week commencing 23rd November 2026 at Ulverston Blue Light Hub Post Specifications Firefighter Crew Manager Watch Manager Recruitment Pack * These posts require a Standard DBS Check * Adjustments We are committed to ensuring our recruitment process is accessible to all candidates and strongly encourage anyone who may require adjustments to make us aware as early as possible. You can request adjustments through the application form or by contacting the Resourcing and Talent Team directly using the email address below. We will have a confidential discussion with you and take a "tell us what you need and we will do our best to accommodate it" approach. Where an adjustment is not reasonably achievable, we will explain this as soon as possible. Resourcing and Talent Team: [email protected] Guaranteed Interview Scheme Cumbria Fire and Rescue Service operates a Guaranteed Interview Scheme for: Applicants whose most recent employer was the Armed Forces Care leavers Disabled applicants If you wish to be considered under the scheme, please indicate this when submitting your application. Any information provided will be treated confidentially by the Resourcing and Talent Team. Please note: To be eligible for the Guaranteed Interview Scheme, applicants must meet all of the essential criteria for the role and submit a fully completed application. How to Apply Firefighter Roles Apply here: CLOSED Apply here: CLOSED Please ensure that you complete and submit your application in full. You will not receive an email confirmation; however, upon successful submission, you will be directed to a confirmation page. Please note that CVs will not be accepted. If you have any questions regarding the vacancies or recruitment process, please contact the Resourcing and Talent Team: Email: [email protected] Frequently Asked Questions We have received a high volume of enquiries about this process, so we have put together some frequently asked questions to help provide further information and clarity. We are also aware that some people have been unable to attend one of our engagement sessions. To ensure everyone has access to the same information, we have created these FAQs to answer some of the most common questions we have received. FAQs: LINK About Cumbria Fire And Rescue Service Cumbria Fire and Rescue Service (CFRS) serves one of the most unique and diverse counties in England. From the mountains and lakes of the Lake District to the industrialised west coast, thriving market towns and extensive rural communities, our firefighters protect a county that presents a wide range of operational challenges and opportunities. Covering England's second-largest county, CFRS supports a resident population of almost 500,000 people, with over half living in rural areas. This population grows significantly throughout the year, with millions of visitors travelling to Cumbria to enjoy its world-renowned landscapes, outdoor activities and major events. Our Service is made up of approximately 650 firefighters and support staff operating from 38 fire stations across the county, including nine wholetime stations and 30 on-call stations. We respond to a broad range of incidents, from fires and road traffic collisions to flooding, water rescues, wildfires and complex rescues in challenging terrain. Cumbria is home to nationally significant sites and infrastructure, including Sellafield and BAE Systems, as well as major annual events such as Appleby Horse Fair and Kendal Calling. Our firefighters work closely with partners to help ensure these locations and events remain safe for those who live, work and visit the county. As a Service, we are committed to protecting our communities through our core priorities of Prevention, Protection and Response. Alongside our emergency response role, we carry out vital community safety work, educate young people, support vulnerable residents and help businesses meet their fire safety responsibilities. Joining CFRS means becoming part of a professional, forward-thinking organisation that embraces challenge, values its people and is dedicated to making a difference across the communities we serve every day. For more information about Cumbria Fire and Rescue Service, including our stations, fleet, operational risks and strategic priorities, please refer to our Recruitment Pack (Link Here) Living and Working in Cumbria As a place to live and work, Cumbria is hard to beat. Home to England's highest mountains, largest lakes and some of the most breathtaking scenery in the country, the county offers an exceptional quality of life alongside a rewarding career. From the stunning landscapes of the Lake District to the vibrant market towns, historic communities and picturesque coastline, Cumbria has something to offer everyone. What attracts people to the county and keeps them here is not only its natural beauty, but also the lifestyle it provides. Cumbria is regularly recognised as one of the best places to live in the UK, offering excellent schools, relatively low crime levels, affordable housing compared to many parts of the country and a strong sense of community. The county also boasts an unrivalled outdoor lifestyle, with opportunities for walking, cycling, climbing, watersports and countless other activities right on your doorstep. For those considering relocation, Cumbria offers the opportunity to build a rewarding career while enjoying a healthy work-life balance in one of the most beautiful parts of the country. Whether you are looking for outdoor adventure, family-friendly communities or simply more space to enjoy life, Cumbria has something for everyone. Our Vision and Values Our Vision A community-focussed, professional, and trusted Fire and Rescue Service that makes Cumbria a safer place for all. Our Values We believe passionately in the delivery of excellent public services to make Cumbria a safer place for all. To do that we need to be clear about the values and behaviours that we need to drive change and achieve our high standards.

Core Responsibilities

Protect Cumbria’s communities by responding to emergencies, including fires, road traffic collisions, flooding, water rescues, wildfires, and complex rescues. Support the Service’s prevention, protection, and response priorities through community safety work and collaboration with partner organisations.

Requirements

Applicants must be competent in their current substantive role and may apply only for a like-for-like transfer or a role below their current substantive level. Internal on-call applicants must meet the stated breathing apparatus competency requirements; external applicants must be competent firefighters or managers employed by a Local Authority Fire and Rescue Service.