Job Description
We are recruiting for Firefighters on the Wholetime Duty System.
It Starts with You - take the first step to becoming a firefighter at Derbyshire Fire & Rescue Service, working with colleagues across the Service to Make Derbyshire Safer Together for our local communities.
The role of a modern Firefighter is extremely varied. You should be a confident communicator as Firefighters spend a huge amount of time engaging with and educating people from different communities to help prevent emergency incidents occurring. They also train to respond to a wide range of incidents from; fires, road traffic collisions, specialist rescues, such as large animal rescues and water rescue incidents.
Please read through the recruitment information on our website here before you apply.
The essential criteria for applying is:
- Minimum age 18 at the start of the training course which is 13 April 2026
- Eligibility to work in the UK.
- Resident of Derbyshire or living within 10 miles of the Derbyshire border (There are two exceptions to this; armed forces personnel who are currently serving or have served in the past; and current Derbyshire Fire & Rescue Service employees with a permanent contract - see FAQ’s for additional information).
- 2 GCSEs or equivalent (grade C or 4 and above) in English and Maths.
- Have a full valid UK manual car driving licence (See FAQ’s if taking driving lessons)
- Be confident in and around water and can swim at least 100 meters unaided and tread water for one minute
- No known phobia of heights or confined spaces
- Meet required and ongoing fitness standards and medical health checks including eyesight examinations
- Complete a satisfactory enhanced criminal records check
The recruitment schedule is detailed below:
Applications Open | 8 October 2025 at midday |
Applications Close | 24 October 2025 at midday |
Online Assessments | 28 October 2025 to 4 November 2025 at midday |
Assessment Centres (Joint Training Centre, Ripley) | 22, 23 and 29 November 2025 |
Interviews | 8-12 December 2025 and 15-19 December 2025 |
Group Assessment Day (Joint Training Centre, Ripley) | 13 January 2026 |
Swimming test (Alfreton Leisure Centre) | 13 January 2026 |
Fitness Test / Medicals / Pre-employment checks / References | Commence 19 January 2026 |
Training course – 15 weeks | Commence 13 April 2026 |
Dates may be subject to change.
If you have a disability and need assistance completing the application form, please email wds@derbys-fire.gov.uk
Please note: Our Breathing Apparatus structure will be rebuilt in 2026, meaning an alternative location has been sourced for this part of the course. The training will take place in Waddington, Lincolnshire. Please be advised that you may be required to be away from home the week commencing 15 June 2026 and 22 June 2026 for up to 4 nights each week.