Sponsored Reserve Firefighter - RAF Coningsby

A Unique Opportunity: Become a Sponsored Reserve Firefighter with the RAF and Capita Fire & Rescue

Are you driven by a desire to serve, passionate about firefighting, and looking for a career that offers both purpose and unparalleled experience? The Sponsored Reserve Firefighter role with the Royal Air Force (RAF), delivered in partnership with Capita Fire & Rescue, presents a truly distinctive opportunity. This position combines the expertise of civilian firefighting with the critical mission of military support, allowing you to contribute directly to national defence both in the UK and overseas.

Advantages of This Rewarding Career Path:

• Make a Mission-Critical Impact: As a Sponsored Reserve Firefighter, you will be an integral part of the RAF Firefighter force, providing essential Aerodrome & Rescue Firefighting capabilities. Your work will directly enable military operations and ensure the safety of personnel and assets across Defence estates, making a tangible difference to national security.
• Comprehensive Training and Specialised Skill Development: This role offers a fantastic foundation for your career. Successful candidates will undergo a full training programme designed to equip you with all the necessary skills to perform your role safely and effectively. You’ll be trained to use highly specialised vehicles and equipment, constantly maintaining and honing professional firefighter proficiencies through ongoing development.
• Competitive Compensation and Robust Benefits Package:
  • Attractive Starting Salary: Begin with a salary of £29,763 per annum, increasing to £33,483 once fully trained.
  • Significant Deployment Remuneration: Each overseas deployment comes with a generous £7,000 remuneration package, plus an additional £1,500 Operational Training Supplement if annual training obligations are met.
  • Comprehensive Benefits: Enjoy 23 days of holiday (with the option to buy more), a company-matched pension, life assurance, the Cycle2Work scheme, and an industry-leading 15 weeks of fully paid maternity, adoption, and shared parental leave.
• Exceptional Career Growth and Inclusive Environment: Capita is committed to fostering career advancement, offering exciting opportunities to expand your skills and explore new paths within a diverse network of forward-thinking professionals. They actively promote an inclusive environment, welcoming applications from all backgrounds (with particular encouragement for Black, Asian, and other ethnic minority candidates) and providing support for those requiring recruitment adjustments.
• Unique Blend of Civilian and Military Service: This hybrid role offers the best of both worlds – the structure and mission focus of military service combined with the long-term career stability and comprehensive benefits of a permanent, full-time civilian contract.

Key Considerations for Your Career Journey:

• Commitment to Overseas Deployment: A defining aspect of this role is the commitment to overseas deployment, following a structured cycle of 4 months deployed abroad, followed by 16 months in the UK, before redeployment. Candidates must be prepared for periods away from home and for supporting operations and exercises in potentially challenging environments. This requires a resilient and adaptable mindset.
• Rigorous and Lengthy Application Process: Due to the critical nature of the role, the application process involves various assessments (including situational and behavioural tests), background checks, and depends on course availability at the Fire Service College. Be prepared for a process that can take several months to complete. Patience and persistence are key.
• High Physical and Health Standards: Maintaining the safety of others requires peak physical condition. Applicants must meet strict fitness and health requirements, including passing various fitness tests (Selection Fitness Test, Pre-Joining Fitness Test/Pre-recruit Training Course) and specific health criteria (Body Mass Index, eyesight, medical conditions). A dedication to maintaining fitness is essential.
• Essential Qualifications and Eligibility: Candidates must hold a current full driving license and have a minimum of Grade C or 4-5 in GCSE English Language and Mathematics (or equivalent). Specific citizenship and residency requirements (UK/Republic of Ireland citizen, dual UK/other nationality passport holder, or Commonwealth citizen from birth; minimum 3-5 years UK residency) are also non-negotiable.

Who Should Consider This Role?

This opportunity is ideal for individuals who are:

• Passionate about firefighting and emergency response.
• Committed to serving their country and the Royal Air Force.
• Resilient, adaptable, and prepared for challenging environments.
• Eager to develop highly specialized skills through comprehensive training.
• Seeking a career with purpose, offering long-term stability and significant personal and professional growth.

If you are ready to embark on a career that is both challenging and profoundly rewarding, offering unique experiences and a clear path for development within a vital service, then this Sponsored Reserve Firefighter position could be your next step. Explore a career where your courage, skills, and commitment truly make a difference.