Scottish Fire and Rescue Service launch recruitment drive for 999 call handlers

The Scottish Fire and Rescue Service has launched a national recruitment drive for Operations Control staff.

Based across three sites in Dundee, Edinburgh and Johnstone, the service is seeking new recruits who will be the first point of contact when members of the public dial 999.

Successful applicants will join a 14-week training period, learning how to co-ordinate an emergency response and keep people calm in times of distress.

The job offers a starting trainee rate of £22,981, moving to £30,632 when fully qualified.

Trainees will be taught how to how to give potentially life-saving advice and provide fire survival guidance to people who are trapped by smoke or fire.

Like many industries, the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service requires more applicants to come forward, but chiefs want to reassure the public that they are still adequately staffed to cope with emergencies.

Group Commander Coyle has worked for the service for 23 years.

She told STV News: “You can be assured that we have enough staff to manage and handle 999 calls. However, we are looking at investing in the future and that’s what we are looking to bring in, to boost our numbers and ensure that we have sufficient resources in the future.”

Applicants for the role of Firefighter Control must be aged 18 or over and be able to fulfil rotating shifts.

Talking about what the job is like, Group Commander Coyle added: “Our nationwide team of Firefighter Control staff provide a vital and rewarding service to Scotland’s communities.

“We deal with a range of calls from house fires and road traffic collisions to major incidents and severe weather-related flooding, keeping people calm in times of distress and concentrating resources where they’re most required.

“It is undoubtedly a challenging but hugely rewarding career and our committed instructors will work to ensure everyone is fully supported and guided through their training.

“Upon completion of their training, all Firefighter Control staff will be prepared and capable of handling emergencies of any scale.

“I would encourage anyone who is able to demonstrate valuable skills such as teamwork, communication and problem solving in pressurised situations to apply.”

Those interested should apply by the first of November.