Are you looking for fulfilment, opportunities and community?
Whether you've always wanted to be a firefighter, or you simply want to find out more, we have plenty of information to help you.
We are looking for enthusiastic members who will reflect all voices within our diverse communities. There are huge benefits to having firefighters with different ways of thinking and different experiences in life.
Not only does it help make sure our work reflects the communities we serve, but we find better solutions and increase innovation and creativity.
That's why we are keen to hear from as many people as possible, whatever your background, age and skills.
Follow us on social media for hints and tips on the recruitment process.
Timeline
As we are an emergency service, we may need to adjust this timeline.
Applications
Our application portal JobTrain opened on 14 March and closes 3 April 2025.
You may also want to consider our On Call firefighter opportunities.
Online Assessment
The day-to-day life as a firefighter means you need to be able to communicate well both when you speak and in writing, and deal with calculations such as how long a full tank of water on a fire engine will last. You will need to actively listen, process information and then practically apply it in the job.
This is why we run online assessments which will need to be completed between 31 March and 13 April 2025.
We will receive the outcomes of the Online Assessment between 22 April 2025 to 28 April 2025 and inform candidates.
Physical Testing - Shuttle Runs
We will invite you to book onto an one-hour session due to be held in Eastbourne between noon and 8pm on 24 May and 31 May 2025.
We will inform you of the outcome between 2 June 25 to 8 June 2025.
Physical Testing
We will invite you to book onto a session at our Service Training Centre in Maresfield between 12 June and 1 July 2025.
We aim to inform you of the outcome by 4 July 2025.
Interview Panels
We aim to hold the interviews between 23 June to 13 July 2025.
We will contact successful candidates who will be added to a pool.
Candidates – pool
We are aiming to have up to 100 people in the pool. Please note you may be in the pool for some time and so please ensure you do not hand in your resignation in any current jobs.
We then approach people to join a training programme. You will be measured for your fire kit and other uniform and we will begin the process to officially employ you.
Firefighters come in all ages, shapes and sizes.
While you do have to be physically fit, good technique can really help.
Are you engaging, approachable, supportive, resilient, compassionate and adaptable? Becoming a firefighter is an amazing career and it could be perfect for you!
These tests are related to the actual tasks a firefighter will face and are designed to test fitness and the ability to understand and apply information
You may have heard of Couch to 5K – a brilliant way to you running in just a number of weeks, even if you have never run before
Frequently asked questions -
Question - I just wanted to get in touch and ask about when the application process opens for wholetime firefighters as I was concerned that I may have not been sent a link or missed out.
Answer - Applications will be opening mid-March
Question – Can I transfer my existing pension if I join?
Answer - Our firefighters are auto-enrolled in the firefighters 2015 scheme, which can accept transfers in from other schemes. Here’s some information: Transferring pension from other schemes | Firefighters' Pension Scheme. It’s obviously wise to get independent advice on whether it’s worth it.
Question - Is there a minimum for full pension?
Answer - I have been told our staff are auto-enrolled in the 2015 scheme. This page tells you all about it: Firefighters' Pension Scheme 2015 | Firefighters' Pension Scheme. This is probably the most relevant page: When can I retire? | Firefighters' Pension Scheme
Question - Can I be a reservist in the Army whilst being a firefighter.
Answer - East Sussex Fire & Rescue Service (ESFRS) supports membership of the Armed Reserve Forces by our employees. We will allow individuals to become members of the Volunteer Reserve Forces, as far as the operational demands of the Service allow.