Being a Firefighter Control
The Regional Control Centre is the first point of contact people have with NIFRS in an emergency. A Firefighter Control answers emergency calls using specialised techniques. They support and protect people in potentially life threatening situations while mobilising our resources.
They make a vital contribution to the safety of our community working as part of a team. It can be unpredictable, exciting and rewarding. You will have the opportunity for job satisfaction and career development.
Have a look at the opportunities, pay, shift patterns and checklist to see if Firefighter Control is right for you.
Training
As a trainee Firefighter Control you will complete an initial training programme which currently lasts a minimum of 10 weeks (subject to ongoing review), after which you will be posted to a Watch within the Regional Control Centre.
Continuation training is carried out on the Watch, with specialist courses as required.
Career Opportunities
You will have excellent promotion and development opportunities throughout your career and could progress to being a Crew Commander, Watch Commander and Station Commander Controls.
Pay & Pension
Here’s what you could be earning while we continually contribute to your pension throughout your career.
| Role | Salary per annum* |
| Trainee Firefighter Control – Competent Firefighter Control | £23,000 – £31,000 |
| Crew Commander Control | £34,000 |
| Watch Commander Control | £35,000 |
| Station Commander Control | £40,000 – £45,000 |
* All salaries provided are an approximation, pay and progression is in line with national pay awards.
Shift Pattern
Our Regional Control Centre operates on the following shift pattern.
| 2-2-4 Crewing | Consists of 2 day shifts from 8.00am to 6.00pm, 2 night shifts from 6.00pm to 8.00am, followed by 4 days off. |
Firefighter Control Checklist
Are you…
- 18 years or older by the date of commencing training? (The date will be supplied during the recruitment and selection process)
- In possession of have 5 GCSEs at grades A-C including Maths and English or equivalent?
- Able to type 30 words per minute
- Able to use Microsoft Windows experience
- An excellent communicator?
- Able to work our shift patterns?
- Able to demonstrate the necessary skills, personal qualities and attributes of a Firefighter?
If so, make sure you check out the Candidate Application Pack for full details of requirements and criteria in our next recruitment drive.
Here’s what our people have to say
I’ve worked in the Regional Control Centre for 42 years. It is a privilege to be part of team NIFRS and to serve the community. My enthusiasm for the service, has encouraged those interested in joining us.
Jenny Costello
Station Commander Control
Regional Control Centre
My favourite part of the job is the variety. You can never really predict what you will be dealing with each shift.
Kyle Dougherty
Crew Commander Control
Regional Control Centre
My favourite part of working in RCC is the sense of teamwork amongst my colleagues, and how we all work together to help protect our community. During the pandemic I was redeployed from my current role in Systems Support to RCC. I worked along with White Watch who made me feel very welcome, and we all worked well together during a very difficult time.
Julie Stewart
Firefighter Control
Regional Control Centre
I love that no two days or incidents are the same, but my favourite part of the job is looking after the radios, and getting updates from the fire ground about ongoing incidents.
Aine Kelly
Firefighter Control
Regional Control Centre