Cork City Fire Brigade is not recruiting at present.  Future recruitment will be advertised in the National Newspapers.

Qualifications for Post of Probationer Firefighter

Qualifications

This section outlines what is required by Cork City Fire Brigade at the time of recruitment.  

This is not a job advertisement - it is for information purposes only. 

Note: This information may vary at the time of competition. Competitions will be advertised from time to time and application forms will only be accepted at competition time.  

Before completing an application form for the post of wholetime Probationer Firefighter, it is important that you carefully read the following information.

The common image of the Fire Service is naturally one of firefighters turning out in fire appliances and fighting fires. It is true, of course, that some of the work involves attendance at fires, but the role of the Service is much wider and the needs of the community, for an emergency service, much more varied.

The Brigade responds to all emergency calls from the public for assistance, primarily to protect life and save injury to individuals, but also to prevent and restrict damage to property. Many emergency calls, however, are not to fires, but to incidents where members of the community are trapped in vehicles following road traffic accidents, trapped in machinery, or trapped in less life threatening circumstances, as well as being called to deal with chemical spillages and toxic emissions.

To deliver this service to the public the Brigade has to develop operational plans, ensure the provision of adequate water supplies for fire fighting; ensure that effective arrangements exist to receive emergency ‘999’ calls and mobilise resources; implement effective operational communication systems throughout the Brigade; enforce, promote and encourage fire safety within the City by programmes of inspection and publicity; conduct effective training to develop the skills and abilities of personnel; and provide, maintain and repair its premises, vehicles, plant and equipment.

Fully qualified firefighters are skilled technicians capable of using the most modern equipment, methods and techniques to undertake the full range of duties involved in fire fighting, rescue, road accidents, toxic and dangerous chemical spills and other emergencies.

The firefighter’s working life and training is geared to responding safely and effectively to emergency calls, regardless of weather conditions or the time of day or night. Every time firefighters are called to the scene of an emergency they must be prepared to deploy each and every skill in which they have been trained. When they arrive at an incident as part of a team under the command of a Sub Officer or a Leading Firefighter, they may individually have to absorb a great deal of information rapidly and apply the skills they have learned in conditions which will often be extremely dangerous and confusing. Despite all the training given in preparation for such incidents, however, firefighters will from time to time be faced with new situations where they may individually be required to provide the answers using previous experiences as a guide.

Joining Cork City Fire Brigade

Firefighters wearing breathing apparatus, feeling their way through a smoke filled building with toxic hazards, in order to effect a rescue, cannot ask for instructions. In order to function effectively in emergencies every firefighter’s pre-eminent characteristics must be those of -

• courage,
• physical strength,
• the capacity for rapid, intense and sustained effort,
• an unquestioning acceptance of orders at emergencies
• capacity to use initiative when alone,
• the skilled technician’s complete and automatic familiarity with the equipment and tools of the profession (which may range up to major items of plant such as the Bronto platform),
• a practical understanding of the basis of a wide range of subjects necessary to anticipate and overcome hazards,
• sympathy towards victims of emergencies
• ability to carry on in what may occasionally be emotionally harrowing circumstances.

A Good Job

Action, serving the community, job satisfaction, security and a pension – with all this on offer competition for entry into Cork City Fire Brigade is extremely fierce. If you can meet the demands of a public service with a first class reputation for dealing with all types of serious incidents, the Fire Service can offer you a secure and satisfying job.

A Satisfying And Progressive Career

The first few years of your career as a firefighter will be demanding both physically and mentally. Initially, you will be posted to an operational watch at a Fire Station and for the first year you will be on probation. You will be expected to absorb a wide range of information and to demonstrate your technical and practical skills through a series of assessments and examinations.

Always Improving

Technological developments in every dimension of our lives and new hazards have to be matched by improvements in fire fighting techniques and equipment. In addition for Fire Officers, there are also continuing and important managerial developments and responsibilities. This is why the Fire Service needs people of ability to command the firefighters of the future.

A reasonable standard of education is desirable so that you can assimilate the technical work involved in today’s service. The role of a modern firefighter is very challenging and rewarding and individuals are required to display determination, physical stamina and discipline in stressful situations. 

Hours of Work  

A Shift system, relative to the posting exists. This is designed to provide continuous cover throughout the year (which will include nights, weekends and public Holidays and is subject to change from time to time.  

Hours of Duty and Shift Work  

Day Shift - 0900 hours - 1800 hours

Night Shift - 1800 hours - 0900 hours

Weekend - 0900 hours - 0900 hours

 

General

Firefighters will be required to attend courses as directed from time to time. They will be required to obtain a HGV licence at the Authority’s expense to enable them to drive Fire Appliances. They are expected to become competent swimmers.

Cork City Fire Brigade has its own Disciplinary Code which is integral to the Service. Firefighters within Cork City Fire Brigade enjoy high standing in the community and members are required to maintain a high standard of dress and appearance as well as conducting themselves in a responsible manner at all times. 

Health and Safety

1. It shall be the duty of every firefighter while at work:

 

• Comply with relevant laws and protect their own safety and health, as well as the safety and health of anyone who may be affected by their acts or omissions at work.

   

• Ensure that they are not under the influence of any intoxicant to the extent that they could be a danger to themselves or others while at work.

   

• Cooperate with their employer with regard to safety, health and welfare at work.

   

• Participate in safety and health training offered by their employer.

   

• Make proper use of all machinery, tools, substances, etc. and of all personal protective equipment provided for use at work.

   

• Report any defects in the place of work, equipment, etc. which might endanger safety and health.

2. No person shall intentionally or recklessly interfere with or misuse any appliance, protective clothing, convenience, equipment, or other means of thing provided in pursuance of any of the relevant statutory provisions or otherwise, for securing the safety, health or welfare of persons arising out of work activities.

 

Main Duties and Responsibilities:

• To respond to and deal with emergency calls immediately and safely.

   

• To write clear and concise reports.

   

• To work effectively and efficiently as a member of a team.

   

• To undertake all training as required.

   

• To acquire and maintain knowledge to enhance professional skills in all areas relevant to the position including:-

1. topography
2. hazards and special risks
3. water supplies and fixed fire fighting systems, etc.

• To maintain, clean, repair and test firefighting and emergency equipment as required.

   

• To uphold the Brigade’s high standards and reputation with particular regard to appearance, dress, conduct, behavior and demeanor.

   

• To maintain a level of health and fitness commensurate with your duties as a Firefighter.

   

• To adhere to all aspects of the Discipline Code

   

• To understand, comply with and implement all relevant policies of Cork City Council and Cork City Fire Brigade, e.g.

1. Health & Safety
2. Equality Issues, etc.

• To undertake routine administrative duties, including the use of information technology, as required.

   

• To undertake driving duties as required.

   

• To carry out any other duties as reasonably required by the Chief Fire Officer.

   

Postings

Initially recruits will be posted to one of the following watches upon completion of the training course –  

Amber Watch, Red Watch, Green Watch or Blue Watch  

at either Headquarters or the Sub Station in Ballyvolane or in the future to any location within the Fire Authority’s area or area’s adjacent to it where the Brigade may have occasion or a responsibility to undertake operations or training as directed by the Chief Fire Officer.

 

Cork City Council Post of Probationer Firefighter

Qualifications

1. Character

Candidates must be of good character.  

2. Age

Each candidate shall be not less than 18 years of age on at the closing date of application. The retirement age for Firefighters is 55 years of age. 

3. Health

Candidates must:-

Be in a state of health as determined by the Corporation's medical adviser, such as would indicate a reasonable prospect of ability to render regular and efficient service.  

Comply with the following physical standards:-  

• Physical Capacity - have attained the level of fitness required to undertake all fire service duties.
• Strength - be assessed by undertaking tests of hand grip and leg/back pull strength on a load cell dynamometer.
• Candidates should have a handgrip strength of:-
  

  Dominant hand - 35kg or above
  Subordinate hand - 33kg or above
  and a leg/back pull strength of 117kg or above.
  

• Vision (unaided) - 6/6 each eye
• Colour perception - Applicants shall be tested with the Ishihara plates. Two errors of identification permitted in the set of plates. No substitute test of colour vision should be accepted.
• Hearing: HSE Hearing Category 5 adviser.  

Disqualifications: 

The following specific conditions will disqualify a candidate:-

1. Failure to comply with any of the requirements listed above.
2. History of epilepsy.
3. Alcohol or drug dependency.
4. Chronic bronchitis, asthma or other disabling disease of the lungs.
5. Organic disease of the cardio-vascular system, including blood pressure.
6. All types of diabetes mellitus, whether insulin-dependent or non insulin-dependent.
7. History of vertigo or any illness affecting the sense of balance.
8. History of mental instability.
9. History of low back symptoms.
10. History of significant knee joint injury or disease.
11. History of night-blindness.
12. Chronic skin disease, specifically allergic contact dermatitis, irritant dermatitis and severe psoriasis.
13. Canvassing – see paragraph No. 19.  

Successful candidates will be required to co-operate with any occupational health system for the fire service and to undergo periodical medical examinations.

4. Educational Standard

1. Each candidate must have obtained at least Grade D (or a pass) in five subjects, including Mathematics and English, from the approved list of subjects in the Department of Education Junior Certificate Examination or in an examination of at least equivalent standard.

    

2. In selection of candidates, additional marks may be awarded to those who have any of the following:-

    

   a higher educational qualification than that prescribed in paragraph 4(a) e.g. Leaving Certificate.

    

   experience of driving heavy vehicles.

    

   technical or trades training.

 

5. Driving Requirement

Successful candidates will be required to hold a current full unendorsed Driving Licence – Category B prior to commencement of training. Candidates who do not meet this requirement or any of the requirements specified above may be required to forfeit their place on the panel. 

 

6. Method of Selection

Candidates may be short-listed on the basis of the information supplied on their application forms. The selected candidates will be required to satisfy Cork City Council that they possess the required qualifications and will be required to pass any tests (including aptitude tests) and to attend for interview which may be required by Cork City Council, at their own expense. Subject to the foregoing, applicants will be required by Cork City Council to attend test sessions at times and dates specified. The Tests used will measure a range of skills deemed necessary for effective performance in the Firefighter role. Successful candidates will be called forward to the next stage of the selection process which will comprise of an interview and team exercise.

Applicants who are found to be ineligible at any stage of the competition will not be further considered. Provision of inaccurate, untrue or misleading information will lead to disqualification from the competition, withdrawal of employment offer or dismissal.  

7. Residence

Holders of the post shall be required to live in the administrative area of Cork City Council or within a reasonable distance thereof.  

8. Discipline

Successful candidates will, before employment, be required to subscribe in writing to the conditions of the Disciplinary Code of the Cork City Fire Brigade.  

9. Particulars of Post

 

1. The employment is wholetime, permanent and pensionable. A person who becomes a registered employee of a Local Authority will be required in respect of his/her superannuation to contribute to the Local Authority at the rate of 1.5% of his/her pensionable remuneration plus 3.5% of net pensionable remuneration (i.e. pensionable remuneration less twice the annual rate of social insurance, old age contributory pension payable at the maximum rate to a person with no adult dependent or qualified children).

    

2. All employees of a Local Authority who become registered employees will be required in respect of the Local Government Employees (Spouses' and Children's Contributory Pension) Scheme to contribute to the Local Authority at the rate of one and a half per cent of their yearly salary and emoluments in accordance with the terms of the Scheme.

    

3. Holders of the post will be required to retire on reaching the age of 55 years.

    

4. Holders of the post should not engage in any outside occupation or other activities to such an extent as to impair their usefulness or energy for their official duties nor in any occupation which might in any way conflict with the interests of Cork City Council or which might be inconsistent with his/her position as an employee of Cork City Council.

    

5. Firefighters are required to keep in good order any item of uniform or equipment issued to him/her, to return such items on dismissal or resignation; and to make good any damage to same not arising from fair wear and tear.

    

6. Firefighters will make themselves available for emergency duties outside of working hours where required.

 

10. Duties

 

1. Successful candidates will perform, under the control and direction of the Chief Fire Officer and/or other appropriate supervisory officers of the Brigade, such firefighting (including all aspects of driving), pre fire planning and fire prevention duties and station routines as may be assigned from time to time and may be required to serve in any station from time to time as directed.

    

2. To devote the whole of his/her time while on duty to the service of Cork City Council.

    

3. To obey promptly all orders from persons placed in authority over him/her.

 

11. Training

Successful candidates will be required, during employment, to undertake and successfully complete all training courses specified by Cork City Council, including training courses outside the State, if required. These courses shall include a basic recruits course which must be successfully completed at the commencement of employment. Failure to satisfactorily complete this course will result in the termination of employment.  

12. Remuneration 

The current weekly wage scale for Firefighters is:-

€444.12 - €525.57 - €575.74 - €626.14 - €676.20 - €692.18 - €733.35

New rate as of 1st December 2005
Public Holiday Allowances are also Payable  

13. Probation

Initial appointment will be for a probationary period of 12 months. Probation may be extended at the discretion of the Chief Fire Officer.

The person appointed will cease to hold the appointment at the end of the probationary period unless the Chief Fire Officer certifies that he/she has complied with the requirements for appointment and is otherwise satisfactory.

 

14. Union Membership

Successful candidates will be required to be members of the Services Industrial Professional and Technical Union.

 

15. Minimum Notice

The periods of notices as laid down in the Minimum Notice and Terms of Employment Acts 1973-1991 shall apply for both employer and employee.

 

16. Sick Pay

Cork City Council Fire Brigade sick pay scheme will apply.

 

 

17. Hours of Duty

The duty system is a seven day week to be covered by a shift system. Cork City Council may change the duty system and it may change Firefighters between shifts from time to time, as it sees fit. Firefighters may be required to undertake such overtime as is determined from time to time by Cork City Council and work emergency overtime when required.

 

 

18. Uniform

The successful candidate shall be required to wear a uniform in accordance with the Fire Services Dress Code and maintain it in good condition at all times. The uniform will be supplied by Cork City Council.

19. Canvassing

Any attempt by a candidate, or by any person(s) acting at the candidate’s instigation, directly or indirectly, by means of written communication or otherwise to influence in the candidate’s favour, any member of the staff of the City Council or person nominated by the City Council to interview or examine applicants, will automatically disqualify the candidate for the position being sought.

June 2006
Personnel Department