Firefighter; Control

Overview

Suffolk County Council is seeking Firefighter Control Operators to join the Fire Control Room in Ipswich. This role is open to applicants with fire control experience. The position is a permanent vacancy in the Firefighter (Control) Bank, onsite at Beacon House, Ipswich.

• Answer 999 calls and gather vital information from callers
• Provide reassurance and safety guidance until help arrives
• Assess situations and dispatch the most appropriate response, including fire crews or other emergency services
• Work as part of a team to ensure a swift and effective response
• Use radio systems to provide updates to fire officers on the scene
• Perform day-to-day tasks that keep the service running smoothly

• Previous experience in fire control
• Excellent communication skills to pass on information clearly in stressful situations
• Strong multi-tasking skills for a dynamic, high-pressure environment
• A clear and decisive mind to make quick decisions
• Strong computer literacy and the ability to learn new systems quickly
• A genuine desire to help others and positively impact your community
• Robust resilience for the demanding nature of the role
• Fast and accurate keyboard skills
• A confident telephone manner

This advert is for Firefighter (Control) Bank Opportunities only. If you are interested in other bank opportunities, please visit the Current Vacancies - SFRS page.

Hours:

Bank availability including weekend and bank holidays. Minimum of 2 shifts a month (24 hours total): one 10-hour day shift (08:00–18:00) and one 14-hour night shift (18:00–08:00). Additional hours may be offered for absences or operational needs. The control room operates 24/7, year-round.

Contract:

Permanent.

Location:

Beacon House, Ipswich, Suffolk IP1 5PB
– Onsite. Salary:
Firefighter (Control) in accordance with NJC Pay Scales (pro rata for part time).

Note:

Applications without a supporting statement and CV may not be progressed. Supporting documents should be in PDF or MS Word format.

We are committed to safeguarding and promoting welfare and welcome applications from all individuals. We offer a range of benefits and encourage diversity. For more information, visit the Suffolk County Council careers website.

Closing date: 11:30pm 15 February 2026. DBS checks or police vetting may be required for relevant posts. For reasonable adjustments during the application process, contact our Recruitment Team at

Contact: sfr