Area Support Technician

Devon and Somerset Fire and Rescue Service has a fantastic opportunity available for an Area Support Technician to join our Yeovil Response Group. You will join us on a full time, permanent basis working 37 hours per week (plus standby cover on a 2-week rolling basis - subject to review). In return, you will receive a competitive salary of £27334 - £29777 (+20% standby allowance) per annum. 

Devon and Somerset Fire and Rescue Service is the largest non-metropolitan Fire and Rescue Service in England. We provide prevention, protection, and response services across the counties of Devon and Somerset. 

Our vision is that together, we will work to end preventable fire and rescue emergencies, creating a safer world for you and your family. Keeping people safe is what we do, and we owe our fantastic reputation to our highly skilled and motivated workforce. 

Key responsibilities as an Area Support Technician will include: 

• Providing out of hours cover on a two-week rota pattern outside of the 37 core working hours to ensure minimum cover is always maintained across the Service (for which you receive the payment of a standby allowance in addition to your salary). 
• Providing logistical, welfare, equipment and decontamination support to our response groups during incidents including assisting repatriation of equipment to a station after an event. 
• Using Service owned cars and vans to perform various activities including driving LGV fire appliances as and when required to deliver all stores, equipment, mail and laundry. 
• Liaising effectively with other ASTs and provide additional support to neighbouring response groups and corporate services at times of leave, sickness, and training to ensure cover is maintained. 
• Liaising with Fire Control and BA Technicians for the collection of BA equipment. 
• Undertaking training for and performing basic checks and ancillary repair of BA related equipment. 
• Assisting with the transportation of vehicles, trailers, operational and training equipment within the response groups, liaising with other departments as necessary. 
• Undertaking postal requirements to include incoming deliveries; collection and dispatch of outgoing deliveries to meet deadlines. 
• Assisting in the setting up and clearing of Command exercise scenarios. 
• Liaising with Community Fire Safety to ensure campaigns are supported by the delivery of CFS trailers and chip pan units etc. 
• Liaising with Service personnel and outside agencies through various forms of communication to provide a cohesive and efficient service. 
• Undertaking cleaning, maintenance and standard tests of Service vehicles. 
• Undertaking training for and perform inspection and repair of fire helmets. 

What we are looking for in our Area Support Technician:

• Good planning and organisational skills
• Good communication skills both in verbal and written format
• Proven ability to undertake manual handling duties
• The ability to work within set timescales and deliver against set targets.
• Good standard of general education.
• Knowledge of Health and Safety Legislation,
• Ability to work on own initiative and as part of a busy team.
• Valid current full driving licence (car, LGV, trailer towing and minibus).

Closing Date: 2359hrs Thursday 15 February 2024

For more information, or an informal discussion about the role please contact Station Manager Nigel Alford on .

If you feel you have the skills and experience to become our Area Support Technician please click 'apply' today, we'd love to hear from you.

You will be required to complete an application form and submit a supporting statement. As part of your supporting statement please ensure you provide evidence of how you meet the essential and desirable criteria for the role detailed in the Job Description and Person Specification. The evidence provided will be used to shortlist the applications received. 

As a Service and as individuals:

• We are proud to help. 
• We are honest. 
• We are respectful. 
• We are working together. 

Devon and Somerset Fire and Rescue Service recognise and celebrate the vast diversity of local communities that we serve and aspire for this to be reflected within our workforce. We encourage candidates from diverse backgrounds, experiences, and beliefs, who share our values, to consider working for us.