Sponsored Reserve Firefighter - RAF Benson

Looking for a career with purpose?

Want a career with purpose, challenge, teamwork and the chance to do something genuinely meaningful?
Whether you’re already a firefighter, leaving the Armed Forces, or simply ready for a complete career change, this could be the opportunity you didn’t know existed.

We’re looking for people to join us as Sponsored Reserve Firefighter, a unique role combining civilian firefighting with military purpose, supporting Defence both in the UK and overseas. This is a chance to build a career where you’ll be trained, supported and trusted to make a real difference. The role forms part of the RAF firefighter force and supports rescue and firefighting capability across the UK and on overseas operations.

As part of our commitment to building an inclusive and diverse workforce, we would particularly welcome applications from people who are from Black, Asian and other ethnic minority backgrounds, as well as women and career-changers.

Job title:

Sponsored Reserve Firefighter - RAF Benson

Job Description:

A route in — whether you’re building on experience or ready for a fresh start

No firefighting experience? No problem.
You may be eligible for a Level 3 Firefighter Apprenticeship, a paid, earn-while-you-learn route into a long-term career.

If you’ve ever thought:
“I want to do something that matters.”
“I’m ready for a new challenge.”

This could be it.

What makes this different?

You’ll be part of a mission-critical service supporting Defence operations in the UK and overseas

• Responding to real incidents in high-pressure environments

• Working with specialist equipment and RAF teams

• Supporting Defence operations in the UK and overseas

• Be part of a close-knit, professional team

With a unique pattern of 4 months overseas, 16 months in the UK, you’ll have structure, variety and purpose.

Why join us?

• Build a long-term career

• Gain recognised training

• Earn while you learn through the apprenticeship route, if eligible

• Be part of something purposeful

• Join a team where your contribution matters every day

What you’ll need to join us

We’re looking for people with the right mindset, commitment and potential to succeed in a demanding but rewarding role. To apply, you’ll need to:

• Be a UK or Republic of Ireland citizen, dual national, or Commonwealth citizen from birth

• Have lived in the UK for at least 5 years (in some cases, 3 years may be considered)

• Hold a full UK driving licence

• Be able to meet the required fitness standards - including selection and pre-joining tests (we provide clear guidance to help you prepare)

• Meet the medical and health standards for the role, including eyesight and general fitness

• Be prepared to complete situational and behavioural assessments, along with all required background checks

What’s in it for you

This is a career that gives back in development, in purpose, and in the benefits that support you along the way:

• A starting salary of £30,954, rising to £34,823 once fully trained

• £7,000 deployment payment each time you deploy overseas

• An annual Operational Training Supplement of £1,500 (subject to criteria)

• 23 days’ holiday, with the option to buy more

• Pension and life assurance to support your future

• 15 weeks’ fully paid maternity, adoption and shared parental leave

• Access to wellbeing support and benefits, including the Cycle2Work scheme

• The opportunity to be part of employee networks that champion diversity, inclusion and belonging

Ready for something different?

Bring your experience. Bring your potential.

We’ll help you build a career you can be proud of.

Location:

Wallingford

,

United Kingdom

Time Type:

Full time

Contract Type:

Permanent