You will join a shift system where you will work four on, four off, consisting of two-day shifts (09:00 to 18:00) followed by two-night shifts (18:00 to 09:00). Alternatively, you may be based at one of our two day-crewing stations where shifts run from 08:00 to 18:00, with recall availability from 18:00 to 20:00, effectively covering a 12-hour period. Firefighters on this system follow a rolling two-week pattern: in week one, they work Monday, Tuesday, Friday, Saturday, and Sunday; in week two, they work Wednesday and Thursday. 

You will be stationed at one of our 17 fire stations across Gateshead, South Tyneside, Sunderland, Newcastle, and North Tyneside. Your commute will vary depending on your assigned station, and you may be required to cover shifts at other locations as needed. Some stations house specialist equipment, and if you’re based at one of these, you’ll have the opportunity to develop additional skills to operate them effectively.

You will not just respond to emergencies — you will be the calm in the storm in someone’s darkest hour. Whether it’s a house fire, a rescue operation, or a hazardous materials incident, every day brings new challenges that test your strength, skill, and compassion. The role is demanding, but the satisfaction of making a life-saving difference is unmatched.

As a firefighter, you will be part of a close-knit team of seven, known as a watch, working within the Green, Blue, Red, or White shift pattern. Teamwork is essential, and understanding each other’s strengths and weaknesses is key to working effectively under pressure. No two days are ever the same—when not responding to emergencies, you’ll spend time training, maintaining equipment, and engaging with the community to promote safety. From conducting home and commercial fire safety checks to delivering educational talks, your role goes beyond firefighting; it’s about prevention and protection.

Fitness isn’t just a requirement to become a firefighter—it’s a commitment you’ll uphold throughout your career. To ensure you’re always ready for the physical demands of the role, every firefighter must pass two fitness tests each year. Staying in peak condition is essential for both your safety and the safety of those you protect.

You’ll undergo a full medical assessment during the application stage. You’ll complete a medical questionnaire and undergo tests, including hearing, lung function, eyesight, grip strength, blood pressure, and drug and alcohol screening. If there are any concerns, please contact our recruitment team before you apply.