Crew Commander - Technical Rescue and USAR
OPEN TO INTERNAL APPLICANTS ONLY
Due to movements from Station, applications are invited from Wholetime Crew Commanders (CC) for the post of Crew Commander - Technical Rescue (TR) and Urban Search and Rescue (USAR).
In addition to the role of a Crew Commander in WYFRS, the TR/USAR specialism offers a demanding and rewarding role requiring the highest of standards and commitment, TR/USAR staff are required to work the Day Crewing (DC) Specialist duty system. This follows the standard 224 duty system for positive hours and the standard 224 work routine rules still apply. However, in addition staff members operating this duty system are also required to be ‘on call’, from home or other suitable location, and provide standby cover for Urban Search and Rescue (USAR). Applicants must be available to attend Fire Service Headquarters (FSHQ) within 45 minutes of receiving an incident call alert.
Upon qualification to the TR/USAR role candidates will receive additional payments as indicated in the Day Crewing Specialist Policy.
All operational personnel who apply for the above role are not required to have any specialist skills above and beyond those of somebody competent in their current role, as training will be provided to the successful applicants.
Those eligible to apply must:
- Be identified as performing well in their current role as part their Annual Review (AR) with a supporting statement from their Line Manager (within the talent matrix of the AR)
- Be eligible for a Crew Commander position within WYFRS
- Have no current disciplinary awards
- Reside within a 45-minute travel time of BD11 2DY.
- have a full driving licence
The selection process will comprise of:
- Stage 1 – Assessment of Annual Review
- Stage 2 - Application Form & Sift
- Stage 3 – Presentation with dedicated topic (to be given to candidates prior to interview), management case study assessment & Interview
Application Form
Applicants must complete and submit an online application form using the e-recruitment system which will require them to detail how they meet the essential criteria for the role. To apply, please visit www.wyfs.co.uk/careers.
Shortlisting
Following the closing date, submitted application forms will be forwarded to the Shortlisting Panel for consideration. To be shortlisted for the post you will need to demonstrate your ability to meet the requirements of the job by giving clear, concise examples of how you meet each of the following person specification criteria on your application form.
You will only be shortlisted from the details in the application form if you meet all Essential criteria.
Any incomplete applications received, or applications received after the deadline date, will be discounted.
Timeline
Advert – Application
3 weeks:
Closes midday Monday 1st September 2025
Application Sift
2 weeks:
1st September to 12th September 2025
Interviews
W/C 29th September 2025
Results
As soon as possible after all interviews taken place.
For an informal discussion regarding these roles, please contact:
Technical Rescue Based Queries
Any duty Watch Commander at Spen Valley Fire Station or alternatively ADC Imran Ali; 07771891574, Email: imran.ali01@westyorksfire.gov.uk
Process Recruitment Queries
HR ADC Gareth Tully; 07971905948, Email: gareth.tully01@westyorksfire.gov.uk
HRBP Laura Holroyd; 07760992127 Email: laura.holroyd@westyorksfire.gov.uk
All correspondence will be sent to the email account registered with the online recruitment system.
Please check the registered email account regularly and ensure you have read the guidance notes regarding completion of the application form
Click here for Additional Guidance on our new E-recruitment System
All correspondence will usually be sent to your email account registered with the online recruitment system rather than by letter. Please check your email account regularly.
If after reading all of this information, you are interested in applying, please read the documents listed above for more details and click on 'Apply' for the application form.
Please note we do not accept CVs. If you are viewing this vacancy on ‘jobsindeed’ or other external platform, please be advised this vacancy is only open to West Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Service employees.
For recruitment queries please contact Applications@westyorksfire.gov.uk
