Recruitment & Selection

Vacancies for the post of firefighter will be advertised in the local press as official Government notices. These will also be uploaded onto HMGOG’s website, official notices section.

Application forms will be available from HMGOG’s Human Resources Department.

Individuals must complete and submit the application form before the advertised closing date. This must be handed in to HM Government of Gibraltar’s Human Resources Department.

Counter Hours General Enquiries: 8:30am to 3:00pm (Mon to Fri)

The GFRS firefighter selection process will involve individuals taking part in various fitness and physical practical tests. These activities will be carried out at their own risk and should only be undertaken if the participant feels competent and fit to do so.

In this regard, once applicants have been invited by HMGOG’s HRD to take part in the GFRS’ fitness/practical assessment, and before they commence or engage in any fitness or practical activities, individuals will be asked to fill in a “medical/fitness indemnity form”.

This is a test of aerobic fitness, stamina and endurance. You will be required to participate in a 4.8km/3 mile Run, divided into two distinct phases. The first phase, 2.4km (1½ miles) is a warm up, run as a group. The monitoring staff will dictate the pace for this 1st phase of the run.  After a short pause/stretching session, the second phase will commence, on the instruction of the monitoring staff. This second 2.4km (1½ mile) is a pass or fail timed run/test.

As part of the selection process, you will be required to undertake physical tests which aim to assess your level of fitness, strength and manual dexterity as well as your level of confidence in simulated exercises.

This is a physically and mentally demanding day designed to reflect operational practice firefighters are exposed at incident grounds.
The National Firefighter Selection Test is a series of physical tests, which you have to pass first time. On the day, you’ll be briefed on what to expect, including all health and safety information. You’ll be given suitable personal protective equipment (PPE), a candidate number and any other relevant items.

These tests will include:

• Equipment Carry/Shuttle
• Ladder Lift / Ladder Extension
• Ladder Climb
• Enclosed Space
• Casualty Evacuation
• Manual Dexterity

Find out more about these tests.

Applicants will only progress to interview stage if they have successfully passed all the previous stages. The interview process will be led by HM Government of Gibraltar’s Human Resources Department (HRD). HRD will allocate a venue, date and time for the interview boards, informing applicants of their respective interview slots.

Applicants need to show the interview panel how their skills and attributes can contribute and compliment the role of a Firefighter.

If selected, HM Government of Gibraltar’s Human Resources Department will make all the relevant enquiries and background checks with the Royal Gibraltar Police to assess your suitability to join the Gibraltar Fire and Rescue Service.

The job specification and role of a firefighter at the GFRS requires you to carry out diver/diving rescues as well as continuous training in this field. Therefore, your formal offer of appointment will be subject to you completing a diver medical declaration. Failure to declare a medical condition or complete the diver medical declaration will invalidate the application and result in the revocation of the job offer.

An appointment with a Medical Practitioner/Doctor will be arranged by HRD. During this assessment, you will have a medical examination and your medical history/information may be reviewed.

The Medical Practitioner/Doctor may refer you for further tests, medical assessments or seek specialist consultant advice, if necessary. The Medical Practitioner/Doctor will make their recommendations based on all the information available.

Once a formal offer of employment has been proposed and accepted, the individual will be officially employed with the GFRS as a “Potential Firefighter”.

Before being enrolled in the recruit training course, individuals will be given an induction “taster” of the fire service and related activities.

Progressing to firefighter status and development stage will be subject to “potential firefighters” successfully completing the Firefighter Foundation and Development (FFDP) course in UK, together with all the other required training elements locally, i.e. Diving and Rope Rescue.

Trainees attend an initial foundation course based at the Fire Service College and/or other approved training provider. There is a residential requirement for the duration of this course. This course will feature training in both job-related skills and knowledge-based training to develop basic core competence skills.

Education and training will form a significant part of a firefighters working career within the Service. This training along with the individual’s front line experience will help members develop and progress through their careers against recognised goals.

You will be required to pass all elements of the FFDP before progressing onto further local training. Failure to pass this course will invalidate your contract with the GFRS and result in the revocation of the job offer/offer of appointment.

On successful completion of the accredited FFDP in UK, delegates will be enrolled in a number of local courses. All elements of the local training MUST be successfully completed. The individual will thereafter be assigned to their respective watch. Working further to demonstrate proficiency, to eventually becoming a fully competent firefighter following from the course instructor’s/assessors recommendations.

Individuals will complete further training during the probationary period with the GFRS. Performance, attitude and aptitude and the suitability to become, and perform the duties of a firefighter will be constantly monitored. Any lowering of standards or unacceptable behaviour will be notified to the individual in writing. The individual will be given every reasonable opportunity to rectify shortfalls within realistic time frames. Any persisting issues, especially those concerning safety critical or operationally compromising matters will be taken very seriously. At this point, the individual’s suitability for the job/role will be extensively scrutinised, potentially leading to the termination of contract.