Watch Commander Ops Risk

Job Advert

Surrey Fire and Rescue Service (SFRS) are looking for a person to carry out the role of Watch Commander for Operational risk. This will be temporary for a period of 6 months.

This role attracts a salary reflective of Watch Commander B, plus 10% day workers allowance. If not already a competent Watch Commander, pay will start on a development basis until competency is achieved and paid in line with agreed national joint council terms. The additional 10% reflects the specialist nature of the role, requirement to work flexibly and to maintain operational competence including fitness.

Applicants must be a Crew Commander in the talent pool or Watch Commander who is competent and operationally fit, with also meeting experience and qualifications as specified in the shortlisting criteria.

Are you passionate about making a difference to the communities of Surrey?

As the Watch Commander for Operational Risk your role will be to Lead and Support people to gather risk information for all types of properties, legally and justifiably. This includes planning visits and training operational personnel to gather risk information for all types of properties under the powers of the Fire Services Act Section 2004 section 7ii(d).

Full details can be found in the role profile.

This role will be based at Woodhatch,but will be flexible as the candidate will be working with all the operational crews across Surrey.

You will be supported by an experienced team, made up of operational and civilian backgrounds and experience. The role will offer you the opportunity to obtain specialist and technical knowledge in fire safety which will be overseen by the P+P and Ops Risk Fire Safety Manager.

This role will involve engaging with various partners and business owners to lead and support people to share and gather risk information to support the resolution of operational incidents. You will also be responsible for educating businesses and fire teams ensuring shared understanding of risks.

As well as this, you will work independently to manage your calendar with the support of your manager in prioritising workloads.

A typical day in this important role will see you assessing risks and hazards associated with firefighting operations, understanding measures in place to protect people, premises and support firefighter actions. You will be influencing and supporting operational crews professional curiosity to understand the risk profile of Surrey.

Job Details

You will need to be flexible, respond positively to change and be prepared for continuous learning and professional development throughout this time.

You will have the interpersonal skills that give you the ability and flexibility to gain support and influence internal and external stakeholders. We work with businesses, partners, and the public to improve safety in the community and for firefighters.

You must be able to work effectively with technology and able to demonstrate competence with basic software and IT equipment. Accuracy and attention to detail are key skills.

You will be able to demonstrate a calm, confident and resilient approach to unpredictable, challenging or dangerous situations while maintaining respect for others. Lead and Support people to complete records such as Site Specific Risk Information (SSRI) Operational Pre-Plans and Operational Response Plans.

A reasonable level of physical fitness and mobility is necessary as you will be required to inspect multiple areas of a building and take equipment with you to carry out your role. This can also include walking around the surrounding areas as well as reviewing a building internally.

Shortlisting Criteria

To be considered for shortlisting to interview for this position you must be competent in role, this is a pre-requisite. Your application will clearly evidence as many of the following as possible and answer the 5 questions in an enclosed statement. *Applications that fail to do so, will not be considered. If successful further training and qualifications will be provided to enhance and support your development.

• Experience of leading and managing a diverse group of staff to ensure effective service delivery.
• Experience of managing changing priorities and situations.
• Experience of gathering risk information and data storage systems
• Experience of leading a team, communicating effectively and demonstrating professionalism within the Service and towards the public, partner agencies and other service providers.
• Experience of having led, engaged and motivated others both within the Fire Service and externally.
• Experience of having understood and applied relevant information to make appropriate decisions which reflect key priorities and requirements
  
  
  

Essential Criteria

Applicants’ appointment to this role will be subject to the following:

• Satisfactory references
• DBS clearance
• Fitness test (grey book only)
• Medical clearance via Occupational Health (grey book only)
• Evidence of required qualifications to be shown on request
  
  
  

Additional Information

The job advert closes at on 12th December with interviews to follow.

Interviews will take place at Woodhatch Place or on Teams

A Standard DBS ‘Disclosure and Barring Service’ check for regulated activity (formerly known as CRB) will be required for this role.

Contact Details

For an informal discussion please contact Rob Jenks on 07813392103 or by e-mail at robert.jenks@surreycc.gov.uk or Bradley Thomas on 07968834486 bradley.thomas@surreycc.gov.uk

We look forward to receiving your application, please click on the apply online button below to submit.

Benefits

From flexible working to job sharing (where possible) we are committed to providing a healthy work life balance. A laptop and mobile will be supplied as well as access to fire service vehicles to carry out your role. For more information about the wide variety of benefits you can take advantage of please visit MyBenefits for Surrey County Council staff.

Our Commitment

Surrey County Council is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. We want to be an inclusive and diverse employer of first choice reflecting the community we serve and particularly welcome applications from all underrepresented groups.

Questions

• Describe a time when you have led, engaged and motivated others both within the Fire Service and externally (Please describe one situation where you have had to engage with both)
• Please describe your understanding of the use of Section 72d of the Fire Service Act 2004 and why you believe it is important.
• Provide an example where you have been open and flexible towards change, and lead participation in devising solutions to problems that may occur.
• Provide an example of how you believe the operational risk information gathering and review has been improved in the last 12 months
  
  
  

1000 words total +-10%.