Breathing Apparatus Instructor Competent Firefighter or Crew Commander
Publish date: 11 August 2025 Closing date: 29 August 2025 11:59pm Salary: Competent Firefighter or Crew Commander Rate (this role also attracts additional allowances subject to qualifications held).
Overview
West Midlands Fire Service (WMFS) is the second largest fire and rescue service in England, serving an area of 902km square and a population of over 2.9 million people.
Our vision is ‘Making the West Midlands safer, stronger and healthier’.
This vision and the strategic goals outlined in ‘Our Strategy’ are what drives the people, professionalism and pride with which we serve our communities.
The WMFS Operational Training and Development Function are pleased to invite applications from high performing, competent Firefighters or Crew Commanders to join our Breathing Apparatus (BA) Training Team.
This is an exciting and challenging role that requires the highest levels of commitment and motivation. WMFS prides itself on the realistic BA training it provides to our firefighters, and we are always seeking new and innovative methods to support training and development.
Please note that, due to the nature of this role, successful applicants will be expected to remain in this post for a minimum of two years.

Responsibilities

• provide BA training and assessments to our recruits and operational firefighters
• be a point of contact and subject matter advisor for BA
• advise and support on the development of BA procedure, policy and learning materials
• manage health and safety requirements at our BA training facilities
• identify and implement new training and assessment methods to support the application of BA in the operational environment.

Experience and skills Essential

• demonstrate strong leadership, with the ability to motivate others and instil a sense of pride and professionalism
• experience of assessing and teaching in relation to BA
• good understanding of coaching and mentoring others to maximise their potential
• possess the personal resilience to be able to provide constructive feedback when performance standards have not been achieved
• current and valid BA and Fire Behaviour Training Instructor qualifications

• need to work flexibly to support functional requirementsa current UK driving licence.

Desirable

• teaching and assessing qualification
• current and valid Positive Pressure Ventilation Instructor qualification.

Benefits

We offer a friendly working environment and benefits including:

• on-site free gym facilities
• free parking.

We also offer access to an in-house occupational health facility - including occupational health and fitness advisors, sports therapists, physiotherapists, cognitive behavioural therapy practitioners and counsellors.

In addition, employees have access to:

• 24/7 Employee Assistance Programme
• wellbeing programmes
• ‘blue light’ discounts across many retailers through partner schemes
• Sports and Welfare scheme (for a small fee) – with access to discounted products and services.

Diversity
We welcome applications from all eligible candidates. However, as women and Black and minority ethnic employees are currently under-represented in our service, we particularly encourage applications from these groups.
WMFS is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and adults. We expect the same of every staff member. Successful candidates will be subject to necessary pre-employment checks, including - where applicable - relevant level Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check, qualifications, medical clearance, identity and right to work. All applicants will be required to provide two suitable references. How to apply
Please provide a 500-word summary detailing your suitability, experience and qualifications that support this role.

PLEASE ALSO SUPPLY CERTIFICATES/EVIDENCE OF RELEVANT QUALIFICATIONS.

Questions
If you have any questions about the role, or would like an informal discussion, please contact Neil Baker on 07765 241 383 or by email at neil.baker@wmfs.net

• provide BA training and assessments to our recruits and operational firefighters
• be a point of contact and subject matter advisor for BA
• advise and support on the development of BA procedure, policy and learning materials
• manage health and safety requirements at our BA training facilities
• identify and implement new training and assessment methods to support the application of BA in the operational environment.