The Scottish Fire and Rescue Service (SFRS) has launched a national recruitment drive for Operations Control staff to help protect Scotland’s communities.

Firefighter Control is the first point of contact for members of the public when dialling 999 to report an emergency. Based across three sites in Dundee, Edinburgh and Johnstone, Firefighter Control staff will ensure that emergency incidents across Scotland are dealt with effectively and efficiently.

Applicants for the role of Firefighter Control must be aged 18 or over, with the ability to work rotating shifts. Successful applicants will join fellow Operations Control staff during a 14 week training period – learning how to co-ordinate emergency fire and rescue response.

Trainees will also learn how to give potentially life-saving advice, providing fire survival guidance to people who are trapped by smoke or fire.

Group Commander Marie Clare Coyle, said: “Our nationwide team of Firefighter Control staff provide a vital and rewarding service to Scotland’s communities.

“We deal with a range of calls from house fires and road traffic collisions, to major incidents and severe weather-related flooding, keeping people calm in times of distress and concentrating resources where they’re most required.

“It is undoubtedly a challenging but hugely rewarding career and our committed instructors will work to ensure everyone is fully supported and guided through their training.

“Upon completion of their training, all Firefighter Control staff will be prepared and capable of handling emergencies of any scale.

“I would encourage anyone who is able to demonstrate valuable skills such as teamwork, communication and problem solving in pressurised situations to apply.”

Group Commander Coyle, who has worked for the service for 23 years and now leads OC Personnel Support, added: “We’re looking for people who have a willingness to learn, a strong team ethic and a real ability to motivate others and form relationships to take up these roles on Scotland’s unseen frontline.”