Gatwick Airport Fire & Rescue Service Join Our Team

Join our team

Gatwick Careers

Airport Fire & Rescue Service

The provision of rescuse & firefighting services (RFFS)

PREVENT - RESPOND - PROTECT

Gatwick Airport is currently looking to create a pool of candidates for the role of Airport Firefighter to join the Rescue and Firefighting Services (RFFS) Team when positions become available.

You do not need previous experience in the Fire Service to join the team whose principal objective is “to save life”.

Introduction from Simon Petts Chief Fire Officer (CFO)

Gatwick Airport’s Fire Service Team is led by Chief Fire Officer, Simon Petts.

Simon began his fire service career with the Fleet Air Arm of the Royal Navy in 1985. He spent nine years in the service covering risks ranging from the flight deck of HMS Illustrious to most of the Navy’s air stations and even six months covering Faslane Nuclear Submarine base in Scotland.

Leaving the Navy in 1994, Simon then joined Gatwick Airport’s Fire Service. Once there he passed through the ranks to become the current Chief Fire Officer in 2017. Along with being the Chairperson for AFOA, he is an active member of the AOA RFFS Working Group, the Institution of Fire Engineers (IFE) Transportation Special Interest Group as well as heading up Gatwick Airport’s Resilience Planning Group.

Foreword from Simon Petts

Welcome to the firefighter recruitment campaign 2023.

“Firstly; I would like to take this opportunity to thank you for taking the time to find out more about London Gatwick Airport, & it’s Rescue & Fire-Fighting Service. A service we are extremely proud of.

Our Rescue & Fire-Fighting Service provides 24/7 365 emergency response cover to the UK’s second busiest airport, & one of the world’s busiest single runway operations. In 2019 our airport looked after 47million passengers. To support an operation as dynamic & complexed as London Gatwick our Rescue & Fire-Fighting Service must be equally as capable. We are a forward thinking, progressive and dynamic Airport Rescue & Fire-Fighting Service, we need the right people, with the

right skills, at the right time to ensure we can respond efficiently and effectively to all types of incidents and emergencies, Embarking on a career in our Rescue & Fire-Fighting Service may be one of the most challenging professional things you undertake. It is not easy and requires not only a good standard of physical fitness, but also an enquiring mind, the ability to learn and adapt at pace, and the personal skills to work as part of a team in complexed and often rapidly evolving situations. If successful, you will join a high performing team and undertake a role that is second to none in terms of personal rewards.

Finally, I’d like to take this opportunity to wish you well on your next steps and I look forward to possibly meeting you in the future.

Good luck!

Gatwick Airport Fire & Rescue Service

More than just Fires…

Incident Command

The Airport Fire and Rescue Service maintain operational readiness 24/7 to respond to aircraft emergencies, in line with our regulatory requirements. The structure of each of the 4 watches supports effective Command and Control of these incidents, supported by close liaison with Local Authority Emergency Services.

Aviation Response

Aircraft related incidents can present responders with unique challenges, and our firefighters require specific training to maintain operational compliance. We achieve this thanks to our in-house Maintenance of Competence training program which sees our teams undergo regular training and assessment to enable our crews to operate safely and effectively.

Domestic Response

Along with the airfield response, our airport firefighters also provide a Domestic Response. This covers a range of incidents, which include Automatic Fire Alarms (AFA’s), Railway incidents, Road Traffic Collisions and Special Service Calls involving hazardous substances that occur in or around the airport’s boundary. Our domestic appliance is crewed with a minimum crew of four personal and houses over 150 items of equiptment.

Medical Response

Fire Crews are trained as Immediate Emergency Care (IEC) Advanced Practitioners, the most advanced, up to date, evidence-based trauma course currently available in the UK for non-health care professionals. There is a regulatory requirment for vthe AFS to provide first aid and emergency medical assistance, these provisions and arrangements are required as part of our CAA Aerodrome Licence.

Fire and Rescue

All firefighters at Gatwick complete a residential course upon joining. This accredited course gives them the foundation for their career. Following this, Gatwick run an in-house Maintenance of Competence programme. We have Trainers, Assessors and Quality Assurers amongst the team. All staff will be regularly assessed, and the training and development team will manage the audit the process.

Winter Resiliance

There is a regulatory requirement for the Airport to have an Adverse weather plan, the Airport Fire and Rescue Service support this Winter response plan by maintaining competence to drive and deploy the fleet of Øveraasen snow ploughs. Under the guidance of the Airside Operations Manager, working as part of a wider team to keep the Runway and taxiways open.

Flood Response

Trained to DEFRA level 1 Water Awareness & Rescue – the Airport Fire and Rescue Service are not only available to respond to rescues from water, but also support the Airports Adverse Weather Plan by responding to incidents involving flooding. On hand to help protect the critical infrastructure across the airfield.

Long Service Recognition

Throughout our lives, we celebrate anniversaries to remind us how far we’ve come and all that we have accomplished. It brings a renewed feeling of excitement and respect for the moment being celebrated. Because so much of our lives are spent working, this should apply to milestones in our careers, too.

The Fire and Rescue Service Long Service and Good Conduct Medal, recognising 20 years of service, honours firefighters for their dedication. Now, new 30 and 40 years’ service clasps have been approved, with the Royal Warrant governing the medal having been rewritten to reflect these.

Let your career take off!

Working as part of a close knit and highly motivated team, you will play a pivotal role in ensuring Gatwick has a fully effective Emergency Fire Service.

We are looking for people who are motivated, enthusiastic, physically fit and are great communicators.

In return, we provide a fantastic training programme to ensure we are constantly developing our people to be the best they can be! Along with a unique opportunity, you will benefit from a generous basic package as well as additional company benefits

The role of a firefighter at Gatwick, is to:

> Deal with emergency situations in accordance with specified regulations/procedures in order to save life and protect property.

> Maintain required level of technical competences as specified within the CAP 699 guid ance in order to uphold the airport certification.

> Respond to airport medical emergencies and accidents e.g., road traffic accidents, fires, chemical incidents, and special service call, both on and off the airport.

>Maintain effective working relationships with internal and external bodies to ensure an effective integrated response to emergency situations and promote a professional image of GAL.

> Participate in projects and working parties and to carry out any other duties that may be outside the standard remit for the purpose of personal development, or as may be reasonably required by the Company.

> Maintain all equipment for operational readiness to specified standards in order to meet internal and external audit requirements.

> Comply with all legal and statutory obligations applicable to this role.

>Be responsible for personal and team compliance with Company Health and Safety Policies, ensuring safe working practices to minimise risk to self, work colleagues, customers and staff is minimised.

> To carry out snow clearing duties when required to support business resilience.

> To comply with all AFS policy and procedures

Interested?

Are you:

> Willing and able to work 12h shifts, including Days / Nights / Weekends and Public Holi days. (07:00 -19:00 / 19:00 – 07:00)

> Looking for a long-term career in a fantastic environment

A team player

> Physically fit and able with the ability to meet the required medical standard

> Dedicated with a flexible and “can do” approach

> Ability to problem solve and work well under pressure

> Prepared to push physical and mental boundaries when required

Qualifications & Experience:

Essential:

> Valid full UK Driving License

> GCSE (or equivalent) in 5 subjects including Math’s and English.

Beneficial:

> Large Goods Vehicle (LGV) License – Class C

> First Aid at Work

The Process:

Application Stage:

By following the link to the Gatwick Recruitment pages, candidates are invited to submit a formal application to undertake further testing to be considered for employment within the Airport Fire & Rescue Service

Application stage will open on Monday 7th August

The Sift:

Applications will be sifted for candidate suitability, based on their application submission. Candidates will be contacted by email to be informed if their application has been successful or unsuccessful.

The Written Tests:

Candidates who make it through the Application & Sift will be invited to attend Gatwick Airport to undertake written testing.

Candidates must be available to attend on one of the following fixed dates: 21st Sept / 22nd Sept / 25th Sept / 26th Sept / 27th Sept

The Physical / Functional Tests:

Candidates who make it through the Written Tests will be invited to attend Gatwick Airport for Physical / Functional Testing.

> Physical Assessment:

> Group Bleep test - 9.6 (V02 Max = 48)

> Grip test - 35kg

> Dead Lift – 57kg

> Shoulder Press - 28kg

> Pull Down - 35kg

Functional Assessment:

> Ladder Climb - Ascend a fully extended 13.5-meter ladder to approximately second storyHeight and demonstrate a ‘leg lock’.

> Casualty Evacuation - Drag a 55kg casualty walking backwards (guided by an assessor) around a 30-metre course

> Enclosed Spaces - This is a test of confidence, agility and possible claustrophobia whilst working in an enclosed space.

> Equipment Assembly - This is a test of manual dexterity - Assemble and disassemble items of equipment

> Equipment Carry - This is a test of aerobic fitness, muscular strength and stamina.

Candidates must be available to attend on one of the following fixed dates: 23rd Oct / 24th Oct / 25th Oct / 26th Oct / 27th Oct

The Interview:

Candidates who make it through the Physical Tests will be invited to attend Gatwick Airport for an Interview.

> The interview will consist of Motivational, Situational judgement and Competency based questions.

> Candidates must be available to attend on one of the following fixed dates:

6th Nov / 7th Nov / 8th Nov / 9th Nov /10th Nov

The Candidate Pool:

Candidates who make it through all stages will be invited to have their details held on file and will form a candidate pool.

> This pool will be held for a maximum of 2 years.

Further Detail:

> All Stages MUST Be Passed to Progress to The Next Stage.

In house training & assesment

Before joining as an operational firefighter at Gatwick, all new starters first complete a 5 week residential initial acquisition course (or a 2 week bridging course for those joining from another service).

Gatwick have an in-house Maintenance of Competence (MOC) programme which is supported by a team of in house Trainers, Assessors and Quality Assurers.

Firefighters can apply to be nominated to become instructors in a multitude of disciplines, be-it, breathing apparatus (BA), Physical training, road, traffic collision (RTC), immediate emergency care (IEC) or fire safety.

Our Watch Manager team are all trained and qualified assessors, and all of our station managers, are qualified internal verifiers. This enables us to ensure that all staff recive quality structured training, which is assessed, these assements are verified to ensure the highest standards are maintained.

This whole MOC package is overseen by a Station Manager who is accountable for training and compliance, who also supports the CFO with external audit processes.

This accredited course is the foundation for their career.

What our people have to say...

Steve Bartlett Station Manager

I started my aviation Fire Service career in August 2000, where I was initially based at Southampton Airport. I moved to Gatwick in 2004 joining Red Watch as a Leading firefighter. Since then, I have worked on all 4 of the Watches as well as having some time as a Float Watch Manager. I am currently the Station Manager of White Watch, leading a team of 2 Watch Managers, 2 crew Managers and 14 FireFighters. Reporting to the DCFO, I have various areas of accountability which currently include the facilities on our Fire Training Ground, Incident Command, Contingency Plans and Recruitment.

I joined the Gatwick Fire Service at 23 and have now been here over 13 years. The role has afforded me many opportunities and allowed me to really develop myself professionally and personally.

When I first joined, I was in the middle of an Open University degree, which the Fire Service supported me in completing and I graduated a couple of years after joining. More recently, after two years of study and exams, I have become a Graduate of the Institute of Fire Engineers; a qualification that has vastly developed my knowledge base.

I am also an Immediate Emergency Care and Road Traffic Collision instructor and regularly deliver training to my watch and other departments.

Theo Van Der Lugt Crew Manager

Eddie Wharton Firefighter

I joined Gatwick Airport Fire Service in 1996, having previously worked as a security officer in the South Terminal.

Within my role as a firefighter, I have a number of personal references, one of these being an Emergency Response Driving (ERD) Instructor. This reference means that I, amongst others within the Fire Service, are responsible for Instructing and Assessing the other firefighters on station with their driving standards on all our Fire Service appliances. There are many things that I enjoy about being part of the Fire Service team here at Gatwick, such as there are many opportunities to further enhance your skills and undertake personal development if you so wish.

Annietta Rebindaine Firefighter

I have been part of the Gatwick family for 17 years in a variety of roles - cabin crew, checkin, aircraft dispatch, airfield stand planning and the last 5 years as a firefighter. The common misconception of the fire service is that it is a male job role, but the narrative is changing. Anyone that has the drive and is prepared to put in the effort to succeed can be a firefighter. I train to be strong and healthy so I can perform the role alongside my team to the same standards, and yearly physical testing ensures the standards remain in place.

Gatwick Fire Service strives to remain resilient, and we are all encouraged to develop our careers by taking on the responsibility of training our peers in our core functions. Two years ago I took on the ambitious role of BAi (Breathing Apparatus instructor) and I am part of the team ensuring the watch remain competent through theoretical and practical training.

Andrew Pinker Firefighter

I have worked as a firefighter at Gatwick Airport for nearly 9 years now and I still absolutely love the job. After graduating from the University of Sussex, I spent many years working in Compliance roles in London. I found myself working in the financial sector, which I did not enjoy and looking forward to my weekends. As an active person, I wanted a career that would allow me to continue to keep fit, feel part of a team and challenge me day-to-day. Being a firefighter at Gatwick Airport fulfils these goals totally. We have to be trained in a multitude of skills, not just typical ‘firefighter skills’. Since working at the Fire Service, I have realised how much I enjoy the challenge of driving large vehicles and I am now a Snow Plough Instructor for my watch, which allows me to drive and train others on our Articulated Øveraasen Snow Ploughs to help prepare the airport to deal with and remain open during winter snow events.

I am also a strong believer in continuous personal development. Gatwick Airport Fire Service are a member of the Institute of Fire Engineers, and they encourage my ongoing

James Buckman Firefighter

I started at Gatwick Fire Service in 2016 as a firefighter on White Watch. As a firefighter you have the opportunity to upskill yourself in different areas and help add value to the Watch, there are many different avenues to go down. Accreted prior learning enabled me to transfer qualifications in Physical training from a previous employment into my current role. I am currently one of the Physical Training Instructors, which takes care of annual fitness assessments for the Watch. I am also an IECR Instructor which means I plan and deliver the training sessions around our Trauma and Medical qualifications.

David Simpson Firefighter

I joined Gatwick Airport in 2012 and spent 9 years in the role of Security Officer. When I decided I wanted a new challenge I looked into roles around the airport and the more I learned about the Fire Service, the more I realised it suited all my interests & skills. I

Julian Elliman Firefighter

I joined Gatwick Airport FRS in 1992. After nearly 32 years’ service I still see the role of a firefighter here at Gatwick Airport as exciting & motivating as when I first joined all those years ago. The fire service has given me many opportunities beyond the operational role including instructing on recruit basic courses, breathing apparatus instructor courses & having a big part in facilitating training for other services who have used Gatwick for part of their training. One of my other passions is driving & I have also been a response driving instructor for many years. The role of a firefighter here is very dynamic, especially with all of the different types of calls we respond to. This for me is one of the most exciting things the job offers. Being a team player with my other colleagues has offered a sense of camaraderie which I value very much.

Gatwick History & Facts

Gatwick Airport has been in operation since 1930, initially as the Surrey Aero Club, a small flyers club used exclusively by flying enthusiasts. Four years later, Gatwick was licensed as a public aerodrome intended to provide regular services to Paris and to provide relief for the then London Croydon Airport. It was also in 1934 that Gatwick gained its first scheduled flights – Hillman’s Airways to Belfast and Paris. Hillman’s Airways descendants still fly from Gatwick; they form part of the company better known as British Airways. Today however, they have been joined by roughly 56 other airlines, flying to over 200 destinations and serving over 45 million passengers. Gatwick Airport has come a long way since 1930. Take a look at some of the key facts that highlight the importance of this unique airport:

Facilities

> Number of runways: 1

> Planning application submitted for use of the Northern (2nd) Runway to increase our capacity

> Runway length: 3,316m long by 45m wide

> Number of terminals: 2 - South (opened in 1958) and North (opened in 1988)

> South Terminal is 160,000 square metres of which 14,768 square metres is retail facilities

> North Terminal is 98,000 square metres of which 12,530 square metres is retail facilities

> There are 119 stands, with a total of 186 centrelines - the ability to use a stand flexibly means we can park up to 186 aircraft

> 31 South Terminal stands

> 31 North Terminal stands

> 57 remote stands served by coaches

> We have 245 check-in desks, 123 self-service check-in desks and 119 self-service bag drop kiosks

Transport - We’re well connected

> Gatwick was the world’s first airport to have a direct mainline train link with a dedicated railway station

> Gatwick is already the UK’s best-connected airport by rail and directly connects to more stations than any other

> European airport station

> Number of direct rail connections: more than 120

> Time by rail to central London: 30 mins with trains running every three minutes.

> With planned improvements, by 2030 there could be up to 50 trains an hour departing Gatwick and a train every two and a half minutes

> Gatwick has the largest rail catchment of any UK airport and 15 million people, more than

of the population of England, can access Gatwick within 60 minutes.

Our Owners & Managment

London Gatwick Airport is embarking on an exciting new phase. On 14 May 2019, our business transferred to new management with VINCI Airports now owning the majority shareholding of 50.01% and the remainder owned by a consortium of investors and managed by Global Infrastructure Partners (GIP), who have operated Gatwick since 2009.

About Vinci Airports

VINCI Airports is the world’s leading private airport operator, welcoming 240 million passengers per year, including 46 million at London Gatwick. VINCI Airports operates the world’s largest and most diversified network, with more than 50 airports in 11 countries in Europe, Asia and the Americas. VINCI Airports develops, finances, builds and manages airports by providing its investment capacity and its know-how in optimizing operational performance, modernizing infrastructures and managing their operations and environmental transition. VINCI Airports is the first airport operator to have committed to a global international environmental strategy in 2016, to achieve the goal of net zero emission across its entire network by 2050. Read more about VINCI Airports. https://www.vinci-airports.com/en

About Global Infrastructure Partners (GIP)

GIP manages the remaining 49.99% interest in Gatwick and is a leading independent infrastructure fund manager that makes equity and debt investments in high quality infrastructure assets in the energy, transport, water/waste and digital infrastructure sectors. GIP manages US$84 billion for its investors. Its 46 portfolio companies have combined annual revenues of US$61 billion and employ nearly 100,000 employees. For more information on GIP please visit http://global-infra.com

Gatwick’s Values

Discounts

Our people love to save. Get discounts and earn rewards at a range of on-airport and high-street shops and restaurants.

Insurance

We provide our people with a generous life and disability insurance which gives protection and peace of mind.

Travel

Save on your commute by up to 43% on local buses, and 25% off many train fares with a Gatwick travelcard. We also offer an electric vehicle salary sacrifice scheme.

Community

Every year our people get two days to volunteer for a cause that’s important to them, and we’ll match fund money raised for charity.

Health

We offer a private healthcare scheme and our people can take advantage of an employee assistance programme.

Pay

Wherever you work, we make sure our pay is competitive, fair and equal.

Bonus

All of our people are eligible for an annual performance bonus scheme.

Shares

Most of our people are eligible to join a yearly share scheme with our parent company, VINCI SA

Your payslip is only part of the package

We’re committed to rewarding our people by offering a range of benefits, depending on the role you have, you can expect to have benefits such as: