Classifications
Firefighter
Trainee role - NRS Dounreay is seeking dedicated, resilient and community-focused individuals to join the Dounreay Fire, Ambulance & Rescue Service (DFARS), playing a vital role in protecting a nationally significant site and supporting the wider local area. This is a unique opportunity to be part of a highly skilled, multi-disciplinary emergency response team operating across fire, rescue and ambulance services.
As a firefighter at Dounreay, you will respond to a diverse range of incidents while developing specialist skills in a supportive, high-performance environment. Successful candidates will undertake a 13-week residential training programme, followed by structured, competency-based development. Once trained you will primarily work on a day shift watch with additional call-out responsibilities, you will receive a pensionable shift allowance and the chance to build a rewarding long-term career.
What you'll be doing:
You’ll take on a varied and impactful role, responding to incidents and maintaining operational readiness while supporting both on-site and community safety initiatives.
- Respond to a wide range of incidents including fires, rescues, ambulance calls and specialist services, ensuring rapid and professional emergency response
- Deliver and support training for emergency teams, site personnel and local responders, including first aid, breathing apparatus and rope rescue
- Maintain equipment, vehicles and operational readiness through inspections, testing and adherence to DFARS procedures
- Contribute to exercises, drills and continuous improvement, ensuring preparedness for major incidents on and off-site
What you'll bring:
A successful candidate will be a committed team player who prioritises safety at all times, demonstrating the physical fitness, resilience and composure required to perform effectively in demanding, high-pressure environments. You will bring strong decision-making, communication and interpersonal skills, enabling you to adapt quickly to dynamic situations while contributing positively to team performance and operational outcomes. A proactive mindset and enthusiasm for continuous professional development are essential, with a willingness to undertake specialist training and qualifications to broaden your capabilities within the role.
- Strong team focus with a consistent commitment to maintaining personal and team safety
- Physically fit, resilient and able to perform effectively under pressure - see post specific physical capability analysis
- Eager to learn and develop, with the motivation to gain specialist skills and qualifications
We are looking to hold interviews week commencing Monday 22 June 2026, however, please note that this vacancy may close earlier than the stated deadline should we receive a high volume of applications, so we encourage you to submit your application as soon as possible.
If you require assistance at any point during the recruitment process contact careers@dounreay.nrservices.uk at the appropriate time so we can make any necessary, reasonable adjustment.
Some reasons we think you'll love it here:
Please note: All successful candidates who do not already hold security clearance will need to provide proof of identity, eligibility to work in the UK, and employment/education history (typically covering the last 3–5 years) in line with NRS Baseline Security requirements. Some roles may also require full Security Clearance, which involves additional checks. For details, please refer to the Defence Business Services National Security Vetting (DBS NSV) guidance.