A CAREER WITH THE AIRPORT FIRE SERVICE GUIDANCE BOOKLET
HIAL 
AMSL
DAL 
CONTENTS
1. Highlands and Islands Airports – Who we Are
2. HIAL Locations
3. What does the Airport Fire Service do?
4. What is the role of an Airport Fire Fighter?
5. Is being an Airport Fire Fighter for me?
6. Am I eligible to apply?
7. Fitness and Medical Requirements
8. What does the Training Involve?
9. Career Progression
10. Terms and Conditions
11. Recruitment and Selection Process
12. Working in HIAL
A career with the Airport Fire Service – Guidance Booklet
Published: September 2015
Updated: May 2016
Page 1 of 15
1. Highlands and Islands Airports – Who We Are
Highlands and Islands Airports Limited (HIAL) is a public corporation owned by the Scottish
Ministers. We own and operate 11 Airports across the Highlands and islands and Dundee.
Our airports are vital to the economic and social welfare of the region, although they are
loss making and subsidised by the Scottish Government.
Our mission is to provide and operate safe, secure and efficient airports which support the
communities we serve and we aim to be industry leaders. Our customers are at the heart of
everything we do and we have a passion for excellent customer service. Alongside this, we
ensure that safety is of top priority and we work hard to ensure we meet the stringent
standards expected of us by our regulators.
The areas we are based in are varied and interesting, and are some of the most beautiful
parts of Scotland.
Within our Airport Fire Service we employ just under 200 staff in total across all of our
locations.
2. HIAL Locations
A career with the Airport Fire Service – Guidance Booklet
Published: September 2015
Updated: May 2016
Page 2 of 15
3. What does the Airport Fire Service do?
We all know or think we know what a Fire Service is about, however our teams do far more
than just attend and extinguish fires. The Airport Fire Service’s main aim is to contribute to
the safety of the airport community by promoting awareness of fire and its danger and
responding to emergency calls. This involves us in many activities, e.g.:
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Educating and working with the airport community to improve awareness of fire safety
issues;
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Contributing to emergency planning with partner organisations and agencies;
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Assessing safety risks associated with aviation and related hazards and developing plans
to reduce risk in compliance with the Company Safety Management System;
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Developing and testing emergency plans;
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Responding to and effecting safe rescue in fire related incidents including water based
rescues for aviation lifesaving incidents;
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Providing fire safety and advice to the business community within the airport perimeter;
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Responding by Fast Rescue Craft to conduct water based rescues for aviation lifesaving
incidents;
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Form part of the winter operations team involved in airfield de-icing and snow clearing
activity;
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Be involved in developing training requirements for third parties to promote income
generation;
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Assist with non-fire emergency incidents as required, using our training to help the
public. These may include:
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Road, rail transport accidents
Flooding and water resources
Chemical releases
Decontamination
Building collapses.
4. What Is The Role of an Airport Fire Fighter?
As a Fire Fighter, your key role is to contribute to the development of safer airports by using
your skills and knowledge to reduce the risk to passengers, the community and
environment.
A career with the Airport Fire Service – Guidance Booklet
Published: September 2015
Updated: May 2016
Page 3 of 15
Whilst there to protect and save people and property from fire and other hazards in the
safest, most competent and effective manner, actually fighting fires is not an every day task.
However, should the worst happen you could be called to any type of incident, either minor
or major. Therefore, a significant portion of your time will be spent training and maintaining
your competence in a range of skills and techniques.
The range of tasks can be varied and you could be involved in the following:
Emergency Situations
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Respond to all requests for assistance whether on land or at sea
Take directions and work as a team member
Help passengers in distress – and sustain life until professional medical assistance
arrives.
In the Airport Community
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Explain and demonstrate fire safety measures
Visit people and logging business ventures at risk from fire, advise and educate them
Conduct a wide range of extraneous duties which include aircraft marshalling, baggage
handling, aircraft re-fuelling (where applicable), manoeuvring area de-icing and snow
clearing to name but a few.
Contribute to aviation safety through proactive reporting of safety related information
When Dealing with People
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Gain the confidence of the travelling members of the public
Be a good team member
Be sensitive to the needs of others, especially at work
Be able to communicate clearly and confidently with other members of the 999
emergency services.
In Health and Safety
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Recognise and deal with health and safety issues at work
Ensure your own safety and that of others
Participate in the production of risk assessments and other health and safety
documentation pertaining to the airport fire service role.
With Personal Fitness
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Maintain a good standard of fitness to carry out all your duties.
A career with the Airport Fire Service – Guidance Booklet
Published: September 2015
Updated: May 2016
Page 4 of 15
Local Knowledge
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Get to know the roads and buildings around your own airport area
Get to know the area and associated hazards close to the airport
Be aware of the possible risks, hazards and water supplies within your airport area
Identify potential fire risks in local premises (i.e. industrial estates close to airport areas).
Maintenance
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Look after vehicles and firefighting equipment; this includes maintenance, repairing and
testing.
Development
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Take part in the initial training programme which may require you to attend courses that
will see you away from home for a period.
Take part in an ongoing maintenance of skills programme of personal development
including lectures, practical exercises and training courses.
Be prepared to take on specialist roles on the station which will require you to attain
specialist qualifications.
It is your responsibility to ensure that you maintain your skills and fitness levels to deal with
all types of aviation and domestic incidents safely.
Water Rescue Facilities
Some of our airports require water rescue facilities, these are:
 Benbecula
 Dundee
 Islay
 Kirkwall
 Stornoway
 Sumburgh.
If you are appointed to any of these airports you will be required to attend a sea survival
training course.
Due to this unique working environment, work at sea can cause problems or concerns for
some individuals. To identify if this might be the case everyone will be subject to regular
training exercises in varying sea conditions, throughout their first year of employment. If it
is found that you exhibit a fear of working in this environment or you suffer from constant
sea sickness that would cause difficulties to the effective running of the craft and crew, we
may have to review your ongoing employment.
A career with the Airport Fire Service – Guidance Booklet
Published: September 2015
Updated: May 2016
Page 5 of 15
5. Is being an Airport Fire Fighter for me?
We appreciate that firefighting is not an occupation for everyone. Although we aim to
ensure that successful applicants have the right qualities and attitude to succeed, some
people may encounter difficulties with the discipline and training.
It has to be acknowledged that firefighters will on occasion potentially have to deal with
situations which could be regarded as traumatic. An example of such situations could be:
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Cutting free badly injured persons from aircraft involved in accidents
Picking up bodies and body part(s)
Discovering a badly burned body during an aircraft fire
Being inside a burning aircraft and fearing that the floor will give way or roof will
collapse.
Responding to incidents in water (where applicable) where the conditions might be
rough, cold and unfavourable and may occur in darkness or poor visibility.
You should be aware that firefighters may see some gruesome things, get caught up in
dangerous situations, and have to deal with adults and children who are in a stressful state.
Firefighters may at times fear for their own safety and in extreme cases their lives.
The safety record of the Fire Service within the group is very good. There are Health and
Safety Management systems in place and every aspect of the job of a firefighter has been
assessed for risk and procedures are amended accordingly. Training in these procedures is
regular and to a high standard. Firefighters are not committed to a situation, which is
assessed as dangerous. Confidential counselling and support is available to staff who
experience stress symptoms after an incident.
It is however impossible to eliminate all risk and it is important that as a potential new
trainee you are aware of the sort of situations you may find yourself in if you are successful.
If you feel uncomfortable at the thought of facing some of the situations above perhaps
firefighting is not the career for you.
The following questions will help you assess whether Fire Fighter is the right kind of role for
you. If you can genuinely answer yes to all of these questions, and have evidence to back up
why you think this, then you might be the right individual for the role:
1. Are you genuinely interested in people? Can you get on with people from different
backgrounds and cultures?
2. Have you worked as part of a close knit team? Can you work under pressure without
letting the rest of your team down?
3. Can you think on your feet and solve problems when you know a lot depends on the
suggestions you come up with?
4. Do you have the sensitivity to deal with members of the travelling public when they
are distressed, confused or being obstructive?
A career with the Airport Fire Service – Guidance Booklet
Published: September 2015
Updated: May 2016
Page 6 of 15
5. Can you take responsibility for representing the Fire Service when you are at work
and when you are not?
6. Are you committed to always maintaining and developing your skills? Are you
prepared to study on top of your normal working day?
7. Are you prepared for the demands of working in a disciplined service in which you
will have to take orders from other people? Can you accept the need to keep to
rules that tell you what you can and cannot wear, including how you should wear
your hair?
8. Are you committed to maintaining your health and physical fitness? Is regular
exercise a part of your everyday living?
9. Are you confident that you can work in the dangerous environments that firefighters
may need to expose themselves to, i.e. working at heights, working on water,
working in confined spaces and in smoky environments?
10. Are you prepared to work day shifts, evenings, weekends and public holidays? Are
you prepared to come in early and stay late at short notice?
11. Are you a practical person who likes to work with their hands and with equipment?
Do you enjoy making things or finding out how things work?
12. Are you someone who can always be relied on to be somewhere on time? Are you
someone that others see as dependable?
13. Are you prepared to work outside for several hours in all types of weather? For
example when it is wet and cold and you don’t know when a job might finish?
14. Are you someone who can cope with routine, knowing that you may have to do the
same things at the same time on most days?
15. Are you prepared to detach to other locations for periods of time often at short notice?
6. Am I Eligible to Apply?
Airport Fire Fighters come into the industry from all walks of life, with a wide range of
backgrounds and experiences. Your aptitude and attitude are more important than your
particular background.
However, there are a number of legal, medical and academic criteria that it is essential you
meet in order to become a Fire Fighter and there are strict rules regarding this.
Whilst previous experience or education in the field of aviation is not essential, there are
some skills and attributes that are.
It is therefore important that you honestly and accurately assess yourself against these
before deciding whether or not to apply.
 Eligibility to work in the UK
Firstly, we do not have a sponsor license for migrant workers. We can therefore only
consider applications from those who already have the right to work in the UK and you will
be required to provide original documentary evidence of this (such as a passport).
A career with the Airport Fire Service – Guidance Booklet
Published: September 2015
Updated: May 2016
Page 7 of 15
If you are unsure regarding your eligibility, please check at https://www.gov.uk/check-ukvisa
 Skills and Attributes
The job description and person specification for the role give you more detail on the skills
and attributes required, but some of the key ones are listed below.
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You must have good interpersonal skills and the ability to get on with people from all
walks of life
The Fire Service is a highly disciplined team – you must be able to take and follow
instruction.
You must be reliable and flexible in your approach to work.
You must happy to work in various environments.
You need to be computer literate.
The ability to maintain control and self discipline in stressful and challenging situations is
essential.
 Academic
Whilst you don’t need any specific qualifications to pursue a career as an Airport Fire
Fighter, you do need a good standard of both literacy and numeracy; hence you should have
mathematics and English at Standard Grade Level (or equivalent). Also, as part of the
selection process you’ll be required to pass aptitude test for both literacy and numeracy.
Having mechanical aptitude is also beneficial so a trades background or experience can be
useful, although is not required.
 LGV Driving License and Age
Applicants will be required to obtain and hold an LGV licence at all times. Department of
Transport guidelines states that LGV licences are normally issued at age 18 or above.
Therefore in order to apply you must be aged 18 or over, or will be 18 within 3 months of
the closing date for the vacancy.
You must be able to meet the medical requirements to hold an LGV driving license as set by
the DVLA and must not have any endorsements or past driving convictions which would
prevent you from obtaining an LGV driving license or the company being able to insure you
to drive company vehicles. You have to achieve this license within your probationary period
and hold it for the duration of your career to continue in our employment.
Should you have any concerns or queries about your ability/eligibility to obtain an LGV
driving license at this time e.g. due to license endorsements or previous driving convictions,
or on medical grounds, please check this with the DVLA in the first instance or contact
[email protected] with any specific queries.
A career with the Airport Fire Service – Guidance Booklet
Published: September 2015
Updated: May 2016
Page 8 of 15
 Team Work
The Fire Service is very orientated towards a team based environment. We operate almost
exclusively in crews and teams and it is vital that you should be comfortable working in a
team environment. We are looking for individuals who conduct themselves in a
professional manner at all times, showing courtesy and respect for all those they encounter
and who are able to respect and value differences. You must also be able to follow
instruction and take direction from colleagues.
7. Fitness and Medical Requirements
Fire Fighting is a physical role and therefore there are strict medical and fitness
requirements that you must meet. It is also vital that you are prepared to commit to
maintaining your health and fitness for the duration of your career. You will undertake
regular medicals during your career, and must also meet the DVLA standards to hold an LGV
driving license.
Fitness
Part of the selection process for Fire Fighter vacancies involve a fitness test. It is essential
that you pass this in order to be considered further. Above average level of fitness in terms
of muscle strength and in particular aerobic fitness are required.
Health
Preferred candidates for the role will be required to undertake a pre-employment medical
in order to ascertain that they are fit and healthy enough to undertake firefighting duties.
The AFS Medical is conducted by HIAL Occupational Health or your local medical practice.
You will be given a questionnaire to complete in advance of the medical which will cover
your medical history and you will be examined and undergo a series of tests.
Your General Practitioner’s medical record may be required in the screening process.
Consent will be required at the appropriate time.
There are medical standards set that any potential Fire Fighter must meet. You will
therefore be assessed on these during your medical. Some key points are listed below –
please consider whether you can meet these before submitting an application. It is very
important that you are honest during this process as these requirements have been set in
order to ensure that no individual(s) are put at risk and so that we can ensure a safe working
environment.
The Tests
A career with the Airport Fire Service – Guidance Booklet
Published: September 2015
Updated: May 2016
Page 9 of 15
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Vision - eye examination and colour Vision Assessment using Ishihara Test for colour
deficiency
Hearing – audiogram
ECG – records electrical activity of the heart over a period of time
Vitalograph/Spirometer test – measures the volume of air inspired and expired by the
lungs.
General Tests and a discussion on your medical questionnaire.
If you have any queries or concerns over a medical condition either current or past, you can
contact HIAL’s occupational health advisors (contact details available from HIAL HR). All
cases will be viewed individually and the OH doctor will decide if an applicant is suitable to
carry out the role of a firefighter.
HIAL’s AFS Medical conforms to CAA medical standards. More information is available from
the Airport Fire Officers Association (AFOA) RFFS Medical and Fitness Policy Guidance
Document. AFOA are a technical industry body who promote and maintain good practice in
the UK.
8. What Does The Training Involve?
Upon appointment you will begin a structured Fire Fighter learning programme. Training is
competency based and includes both theoretical and practical learning. The training takes
place on station or by an approved training provider, in addition you may be required to
travel to attend specific training courses that are required e.g. compartment fire behaviour
training.
As a trainee fire-fighter you will assist in compiling your own portfolio of evidence
supported by your assigned instructor and assessor, you will be required to demonstrate
competence against national occupational standards of each of the set job roles before
beginning development for the next role.
As there are health and safety reasons underpinning the competency required, it is essential
that you meet the set occupational standards during training. Continued employment is
dependent upon you reaching the required standard.
All staff are required to undertake continuous learning and development and there are many
opportunities provided for this through on the job learning, e-learning etc.
9. Career Progression
HIAL are committed to ongoing learning and development of our staff. There are
opportunities available to progress to management and specialist roles (e.g. training, risk
management, policy development etc) for those who seek further development.
A career with the Airport Fire Service – Guidance Booklet
Published: September 2015
Updated: May 2016
Page 10 of 15
Management Structure
Existing Rank Structure
Role-Based Structure
Senior Divisional Officer
Chief Fire Officer
Divisional Officer
Fire Service Training Manager (Company)
Airport Fire Manager (Inverness and Dundee)
Station Officer
Airport Fire Manager (Sumburgh, Kirkwall, Wick,
Stornoway, Benbecula)
Watch Manager (Inverness)
Sub Officer
Airport Fire Manager (Barra, Tiree, Islay,
Campbeltown)
Watch/Crew Manager (Inverness, Sumburgh,
Kirkwall, Stornoway, Benbecula)
Leading Fire Fighter
Watch/Crew Manager (Barra, Tiree, Islay,
Campbeltown)
Crew Manager (Sumburgh, Kirkwall, Wick,
Inverness, Stornoway, Benbecula)
Fire Fighter
Airport Fire Fighter/Duty Crew (All Airports)
10. Terms and Conditions
Salary and Benefits
The advert for this vacancy details the current salary rate and applicable allowances for this
role. All new starts would commence at the bottom point of the salary scale and progress
through yearly increments to the top of the scale. Progression to the first increment is also
dependent upon successful obtainment of an LGV driving license.
All new recruits are auto-enrolled into a Company pension scheme with the People’s
Pension. After successfully completing 6 months service you will have the option to join the
HIAL Pension Scheme which is a career-average scheme.
Other benefits include a generous annual leave allowance (initially 28.5 days plus 8 public
holidays), access to an Employee Assistance Programme, free use of the airport gym, cycle to
work scheme and childcare voucher scheme.
Hours of Work
As an emergency service, the Airport Fire Service has to be available 365 days a year. Shift
rotas cover public holidays, including Christmas and New Year, and staff may find that they
A career with the Airport Fire Service – Guidance Booklet
Published: September 2015
Updated: May 2016
Page 11 of 15
are working these unsocial hours when friends and other family members are on holiday.
Given the nature of our work, you may find yourself asked to come in early or stay late at
short notice – for example to clear the runway of snow or when bad weather delays a flight.
It’s therefore essential that you are flexible in your approach to working hours and are
willing and able to commit to this type of working pattern.
On Call
As well as working on a shift basis, there may be a requirement to be on call during nights
and weekends for which there is an arrangement for on call remuneration.
Bonding Agreement
As we will be making a significant investment in your training at a high cost to us, you will be
bonded for a period of 3 years from starting with us i.e. if you leave the Company within the
first 3 years you will be required to repay a portion of these training costs.
LGV Licence
If you do not already hold an LGV driving license we will pay for your training. We will fund
three attempts at gaining this licence, after which if you have been unsuccessful (or unable
to successfully complete the test during your probationary period) your employment with
the company may be terminated.
11. Recruitment and Selection Process
All applicants must first of all complete the online application for the position and will then
be assessed against the criteria for the role, as set out in the job description and person
specification. The candidates who best demonstrate their ability to meet the requirements
will be invited to undertake online tests in numeracy and written skills, and to attend an
assessment centre. The grades you achieve for each stage will determine whether you go
on to the final interview stage. If you fail any stage then you will not pass on to the next
stage.
You will undertake a variety of tests at the assessment which include:
Fitness Test
This will be assessed using the Chester Step Test to assess your physical fitness.
Practical Workplace Assessment
This will include various practical exercises.
If an applicant fails to meet the minimum requirement they will be advised that their
application cannot be progressed.
1.
Hose Running
A career with the Airport Fire Service – Guidance Booklet
Published: September 2015
Updated: May 2016
Page 12 of 15
Following instruction candidates will run out and make up 6 lengths of 25 metre long 70 mm
diameter hose. This will be done in training sessions where the candidate will run out two
hoses from a stand pipe, get the hose to work with water, stop the exercise under run the
hoses and make up all the equipment again ready for the next exercise. This will then be
repeated again another two times.
What is being tested?
Operating
Moving
Intrapersonal
Co-ordination, dexterity, rate control and reaction time
Stamina, flexibility and continuous strength
Determination, motivation and ability to respond to instructions and
commands
The reason we undertake this test is that this task is an activity which occurs during the first
week of training and continues throughout a firefighter’s career.
2.
Wearing Breathing Apparatus
Following instruction you will negotiate a crawl whilst wearing a Breathing Apparatus set
(not started up) and an obscured face mask.
What is being tested – The ability to work in areas of restricted access without displaying
claustrophobic tendencies or symptoms.
What is being tested?
Operating
Moving
Co-ordination
Stamina, flexibility, continuous strength
The reason we undertake this test is because Breathing Apparatus is a very important piece
of Fire Service equipment which you will be called upon to use many times in your career as
a firefighter.
3.
Ladder Ascent and Descent
Following instruction you will ascend an extended Fire Service ladder to a nominated point
and will take a leg lock, remove hands from the ladder and look down to the assessor to
identify the symbol below.
What is being tested - Ability to work at height
Operating
Co-ordination, dexterity
The reason we undertake this test is that this task is an activity which occurs during training
and continues throughout a Firefighters career.
A career with the Airport Fire Service – Guidance Booklet
Published: September 2015
Updated: May 2016
Page 13 of 15
Formal Interview
Finally, interviews will be held with senior officers of the Fire Service.
Failure at final stages of selection process
Please note that should you fail the Fitness or Practical Assessment, you will not be eligible
to attend the interview stage.
PRE-EMPLOYMENT CHECKS
If you are successful at interview stage, there are a number of pre-employment checks
which must be completed before any offer of employment can be confirmed. These include
a check of your eligibility to work in the UK and the medical as detailed above plus:
Disclosure Scotland
A criminal records check will be carried out through Disclosure Scotland. This will be
progressed for successful candidates. Failure to obtain the appropriate criminal records
clearance could result in a job offer being withdrawn.
Driving Licence
This post has driving as part of the designated duties. All applicants must be in possession
of a full clean driving licence. Any driving licence that lists an offence (with the exception of
fixed penalty fines) will not be regarded as a clean licence. If you are in any doubt as to
whether or not your licence will be acceptable please contact [email protected]. If
you are not in possession of a full clean driving licence your application cannot be
considered.
References
We need employer references covering the full last 5 years. If you have any gaps in your
employment, you will need to provide a character or academic reference to cover the
period.
12. Working in HIAL
Dress Code/Uniforms
As a Fire Fighter, you will be provided with a full uniform which you’ll be required to wear at
all times. You must keep your uniform clean and tidy, and present yourself with smart and
professional appearance at all times.
The Company will provide all the appropriate clothing and personal protective equipment to
undertake the roles and duties of a firefighter. Replacement clothing and personal
protective equipment is provided as and when required. There is a requirement for
firefighters to examine the serviceability of clothing and personal protective equipment
issued to them. In many cases the equipment is there to protect you in a hostile
A career with the Airport Fire Service – Guidance Booklet
Published: September 2015
Updated: May 2016
Page 14 of 15
environment. You will prejudice your own safety and maybe the safety of others if you do
not look after the clothing and personal protective equipment provided.
For health and safety reasons, hair should be cut to be neat and tidy, clear of both ears and
collar. Hair below collar length must be pinned up to ensure that a fire helmet can be worn
during training, drills and at operational incidents. The firefighter’s helmet is close fitting to
the head to provide adequate protection and as such is incompatible with the Holy Turban.
Beards and long sideburns are permitted however, due to the need to use and wear
breathing apparatus; they must be presented in such a way as not to affect the seal of the
breathing apparatus mask against clean shaven skin. You will be required to undergo a
formal BA mask face seal test.
The company recognises the right to individual expression, however where ever possible
body modifications are expected to be removable or covered up, whilst on duty. Where
modifications cannot be covered up, they should not be offensive in nature.
Work Location
As an Airport Fire Service it is important that there is flexibility regarding location of staff as
from time to time, we may need to send individuals to other airports to assist. Firefighters
can be detached and transferred to any station within the group for a period of up to three
weeks. You should seriously consider your willingness to be detached to any of the stations
within the HIAL/DAL group prior to submitting an application.
Outside Employment
Employment out with the Airport Fire Service is not encouraged but will be considered by
the Chief Fire Officer in consultation with local management. If you have secondary
employment you are required to notify your managers of this and consider the working time
implications of this.
Equal Opportunities
We are committed to being an equal opportunities employer, and seek to ensure that no
job applicant or employee receives less favourable treatment than any other on any
grounds including race, colour, nationality or ethnic or national origins, religion, gender,
sexual preference, marital status or disability, or is disadvantaged by conditions or
requirements which cannot be shown to be justifiable.
It is the policy of the company to provide a working environment which is free from
harassment of any kind, and respects the dignity of the individual at work.
It is the responsibility of every employee in the Company to respect the dignity of their
colleagues.
A career with the Airport Fire Service – Guidance Booklet
Published: September 2015
Updated: May 2016
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