| Detail | For this role |
|---|---|
| Department | Environment, Health and Safety |
| Level | Entry level |
| Reports to | Fire Safety Officer |
| Direct reports | None |
| Experience | Fresher or up to 4 years in fire services |
Fire Operator job description template
Copy this job description, replace the text in square brackets and post it on your careers page or a job portal.
Job title: Fire Operator
Department: Environment, Health and Safety
Reports to: Fire Safety Officer
Location: [City], [office, branch or site]
About the role
A Fire Operator runs and maintains the fire protection systems and pump house that protect a plant or building. They operate fire pumps, monitor the hydrant and sprinkler systems, respond to fire alarms, and keep firefighting equipment ready. The role reports to the Fire Safety Officer or fire and safety manager. A good fire operator keeps the fire system pressurised and ready at all times, responds fast and correctly to alarms and fires, maintains equipment on schedule, and stays alert through every shift.
Key responsibilities
- Operate and monitor the fire pumps, hydrant and sprinkler systems every shift.
- Keep the fire system pressurised and ready to respond at all times.
- Respond immediately to fire alarms and firefighting calls on site.
- Operate firefighting equipment such as hoses, monitors and extinguishers.
- Check and maintain fire equipment, extinguishers and hydrant points.
- Monitor the fire alarm panel and act on alarms and faults.
- Support fire drills and evacuation as part of the fire crew.
- Keep the pump house, fire water tanks and equipment in ready condition.
- Record system checks, alarms and events in the fire log.
- Follow safety procedures and use breathing apparatus correctly in a fire.
Requirements
- Fire and safety certificate or training
- Sub officer or fireman course is an advantage
- Physical fitness for firefighting
- Fresher or up to 4 years in fire services
KRAs and KPIs for a Fire Operator
Key result areas for the appraisal form, each with a KPI you can measure every month or quarter.
| Key result area | How to measure it |
|---|---|
| System readiness | Fire system kept pressurised and ready with no critical downtime |
| Alarm response | Fire alarms and calls responded to within the target time |
| Equipment upkeep | Fire equipment and extinguishers checked and serviceable on schedule |
| Drills | Fire drills supported effectively as part of the crew |
| Logs | System checks and events recorded accurately in the fire log |
| Availability | Fire cover maintained on every rostered shift |
Skills and tools
Tools used day to day: Fire pumps and hydrants, Fire hoses and monitors, Fire alarm panel, Breathing apparatus, Extinguishers.
Reporting line and career path
Next roles: Senior Fire Operator, Fire Safety Officer, Fire Crew Leader
Interview questions for a Fire Operator
- How do you keep the fire system ready and pressurised through your shift?
- What do you do the moment a fire alarm sounds?
- How do you operate a fire hydrant and hose line?
- How do you check and maintain fire extinguishers?
- How do you use breathing apparatus safely in a fire?
- Tell me about a fire or alarm you responded to.
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What does a fire operator do?
A fire operator runs and maintains the fire protection systems and pump house that protect a plant or building. They operate fire pumps, monitor the hydrant and sprinkler systems, respond to fire alarms, and keep firefighting equipment ready. They keep the fire system pressurised and ready, respond fast to fires, and maintain equipment on schedule.
What qualifications do you need to be a fire operator?
Most fire operators hold a fire and safety certificate or training, and a sub officer or fireman course is an advantage. Physical fitness for firefighting is essential. Employers look for the ability to operate fire pumps and equipment, respond quickly to alarms, use breathing apparatus, and stay alert through long shifts.
Do fire operators work night shifts?
Yes. Fire protection must be available at all times, so fire operators work in rotating shifts that include nights to keep the pump house and fire system covered round the clock. A plant cannot be left without fire cover, so shifts are rostered for continuous availability, with response ready at any hour.