Job Overview

Mitie are seeking a qualified experienced dynamic Watch Manager to join the company Fire Section on Ascension Island.  The Watch Manager (WM) is responsible to the Fire Station Manager (FSM) for the effective daily running of Interserve Fire & Rescue Service Ascension Island Base (AIB), and assumes all related duties when the Fire Station Manager is absent from post. This role includes engaging with DFSR Agencies such as CAPITA and sub-contractor G3 who provide Fire Trained personnel within the section.

Main Duties

• To supervise Firefighting & Rescue Operations at Structural Fire Incidents, Road Traffic Incidents, and or other related emergencies requiring the attendance of Fire & Rescue Services.
• Provide Command & Control at all Domestic Firefighting Operations, until the arrival of the Senior Fire Officer.
• Assume the role of Sector Commander at all Firefighting Operations when relieved by the Senior Fire Officer.
• Act as deputy for the Station Manager in during his/her absence. Detail the Duty Fire Service Crew to their respective positions & duties at the commencement of each shift.
• Implement Defence Fire Safety Regulator (DFSR) policy, ensuring full compliance with Operational Directives, Chief Fire Officer's Instructions (CFOI).
• Adherence to Health & Safety Regulations, within the framework provided for all Fire Service duties.
• Ensure Quality & Assurance (Q&A) policies within the Fire Service administrative structure are maintained to ensure Full Compliance is achieved at all DFSR & QSHE Audits.
• Provide Fire Safety Awareness training to all HM Forces, MOD Employed Civilians, Crown Servants.
• Provide Command & Control at all Firefighting Operations, until the arrival of the Senior Fire Officer.
• Ensure that adequate training. Practical & Theoretical is carried out for Interserve Fire & Rescue Service Personnel.
• Ensure that all changes of Policy & Techniques are implemented IAW DFSR Chief Fire Officer Instructions (CFOI)
• Detail the Duty Fire Service Crew to their respective positions & duties at the commencement of each shift.
• Ensure that the watch room communications are tested and serviceable at the commencement of each shift.
• Ensure that Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) logbooks are signed on a monthly basis.
• Maintain and verify monthly Fire Service Training records (MOST). Make vehicles available to MTMS for planned routine maintenance. Ensure that all Firefighting Vehicles (FFV) are given a daily inspection, and the equipment checks at every shift change have been signed for by the person carrying out the checks, IAW Q&A policy.
• Ensure that all Firefighting Vehicles (FFV) are kept in a reasonably clean, tidy, and serviceable condition.
• Ensure all Fire Service Equipment is maintained and signed for IAW DFRMO Equipment User Manuals, Manufacturer's Instructions, and CFOI.
• Maintain the fabric of the Fire Station buildings and surrounds, and submit Work's Services where required.
• In the absence of the Fire Station Manager, submit monthly Fire Service returns to DFRMO on the first working day of each month, and vehicle returns on the first Monday of each month.
• In the absence of the Fire Station Manager, maintain a working shift roster and leave planner.
• In the absence of the Fire Station Manager, the Watch Manager is to act as Deputy Inventory Holder, the Watch Manager is authorised to demand equipment through the RAF supply chain.
• Inform the Airfield Operations Manager and the RAF Duty Holder, Commander Ascension Island Base (CAIB) of any unserviceability issues that may affect the Structural Cover for Traveller's Hill, Ascension Island Base (AIB), and all AIB assets.
• Respond to emergencies during “out of hours” periods when informed by AIB Operations.
• Ensure that all risk assessments have been raised, reviewed, and that all Fire Service Personnel are aware, and ar compliant with all safety requirements.
• If Fire Safety qualified, plan and carry out Fire Risk Assessments (FRA) IAW the Fire Safety Management Plan (FSMP) and JSP 426: Defence Fire Safety & Fire Risk Management Vol 1 & 2, DFSR Regulation DSA02 & STRATCOM regulations.
• Maintain the level of fitness necessary to carry out all the duties of a Firefighter and pass the required fitness test.
• Carry out any other task within the Post Holders' capabilities and experience in support of the contract, as directed by the Airhead Operations Manager or their representatives.

What we are looking for

• Fire Service Watch Manager Incident Management or equivalent. Operational Breathing Apparatus Wearer Assessment (opBAWA) Current, or equivalent.
• DFSR or Local Authority Fire Brigade (LAFB) qualified, Ex-RAF, DFRS/DFRMO, Ex-Royal Navy Aircraft Handler, Ex- LAFB.
• Full UK driving licence, including HGV. Emergency Response Driver (ERD).
• Desirable - Any relevant Fire Service instructional qualifications. Any relevant Fire Safety Qualifications.
• Defence Workplace Trainer. H&S Qualifications.
• Must have excellent Leadership and Management skills. Excellent communicator.
• Capable Public Speaker, ability to deliver Fire Safety Briefs.
• Working knowledge of IT systems. Microsoft Excel/Word documents.

Additional information

Mitie will pay a competitive salary, monthly site allowance and bonus.  Hours of work are 48 per week. The contract duration is 24 months with 80 days leave excluding weekends. There will be an entitlement to the Ascension Island Bank Holidays. Flights will be arranged to and from Ascension Island for agreed holiday periods. The position is unaccompanied, single accommodation on Travellers Hill, 3 meals at the Combined Mess, all corporate work wear and PPE included.  Must be capable of obtaining MoD basic level security clearance, eVisa from the Ascension Government, be declared medically and dentally fit to work on Ascension Island.

Ascension Island, South Atlantic Ocean (ASCN 1ZZ)

• Full Time
• Notice period 2 months
• Unaccompanied
• Hours worked per week 47.5 hrs, shift pattern
• 80 days leave excluding weekends
• Tour Length 24 months
• Site allowance 5%, Tour bonus 10%
• Compliance requirements – Ascension Island Government Visa, BPSS security, Medical and Dental
• Flights provided free of charge (4 periods: 5 months on, 1 month off on leave)