The recruitment process
Applications will go live on 2 March 2026.
Stage one - Application
To apply you will need to fill out an application through our online recruitment site, this can be found on the Lincolnshire County Council jobs and careers page.
The process will be managed online and supported by email, and you will be given clear instructions and how to access support if needed, at each stage.
Due to the high volume of applications, no alternative dates are available or will be offered for any step of the process.
You must read this guide carefully before starting the online process along with the information on our website. It will help you understand and complete the process successfully without the need to contact us directly.
Should we need to contact you we will do so directly by email or telephone when necessary.
You must ensure you read the questions on your application form carefully and answer them accurately as you cannot amend them once recorded. If you do not meet all the essential criteria, you are not eligible and will not be allowed to proceed with your application.
Stage two - Bleep test and shuttle run
As a firefighter, you must maintain a high level of cardiovascular fitness to safely perform the physical demands of operational duties. The fitness assessment is conducted using the Multi-Stage Shuttle Run, commonly known as the “bleep test”.
During the test, you will run back and forth between two markers set 20 metres apart, keeping in time with a series of audio bleeps. The pace gradually increases at each level. The assessment measures your aerobic endurance and ability to sustain effort under increasing physical demand.
The required standard to pass is Level 8.8.
We strongly encourage candidates to prepare in advance to ensure they are confident and able to meet the required level. Maintaining fitness is an essential part of the firefighter role and supports both personal safety and effective team performance at incidents.
Dictation test
A firefighter has to be able to translate verbal information into a written format that is clear, concise and can be understood by any person on the incident ground. This could be a firefighter or an individual from another agency like the Police or building control worker. The test will take 10 minutes and will assess your ability to listen to and accurately record a message by writing it exactly as it is heard. The message will be played twice. During the first play you listen to the message; during the second play you write the message exactly as heard.
If you are unsuccessful in either element, you will be withdrawn from the recruitment process, and your application will progress no further.
Stage three - Selection day - Job related tests
The physical tests are designed to assess your fitness, strength, stamina, coordination, dexterity and ability to understand and apply information. The tests also look at your ability to work at heights and in darkened confined spaces. All the tests are relevant to the role of a Firefighter.
Ladder lift test
This test assesses your upper and lower body strength and co-ordination. You will raise the bar of a ladder lift simulator to the required height, with 15kg of weight placed on the simulator cradle, and then lower it safely under control. The combined weight you will be expected to lift is approximately 33kg.
Ladder climb test
This test assesses your confidence and co-ordination at heights. You will climb a 9m ladder and carry out a number of tasks. After a demonstration, you will be given the opportunity to practice at ground level before ascending two thirds of the way up, carrying out selected tasks as instructed, before descending correctly.
Casualty evacuation test
This test is designed to assess upper and lower body strength and co-ordination. Within a time limit, you will drag a 55kg dummy backwards around a 30m course at walking pace.
Equipment assembly test
This test assesses manual dexterity. Within a time limit, candidates assemble and disassemble a number of components to make a piece of equipment, following a series of diagrams. You will be given a demonstration of the test beforehand.
Equipment carry test
This test is designed to assess aerobic fitness, stamina, upper and lower body strength and co-ordination. Within a time limit, you will carry various items of fire and rescue service equipment up and down a course between two cones placed 25m apart. You will be given demonstrations on correct lifting techniques and have the opportunity to practice picking up the items beforehand.
Simulated hose running
This test assesses your upper body strength, stamina, and your ability to follow practical instruction. Candidates will be asked to simulate the running out, under running and making up of 8 lengths of hose by using a weighted medicine ball. This task must be completed within a 12-minute time limit. You will be given a demonstration on the techniques required.
Enclosed space test
This test is designed to assess confidence, agility, and stamina. Wearing a face mask, with your vision obscured, you will make your way through a crawl way. You will be instructed to perform various tasks on the way. This task must be completed within a time limit.
Stage four - Swim test
As part of the recruitment process, candidates will be required to successfully complete a swim assessment. This involves swimming two full lengths of a standard swimming pool continuously and demonstrating the ability to tread water for a minimum of 60 seconds. The purpose of the swim test is to ensure candidates possess a basic level of water confidence, stamina and self-sufficiency in an aquatic environment.
Firefighters may be required to operate near or around water, including incidents involving flooding, rescues from water, or working alongside specialist water rescue teams. While not all firefighters will undertake specialist water rescue duties, it is essential that every operational firefighter can remain safe, composed, and capable in water should the need arise. The assessment therefore supports personal safety, team safety and operational readiness, ensuring candidates are physically prepared to work in a range of challenging environments.
Stage five - Assessment day - Group activities
Once you have successfully completed all elements of the initial selection process, you will be progressed to the Assessment Day. This stage is designed to further evaluate your suitability for the role of wholetime firefighter and will assess a range of competencies aligned to Service values and operational expectations.
The Assessment Day will consist of two group activities. These elements are designed to assess your communication skills, ability to work collaboratively, problem-solving approach and alignment with Service values and behaviours. You will be given clear instructions for each stage on the day, and the assessment panel will be looking for evidence of how you demonstrate professionalism, teamwork, and sound judgement in a range of scenarios.
Interview and presentation
Candidates who successfully pass the assessment centre will be invited to interview. This will consist of a presentation and an interview that will last approximately one hour. You will be asked several questions on aspects such as your skills, experience, behaviours, values and competencies.
Reasonable adjustment requests
For candidates with neuro-divergence and disabilities, the process will operate a system of reasonable adjustments to those applicable parts, to enable these candidates full access to the process whilst ensuring that the assessment process remains valid with all candidates receiving an equitable assessment experience.
For the applicable parts of the assessment process, LFR will mirror the IFE position for Reasonable Adjustments to provide continuity and clarity. Although reasonable adjustments must not compromise the validity and reliability of examination results, they should be based on individual needs and reflect the ways in which affected candidates normally work. Applications for reasonable adjustments should be made clear on the application form.
Alternatively, please contact Recruitmentfire@lincolnshire.gov.uk to discuss further.
Disclosures and Barred Services
Please be advised that the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 now includes the requirement for Fire and Rescue Service employees to have a DBS check. This legislation change applies to all Fire Services across the country and the process aims to help safeguard colleagues and communities.
As a service we are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults and expect all staff and volunteers to share this commitment.
On occasion we receive significantly more applications than expected for some vacancies and under such circumstances we reserve the right to bring forward the closing date of the advertisement. We therefore strongly advise you to apply for the role promptly to avoid disappointment should the closing date be brought forward.
Fluency Duty
In accordance with Part 7 of the Immigration Act 2016 (Fluency Duty), the ability to converse at ease with customers and provide advice in accurate spoken English is essential for the post.
Medicals and pre-employment checks
The top scoring candidates from interview will then be invited to undertake a medical with our occupational health advisors. Pre-employment checks will also be started and your place on the course will be offered.
Chester step test
The Chester Step Test is used to assess your cardiovascular fitness in a controlled and progressive way. During the test, you will step on and off a platform in time with an audio signal, with the pace gradually increasing at set intervals. Your heart rate is monitored throughout to measure your aerobic capacity and ensure you meet the required fitness standard. This assessment helps confirm that you are physically prepared to meet the demands of operational firefighting safely and effectively.
Apprenticeship
Joining us as an apprentice in Lincolnshire Fire & Rescue is an opportunity to earn while you learn in one of the most rewarding and community‑focused professions. You’ll gain real operational experience from day one, supported by high‑quality training that builds the skills, knowledge and behaviours needed to progress in a modern fire and rescue career.
All Fire & Rescue apprenticeships are designed by sector specialists and approved by Skills England. Each programme is built around an Apprenticeship Standard, which sets out the national requirements every apprentice must achieve.
Operational Firefighter Level 3 Apprenticeship
This apprenticeship develops the full range of operational and safety‑critical skills required to serve as a competent firefighter. Your training will cover:
- Responding safely and effectively to emergency incidents
- Firefighting tactics, equipment use and operational procedures
- Fire behaviour, fire prevention, community safety and risk reduction
- Working in high‑pressure environments and making sound decisions
- Using PPE, specialist tools and breathing apparatus
- Teamwork, communication, resilience, and emergency preparedness
You will combine rigorous training with practical operational duties, ensuring you develop the confidence and capability to protect your communities.
For more information, please contact recruitmentfire@lincolnshire.gov.uk.
