We are seeking a proactive and reliable Fire Hydrant Inspector to carry out independent inspections, testing, and maintenance of fire hydrant infrastructure across a designated area of West Sussex.
As part of West Sussex Fire & Rescue Service, you will join the dedicated Water & Access Team, which plays a vital role in ensuring that fire hydrants across the county are fully operational and ready for use by frontline crews when responding to emergencies.
The team is responsible for the routine inspection, testing, and maintenance of hydrants, as well as responding promptly to reported defects or issues. You will be expected to identify faults, undertake appropriate remedial actions, and support the timely restoration of hydrants to full working order.
Salary: £29,540 to £32,061 per annum
Contract Type: Permanent
Working Pattern: Full-time (37 hours per week)
Location: East Preston Fire Station, 20 North Ln, East Preston, Littlehampton BN16 1DA
Interview Date: week commencing 10 August 2026
Please note: the anticipated start date for this position is October 2026.
This role requires the successful candidate to undertake lone working and travel independently to locations across West Sussex including to areas that may not be easily accessible by public transport.
The successful candidate will be provided with a service vehicle to support the delivery of inspections, testing, and maintenance of fire hydrant infrastructure. This vehicle will also be used to safely transport the tools and equipment required to carry out duties effectively.
About the Job
No two days in our Water and Access Team are the same. This is a key role that directly supports operational firefighting capability, requiring a high level of responsibility, attention to detail, and the ability to work independently in the community.
Your key responsibilities will include:
- Conduct inspections, testing, repairs, and maintenance of fire hydrant infrastructure across the county, ensuring high standards of quality and reliability.
- Provide specialist advice and technical guidance to a range of stakeholders, including operational fire crews, customers, private companies, and property owners.
- Accurately updating records, inputting information into systems and writing detailed maintenance reports.
This is a physically active role requiring regular lifting, carrying, pushing, and pulling of heavy items, such as hydrant covers and associated equipment. The role also involves manual tasks including digging and working in confined or awkward positions to access and operate hydrant valves.
Much of the work is carried out outdoors in all weather conditions and may take place in potentially hazardous environments, including roadsides and other high-risk locations. A strong commitment to health and safety is essential.
Required Qualifications and Skills
- A minimum of 5 GCSEs (grades 9–4 / A–C), including Maths and English, or equivalent qualifications or relevant experience.
- Full, valid UK driving licence.
- Proven ability to undertake practical tasks with minimal supervision.
- Experience working efficiently, effectively, and constructively both independently and as part of a team.
- Good geographical knowledge of West Sussex, or the ability to confidently read maps and use navigation systems.
- Strong awareness of health and safety practices, with practical experience in risk assessment processes and maintaining a safe working environment.
- Demonstrable communication skills, with experience engaging professionally with members of the public and external organisations.
- Strong IT skills, with a high level of accuracy and attention to detail when inputting data into bespoke systems.
- Good literacy and numeracy skills, with the ability to understand complex written instructions and maintain accurate records.
For more information on the Key Skills as well as the Qualifications and/or experience required, please refer to the Job Description attached.
Rewards and Benefits
We aim to create a supportive and dynamic working environment where employees can achieve their full potential, achieve a healthy work-life balance and are rewarded for the work they do.
A laptop and mobile will be supplied if applicable to your role. You will benefit from 25 days annual leave, rising to 28 days after 5 years’ service (pro rata for part time) plus the opportunity to buy additional leave and an excellent local government pension scheme
A range of discounts give our staff access to hundreds of offers; groceries, travel, cinema tickets, days out, leisure activities, high street retailers and the opportunity to save over £1,000 a year through our West Sussex Choices benefits platform.
For more information about the wide variety of benefits you can take advantage of please visit our Rewards and Benefits page.
Further Information
The reference number for this role is CPP01353.
For an informal conversation or for further information regarding the role, please contact Ian Stocks at [email protected]
For issues or queries regarding your application please contact [email protected] .
Click apply below, upload your CV, and complete the application form, explaining how you meet the key skills in the attached job description and experience you can bring to the role. Please ensure all that any gaps in employment are covered in your CV.
Please ensure you have saved the job description attached to the main advert on our website as, once the job has closed, you may not have the opportunity to download again.
We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults. This post is subject to right to work within the UK, standard Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check, satisfactory references, and a health check.
Equity, inclusion and accessibility is very important to West Sussex County Council. We welcome and encourage applications from everyone, as this helps us build a diverse and talented workforce, that reflects the communities we serve. We ensure our approach to recruitment is flexible and supportive to enable all applicants to be at their best and to ensure they have the best possible chance of success.
We operate a guaranteed interview scheme for applicants that have a disability, are a veteran or are a care leaver. More information can be found on our application help page.
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