Are you a university graduate with leadership ambitions, who is able to cope with stress and would like a career in the fire service? If so, this full-time training programme with the Caribbean Netherlands Fire Department would be the perfect next step.

The organisation

Working for the Caribbean Netherlands Fire Department means working to improve safety and emergency assistance in a unique Caribbean environment. The organisation is part of the Ministry of Justice and Security, with the minister having ultimate responsibility.

Basic and airport firefighting services and emergency assistance in the event of incidents and disasters are provided each and every day from locations on Bonaire, Saba and St. Eustatius.

The force is led by a general commander and managed by local commanders on each island.

Training programme

The 55th full-time fire officer training programme is going to start at the Netherlands Institute for Public Safety (Nederlands Instituut Publieke Veiligheid, NIPV) in September 2026. The training programme will last for approximately 18 months.

You will actually join the Caribbean Netherlands Fire Department (BKCN) 1 month before the programme starts to enable you to prepare properly for the process. The training programme will be run by the NIPV in Arnhem (European Netherlands).

During your training you will complete internships at various fire brigades to familiarise yourself with the practical aspects. This means you will stay in the European Netherlands for the entire duration of the programme.

The job of fire officer

As a fire officer you will work for a fire brigade organisation. Your career will revolve around leadership and networking, allowing you to advance quickly to a tactical/strategic level within BKCN. You may work in a supervisory, a project management and/or a more specialist role. You may also be deployed as a duty officer at various incidents, ranging from accidents involving hazardous substances to plane crashes.

As a fire officer you will be expected to be ambitious, persistent, analytical and confident. You are a leader and are not afraid to work in a stress-filled environment. Key qualities in this respect are a focus on people (the capacity to empathise), collaboration and a feel for various interests.

Job requirements

  • A degree from a university of applied sciences (240 ECTS) or a university (at least a Bachelor's degree). Alternatively, you will be set to graduate well before the start of the Fire Officer training programme.
  • You are able to work under pressure and stress, are physically fit, and have no fear of heights or confined spaces.
  • You have swimming certificate A.
  • You have a category B driving licence.
  • You are resident in the Caribbean Netherlands/Bonaire, or are prepared to relocate.
  • You are prepared to travel, given that travel is an integral part of the job.
  • You have knowledge and an active command of Dutch, Papiamento and English.

Competencies

  • Leadership skills.
  • Political-executive sensitivity.
  • Social awareness.
  • Intercultural sensitivity.
  • Flexibility.

What do we offer?

  • An appointment in conformity with the Rechstpositiebesluit Ambtenaren BES (BES Legal Status of Civil Servants Decree);
  • A salary in line with the market, in initial salary scale 9/  job salary scale 10 from a minimum of $3.293,- and a maximum of $4.899,- based on a work week of 36 hours. A pay grade based on knowledge and experience;
  • A holiday pay (8.33% of the annual income);
  • A13th month (8.33% of the annual income);
  • Vitality allowance;
  • A pension plan administered by Pensioenfonds Caribisch Nederland (PCN);
  • 182 holiday hours based on a work week of 36 hours;
  • A temporary appointment of one year with the prospect of a permanent appointment in case of good performance and a positive appraisal;
  • A relocation scheme for applicants not living in the island.

BKCN is also offering a thorough and challenging fire officer training programme, which is to be provided in the Netherlands and will lead to a wide-ranging role in a dynamic working environment on Bonaire. You will actually be on the BKCN payroll while you participate in the training programme. Participation in the training programme is essential for being appointed to this position.

After successfully completing the training programme and demonstrating good performance, our intention will be to offer you a permanent contract. We expect you to commit to BKCN for at least three years after completing the training programme.

We offer a arrangemente for accommodation, travel and other living expenses to facilitate your stay in the Netherlands during the training programme.

Once you start work on Bonaire, you will be required to pass the Airport Emergency Response (Incidentbestrijding Luchthaven, IBL) training course, at a minimum of IBL crew level.

Procedure

This vacancy is being advertised internally and externally, and the following order will be considered in the selection process:

  • Official RCN staff on Bonaire, Sint Eustatius and Saba (internal);
  • Residents of the Caribbean part of the Netherlands (external);
  • Other candidates (external);

The Caribbean Netherlands Fire Department is particularly keen to invite candidates who live, or were born, in the Caribbean and candidates with a strong affinity with the Caribbean part of the Kingdom.

The selection procedure consists of the following phases:

  • An initial interview with the BKCN selection committee.
  • An assessment and sports test.
  • A second interview with the selection committee and references check.
  • If you are selected, an employment conditions interview will be arranged.

You must also meet the following requirements and be able to provide the necessary evidence:

  • A certificate of no objection (Verklaring van Geen Bezwaar, VGB) is mandatory and support with the application will be provided.
  • A positive outcome following the fire brigade medical assessment.
  • If you successfully complete all the phases, the appointment will be arranged and the BKCN will register you for the training programme, which will take place in the Netherlands.

Terms of appointment

  • A Certificate of Good Conduct (VOG);
  • Medical examination regarding mandatory registration for the pension fund (with a personal contribution);
  • Dutch citizenship.

Important information for interested applicants living outside the Caribbean Netherlands

  • The salary is paid in American dollars, the official currency in the Caribbean Netherlands;
  • The Caribbean Netherlands has its own tax regulations. Income above the tax-free allowance $21,956 in 2026 is taxed at 29.4% in the first bracket (up to an income of $53,198). A tax rate of 38.4% applies to the second bracket;

You are or will become a resident of the Caribbean NetherlandsThe intention is that you will join the organisation in July 2026 and start an extensive preparation programme by no later than September 2026, with the aim being not only to allow you to familiarise yourself with the organisation and get to know your colleagues, but also to prepare you for the training programme in the Netherlands. During this period you will also be actively involved and challenged to share ideas on fundamental issues.

More information?

For more information regarding the vacancy, you may contact the Local Commanders on Bonaire:

Digital applications

You may send your curriculum vitae with cover letter to: vacature@rijksdienstCN.com