Are you ready to make a valuable contribution to your island? Are you physically fit and  a team player? Take the first step today and apply for this training program with a job guarantee to serve your community!

The organisation

The Caribbean Netherlands Fire Department (BKCN) is part of the Ministry of Justice and Security. The Minister of Justice and Security acts as the corps administrator of the BKCN. The BKCN is responsible for providing basic fire services, aviation incident response, emergency assistance, and disaster management. There is one fire corps for the Caribbean Netherlands, with stations on the islands of Bonaire, St. Eustatius and Saba. The Corps is headed by a General Commander. Each station is led by a Local Commander. The fire service organization stands for decisiveness, helpfulness, and reliability.

At BKCN, you have the opportunity to grow over time: from Firefighter A to Firefighter A Specialist, and then to Firefighter B. This allows you to gradually build a challenging career where you make a difference on your island every day.

Irregular shifts

Our team members on Saba and St. Eustatius work 12-hour shifts on an irregular schedule, while the team on Bonaire operates a 24-hour on-call system. During the day, everyone follows a structured program with training exercises, fitness sessions, and core tasks such as fire prevention, equipment maintenance, and vehicle cleaning. When the alarm sounds, you drop everything and respond immediately. This is the strength and professionalism of our fire service.

The Training program

Before you can begin as a Class A Firefighter, you will follow a 12-month training program which takes place 36 hours per week.

The training comprises four important components; each with a theoretical and practical part. You will gradually learn all the knowledge and skill that is necessary to operate safely and professionally as a firefighter.

Firefighting - is learning to deal with various fires in buildings and nature, with an emphasis on safety and extinguishing techniques.

Technical Assistance - you  develop the skills for the rescue of victims during accidents with the use of specialised tools.

Hazardous Substances Incident Response - you learn  to work safely in environments with hazardous substances and how to assess and manage  risks.

Incident Response Aircraft (IBL) - You train in  specific extinguishing techniques for aircraft incidents and the safe evacuation of passengers.

During the training, you practice intensively in realistic, hands-on scenarios so that you know exactly how to act when it matters most. You regularly work on your strength and fitness, as the profession can be physically demanding and requires a high level of physical readiness. Together with your colleagues, you develop strong teamwork skills and learn to operate safely, effectively, and professionally in every situation.

Job responsibilities

After obtaining your Firefighter A diploma and Aviation Incident Response certification, you will perform the following tasks:

When the alarm sounds, you respond immediately. You always work closely with your team and follow the orders of the officer in charge. During fires and other incidents, everyone has a clearly defined role, allowing your team to act quickly and safely.

You maintain your knowledge and skills through regular exercises and continuing education, ensuring you remain strong in your work and prepared for any situation.

The role consists of two main parts:

  • Operational duties: Responding to fires, accidents, and other emergencies and incidents. You follow leadership and work closely with your team.
  • Other duties: Including maintenance, inspections, exercises, and tasks assigned by the officer or team leader.

Since the profession is physically demanding, staying fit is essential. You are personally responsible for maintaining your fitness through exercise and participation in training programs.

Job requirements

  • Your intellectual and professional ability is at the level of Senior Secondary Vocational Education (MBO/CVQ);
  • You have a driving licence B;
  • You are stress-resistant, driven, flexible, and a team player;
  • You are in good physical and mental condition
  • Successful completion of a periodic preventive medical examination is necessary for the performance of, among other things, the Class A position within BKCN. 

Competencies

  • Accuracy
  • Ability to work under pressure
  • Collaboration
  • Problem-solving
  • Empathy
  • Flexibility
  • Willingness to learn and reflect
  • Responsibility

What do we offer?

  • An appointment in accordance with the Rechtspositiebesluit Ambtenaren BES (BES Civil Servants (Legal Status) Decree);
  • A salary in line with the market  in preliminary scale 4 /  functional salary scale 5 of at least $1.992,- and  up to at most $2.892,- per month based on a work week of 36 hours. A pay grade based on knowledge and experience;
  • Holiday allowance (8.33% of remuneration);
  • A thirteenth month (8.33% of the salary, with a gross minimum of $ 1,750.00);
  • Vitality allowance
  • A pension provision placed with Pensioenfonds Caribisch Nederland (PCN);
  • 182holiday hours in case of a 36-hour working week (when working in shifts, 24 additional leave hours);
  • A temporary appointment for the duration of the training. After successful completion of the training, an appointment for one year with the prospect of a permanent position in case of good performance, the right work attitude, and a positive assessment result;
  • A relocation arrangement for candidates who respond from outside the island. 

Procedure

Your letter should show that your motivation, knowledge and character match the described position. After the letter selection, you will receive an invitation to the selection procedure or a rejection. The selection procedure consists of the following components:

  • Letter selection;
  • Fitness test;
  • 1st Application interview
  • 2nd Application interview
  • Terms and conditions of employment interview;
  • Fire Department appointment examination.

An assessment, case study, online screening, and/or reference check may be part of the selection process. This vacancy is open simultaneously to internal and external candidates, with the following order in the selection:

  • Civil servants of RCN on the BES islands (internal)
  • Residents of the Caribbean Netherlands (external)
  • Other candidates (external)

Appointment requirements

  • A Certificate of Good Conduct (VOG);
  • The issue of a Certificate of No Objection (VGB) in connection with the activities to be performed at Bonaire airport;
  • Dutch citizenship;
  • Fire Department appointment examination.

Good to know for those interested outside the Caribbean Netherlands

  • The salary is in US dollars which is the official currency in the Caribbean Netherlands;
  • Caribbean Netherlands has its own tax regulations. Income above the tax-free allowance of $21,956 in 2026 is taxed at 29.4% in the first bracket, up to an income of $53,198. The second bracket is taxed at 38.4%.
  • .You are or will become a resident of the Caribbean Netherlands.

More information?

For more information about the vacancy, you can contact:

Digital application

You can send your Curriculum Vitae accompanied by a motivation to: vacature@rijksdienstCN.com