Apply to be a Career Firefighter

The Modern firefighters role

As firefighters we do the right thing, work together as a team, serve and support and are always striving to improve.

Fire and Emergency New Zealand value people from all walks of life. The modern firefighter role encompasses a wide range of skills and each individual contributes something to the team. What skills will you bring?

We do more than fighting fires

There’s a lot more to being a modern firefighter:

You’ll be responsible for operational readiness, first and foremost. A ready station is an effective one.
You’ll fight fires, with the number depending on the season and the location. We typically fight more fires in summer and answer more call-outs in cities.
You’ll help with medical emergencies, motor vehicle incidents, search and rescue, civil defence and natural disaster responses.
You’ll be busy with fire prevention activities, presenting the Get Firewise programme in schools, checking fire alarms in homes and businesses, and offering safety advice wherever it’s needed.
You’ll help with administration, data input, station and equipment cleaning and maintenance. Even making the odd batch of scones. Everyone pitches in!

Some emergencies are emotionally difficult to deal with, but we’ll do all we can to prepare you for these situations and support you afterwards.

To meet the challenging and rewarding nature of the job, we’re looking for candidates with a broad range of skills

Some life experience - Life experience is important to help you cope with the wide range of emergencies you'll encounter. But remember, we also train and support you to help prepare you for this.
Mental strength - You need to be able to think clearly under pressure, to apply common sense amidst the action, be emotionally resilient, and exhibit courage when the going gets tough.
Strong morals and ethics - Firefighters need to believe that looking after one another is an essential part of life in a community.
Drive, energy and a can-do attitude - The right attitude is important. You have to be ready to focus on achievement, to rise to the challenge, and have a desire to get stuck in and get your hands dirty!
Experience as a team player - You need to be a people person, with a drive to lead, be led and have an appreciation for discipline and direction.
Effective communication skills - Communication skills are essential. You must be able to listen effectively, accurately pass information on and clearly articulate yourself.
Physical fitness - Firefighters need to be fit. That means maintaining a healthy lifestyle and being ready to keep up a good level of physical fitness and strength.

Meet the crew

Read our stories here.

If the sounds like you, check out our recruitment process to see how you can join the crew

Applications to become a Career Firefighter are open from Monday February 3^rd to March 3^rd 2020.

Recruitment process