Trainee Dispatchers – Fixed Term – Auckland

Mō tēnei tūranga - About the role

When seconds count, everyone counts on the Dispatcher to respond to the call. If you can multitask, think fast, and solve problems under pressure, these incredibly rewarding full-time fixed term roles in Auckland, could be for you. You'll also enjoy variety, challenge, career progression, and the opportunity to be paid overtime after initial training and assessment.

Dispatchers operate in a 24/7 Emergency Service environment. Working in a small, close-knit team, your primary responsibility will be receiving emergency 111 and non-emergency calls and dispatching appropriate Fire and Emergency responses. You will have daily contact with a wide range of people, including members of the public, firefighters, other emergency services, and government agencies. Our structure involves:

An eight-day roster comprised two 12-hour day shifts, then two 12-hour night shifts, followed by four days off. 
Five weeks of initial training, comprehensive mentoring and support, and NZQA-recognised qualifications.

• Auckland – 1x fixed term opportunity from 20th November 2026 – 20th January 2027

Ko tāu nā i tēnei tūranga - What you'll bring to the role:

Strong communication skills are essential, as you'll be liaising with a wide range of people. Members of the public experiencing a crisis, fire crews, and other emergency services who need fast, accurate information and the team on the incoming shift rely on you. Our ability to operate successfully depends on your ability to communicate effectively. Dispatchers must bring the ability to carry out each call with;

• Selfless dedication to helping the community
• Empathy with callers who may be distressed
• A calm manner when controlling stressful situations
• A considered, logical approach to problem-solving
• Resilience in the face of traumatic situations

To be successful in this role, you'll also bring:

• Excellent attention to detail and strong self-management
• Exceptional communication skills and the ability to build rapport with a wide range of people quickly
• Good geographic knowledge of New Zealand
• High level of computer literacy
• Accurate touch typing while listening to callers (45 words per minute, minimum)
• The ability to multitask under pressure with a high level of accuracy
• Availability to work a variety of rostered shifts, including days, nights, weekends and public holidays
• Ideally, have previous experience in multi-tasking and juggling priorities or similar customer service role, with a strong customer focus and a can-do approach.

If this sounds like you, apply now to join a mission-critical team- and wear the uniform with pride.

The salary is $61,843.39 with training and support.

The role commences on the 20th November with an induction day, followed by a 5 week training course that starts on Monday 23rd November 2026. The training course will be held at the Fire and Emergency New Zealand Northern Communications Centre in Auckland. 

Please note: To ensure successful participation in the programme, candidates must be available to start on the scheduled commencement date of 20th November. Unfortunately, we are unable to offer flexibility around notice periods or deferred start dates.

Ko wai mātou - Who are we?

Fire and Emergency New Zealand is a Crown Entity responsible for reducing unwanted fires, responding to structural and vegetation fires and other emergencies, including motor vehicle crashes, medical emergencies, hazardous substance-related incidents, natural disasters, and supporting increased community resilience.

Our vision is to build stronger communities and protect what matters most to the people within them. We are proud to be recognised as New Zealand's most trusted public sector agency. Our values reflect what our people believe is core to who we are and the organisation we aspire to be.

We Do the Right Thing – Kia Tika
We Serve and Support – Manaakitanga
We Are Better Together – Whanaungatanga
We Strive to Improve – Auahatanga

Ko te tono mai - How to apply:

Dispatchers are mission-critical to Fire and Emergency New Zealand. We'd love you to join us if you have the skills and commitment. We value diversity as a strength and welcome applicants who can help bring a difference to our organisation.

Apply now to become the very first responder. To download a copy of our position description, please visit the vacancy page on our FireJobs website.  

To find out more about being a Fire and Emergency Dispatcher, visit: https://www.fireandemergency.nz/dispatcher 

*** IMPORTANT: Please explain why you're interested in this role in your cover letter and what location you are applying for***

We will be reviewing applications as they are received and may progress with suitable applicants prior to the application closing date. Therefore, please apply as soon as possible if you are interested in this position.

AI can be a helpful tool when preparing your application, but what matters most to us is you. Please ensure your CV, cover letter, and responses reflect your own skills, experiences, and perspective. We want to hear your real story - your passion, your personality, and what makes you unique. Don't let AI do all the talking - let it support you, not replace you.

If you have any specific questions about this role, please email [email protected]

However, please note applications sent via email will not be accepted.

Applications close: 23rd  October 2026

Please note: Eligibility to work in New Zealand is mandatory for this role.