Dispatcher - Communications Centre

Full job description
Help people, save lives, protect communities.
Join a collaborative, fast-paced team that are the first point of call.
$60,512.12, increasing to $72,614.54 plus training and support.
Trainee Dispatchers – Auckland, Wellington, Christchurch – Permanent

Help people, save lives, protect communities.
Join a collaborative, fast-paced team that are the first point of call.
$60,512.12, increasing to $72,614.54 plus training and support.
Receive emergency calls, dispatch Fire and Emergency resources, and enjoy a mission-critical role in our organisation.


Mō tēnei tūranga - About the role

When seconds count, everyone counts on the Dispatcher to repond to the call. If you can multitask, think fast, and solve problems under pressure, this incredibly rewarding full-time permanent role in Auckland, Wellington, or Christchurch 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.
Four weeks of initial training (including one week at our National Training Centre in Rotorua), comprehensive mentoring and support, and NZQA-recognised qualifications.

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 training salary is $60,512.12, increasing to $72,614.54 upon completing training and assessment (usually within 12 months).


The role commences with an induction day on Friday, 2+th August 2025, followed by a training course on Monday, 1 September 2025. The first week of training will be held at the Fire and Emergency New Zealand National Training Centre in Rotorua, followed by three weeks' training at the Southern Communications Centre in Christchurch.

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.

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

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***

If you have any specific questions about this role, please email nhqjobs@fireandemergency.nz

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

Applications close: 13th June 2025

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