Training & career development
A Career like no other
There are many opportunities for career development, training and growth in the New Zealand Fire Service.
As you progress through the Fire Service, the sort of work you can expect to do changes from front line to strategic. Have a look through the different areas (see right) and decide what where you want to take your career.
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Executive
Part 1: Knowledge and skills to run a fire district. Part 2: Knowledge and skills to run a region.
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Senior Station Officer
Focus on staff management and high-level incident management. Course partly run by NZIM. 15 months.
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Station Officer
Command and control, basic station management tasks and fire safety generalist skills. Practical course at Whyte Island. 18 months.
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Specialist
Programmes for fire safety officers, region trainers, planners and other specialists to build on their skill base by specialising – based on regional needs and their own areas of expertise.
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Senior Firefighter
Focus on basic leadership and training skills. 15–18 months.
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Qualified Firefighter
Tops up skills gained in recruit programme and on shift. 15–18 months.
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Recruit
Focus on basic skills and knowledge. 12-week residential programme.