Fire Fighter

As an Air Force Fire-fighter, you’ll be responsible for maintaining operations in the base Fire Sections. These are manned 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. Your duties will range from the day-to-day servicing of all station firefighting equipment and daily maintenance of fire competencies to risk management.
 
Air Force Fire-fighters provide support for operational aircraft on and off the airfield. You’ll be on call to perform a range of emergency duties from rescue operations and fire fighting through to humanitarian services. You’ll also be involved in fire safety, prevention and awareness education and training for all New Zealand Defence Force personnel.

A challenging job both physically and mentally, the training you will receive will teach you how to control yourself and your surroundings. Physically, you will get the time to increase your strength and stamina, utilising the base gym and gym staff to meet your outputs. Mentally, Continuation Training programmes are provided and designed to give you the knowledge to make the right decisions in dangerous situations. However, it is the camaraderie that is second to none as trust and teamwork are values held high in the trade.

To be part of the team we don’t expect you to be the best but to give your best. It is as a team that we will be the best.

Your new career kicks off with 12 weeks basic military training at RNZAF Base Woodbourne. This is followed by a four-week driving course towards your Class 2 and Class 4 licences and a three-week four-wheel-drive course. You’ll then be assigned to a RNZAF base, where you’ll receive on-the-job training (OJT) in preparation for your Fire-fighters’ Course.

The second phase of your training is a 13-week course at the New Zealand Army Camp Linton. After graduating you will be posted to a RNZAF base for 18 to 24 months for more OJT. You’ll then return to Linton for seven weeks’ intermediate trade training. Completing this course makes you a Senior Fire-fighter and opens doors to a full range of fire fighting duties in the Air Force.

You must be 17 years or older and have a minimum of 12 NCEA Level 1 credits in English and Mathematics. Full Class 1 Manual Drivers Licence essential, Class 2 preferred.