Responds to fire alarms and emergency calls, controls and extinguishes fires, and protects life and property.

Attends the scene of fires and other emergencies; rescues and evacuates people stranded or trapped in dangerous situations; operates pumps, sprays water, foam and chemicals from hoses, portable extinguishers and other appliances to extinguish fires and to disperse or neutralise dangerous substances; cuts openings in buildings and crashed vehicles to free occupants; maintains site security systems; administers first aid; attends and participates in training activities, rescue classes, drills, demonstrations and courses in emergency and fire-fighting techniques; trains recruits in emergency procedures and practices; visits buildings and potential fire hazards to study access points and locations of hydrants; maintains tools and equipment.

• Employees work indoors in the control centre/duty room when awaiting calls.
• Employees travel to and from fires or other emergencies/drills in fire vehicles.
• Fire stations and vehicles are generally adequately heated and ventilated, but fire fighters may be outside in all weather conditions when working.
• Shift work is frequently required. Employees are regularly required to deal with dangerous and difficult situations.
• Work situations may be stressful, distressing and personally hazardous.
• Wearing personal protective clothing and equipment is a constant requirement.

• At times sedentary but often up to very heavy physical demand.
• Employees spend significant time sitting in vehicles and are regularly required to walk, stand, run and climb. May stretch and reach and bend frequently.
• Squatting or crouching is likely to be necessary on an occasional basis. Heavy lifting, pulling or carrying or moving items is likely occasionally to frequently.
• Twisting of the body or neck is likely to occur for some tasks associated with entering buildings and removing people from emergency situations.
• Contact with skin irritants or water is frequent, including wide range of toxic or hazardous chemicals, fumes, and smoke.
• Repetitive movements are likely on an occasional to frequent basis.
• Driving of the fire truck or fire service vehicles is occasionally required. Use of a range of heavy and light fire fighting equipment and tools will be necessary.
• Mental requirements are communication, analysis and decision-making, problem-solving and fire-fighting skills.

A trainee candidate needs to pass literacy, numeracy and fitness tests, a medical exam and a practical skills test (ANZSCO Skill Level 3) and must also undergo a police background check. Once accepted into the New Zealand Fire Service they complete a 12-week training course that involves theory and practical training.

There are opportunities for flexibility of movement but they are limited.