Dispatcher recruitment process
Fire and Emergency Dispatchers help everyone, from distressed members of the public to the responding team who need the right information. But it’s not a role for everyone.
The Dispatcher recruitment process
The skills required and the challenges our Dispatchers face mean our recruitment process is thorough, so that we can be sure we select the right people for the job. The lives of many people and the safety of our fire crews depend on it.
1. Online application and shortlisting
The first step towards becoming a Dispatcher is to submit an online application. When we are recruiting in any of our three Communications Centres (Auckland, Wellington, and Christchurch), we list the vacancies on our website.(external link)
As part of the online application process, you will be asked to:
- complete a short application form
- upload a current CV outlining your relevant experience
- upload a brief cover letter outlining your interest in the Dispatcher role
- answer preliminary screening questions.
It’s important that the information provided is up to date, and tailored to the Dispatcher role, as it will be used throughout the process. Once your application has been submitted, you will receive a confirmation email. Our recruitment team will then review your application to assess alignment against the role requirements.
After applications close, our Communications Centre (ComCen) selection panel will shortlist suitable candidates against the role criteria. You will be notified of whether you have been successful in progressing to the next stage of the process, either via phone or email.
2. Assessment Centre
If your application is shortlisted, you will be invited to attend an onsite Assessment Centre. The assessments will cover a range of skills and abilities, including working effectively under pressure and within a team, communication, multi-tasking, and role-specific skills such as spelling, typing, and geography.
See our guide to preparing for the Dispatcher Assessment Centre [PDF, 106 KB].
3. Panel interview
If you are successful at the Assessment Centre, you will be invited to attend a panel interview. We conduct behavioural and situational based interviews. You will be asked questions to help determine whether your motivations, skills, and attributes are a match for our fast-paced, dynamic environment.
Check out tips on how to prepare for the panel interview [PDF, 89 KB].
4. Final checks and offer of employment
We conduct a range of pre-employment checks. This includes a Police security check, a medical assessment, hearing test and reference checks.
An unconditional offer is subject to successful completion of the recruitment process and satisfactory pre-employment checks.
5. Training
Congratulations! Once you have accepted your offer of employment, you’re ready to start your journey as a Fire and Emergency Dispatcher.
You will embark on a structured training programme that includes both theoretical and practical elements, to help you develop the skills and resilience needed to be successful in the role.
See our Training and Development page for more information on what training and development is offered for a Fire and Emergency Dispatcher.