Airport Emergency Service
Auckland Airport Emergency Service (AES) plays a key role at Auckland Airport, employing more than 60 firefighters who are responsible for providing and maintaining rescue firefighting capability at the airport.
AES, the largest privately owned fire brigade in the country, responds to a diverse range of emergency situations across the 1566 hectares that makes up the Auckland Airport precinct. These activities include aviation firefighting, industrial firefighting, marine response, and medical emergencies. All undertaken to maintain safe and efficient operations at the airport.
At AES, we pride ourselves on professionalism, ability to adapt and integrity. We strive for professional excellence.
At Auckland Airport, we are a busy hive of activity, and a lot of what we look for is how you would align with our values:
We strengthen our team when we look out for each other. Putting people first creates a sense of connection and belonging. We know everybody makes a difference, so we have each other’s backs, and appreciate each other, day in, day out.
The phrase Tātou tatou holds profound significance, transcending a mere translation of “we are one” or “we are united.” It encapsulates a spirit of unity, collective identity, and shared purpose.
Know How - Kōkiri Tahi
“Advance Together” encapsulates our commitment to actively advancing, leading, and promoting as a unified team. Reflecting our ability to tackle challenges collectively, respect diverse perspectives, and work together with shared high standards to deliver excellence at Auckland Airport.
We’re a diverse team united by our ability to solve complex and challenging problems. We respect and value progressive thinking and different perspectives, collaborating together with shared high standards to deliver an excellent experience for all at Auckland Airport.
Let’s Go – Karawhiua
Our mahi is nationally significant. We strive for excellence, taking pride in doing high quality work, that will have a positive impact on our community and customers alike, for generations to come.
Think you have what it takes to be part of our team? Find out more about the recruiting process.
What do we do? Ready to respond
The AES team needs to get to emergency sites as quickly as possible. In dangerous situations, every second counts, so firefighters must think and act quickly to avoid tragedies.
Aviation fire & rescue
Four Rosenbauer panthers enable us to provide coverage for all flights as required by CAA NZ.
Industrial fire & rescue
Our team respond to all fire and rescue incidents within our 1566-hectare land holding. This includes motor vehicle incidents, building fires, hazardous material incidents and more.
Medical response
AES provide a medical service where we are often first on scene. Medical call outs make up over 60% of our work.
Marine search & rescue
With two hovercraft and two jet boats, AES are ready to assist with any search and rescue operations within the Manukau harbor.
Think you have what it takes to be part of our team? Find out more about the recruiting process.
Does this lifestyle sound like you?
Physical fitness
Being physically and medically fit is an ongoing requirement of any aviation rescue firefighter. A fully equipped gym is provided on site for staff.
Teamwork
AES officers work in four shifts of 13 personnel. Shifts are often referred to as “second families” due to the amount of time each shift spend eating, sleeping, training and working together. Strong teamwork is essential for all members.
No two days are the same
One day you could be out on the Manukau harbor, the next you could be responding to a medical event at the terminal or a building fire. The broad scope of the role makes it very different to any other emergency service.
The day usually starts with vehicle and equipment checks to ensure everything is running optimally. This is followed by a daily briefing which details the taskings for the day as well as any safety updates that need to be brought to the shift's attention. The remainder of the day is dedicated to readiness with skills, knowledge acquisition and physical training that is until the alarm sounds.
Balancing work and life commitments
The round the clock nature of the airport operation means AES staff work shifts of two days and two nights followed by four rest days. These hours allow our fire fighters to recover and balance their work and life commitments.
AES offers on the job training, competitive remuneration and opportunities for career progression.
Who are we looking for?
We are looking for enthusiastic and physically active problem solvers who enjoy working as part of a close-knit team and can remain levelheaded and make sound decisions under pressure all while being empathetic to those in your care.
To be eligible to work for the AES you must have the following:
- Right to work in New Zealand
- Full NZ driving license with class 2 learners' license. A full class 2 must be obtained by the end of the recruits course
- Ability to swim.
Successful applicants will also be required to pass a police clearance certificate and medical clearance check that will include a full blood test, ECG, spirometry, hearing and sight check.
How to apply
If this sounds like the job for you, simply click on the apply now button to submit your application.
We are also offering practice days where you can meet the team and practice the physical assessment. For further details on the boot camps simply click on the boot camp link for dates and to sign up.
Do you think you have what it takes to join our AES team?
Don’t hesitate to contact us now.