Volunteer Support Officer - Nelson Marlborough District - Permanent

Mō tēnei tūranga mahi | About this role

• Gain a wide range of experience in this unique role
• A unique chance to travel and make a difference with volunteers and community
• PFU-PSA Salary Range $97,052–$107,836, actual salary based on skills, experience

We have an exciting opportunity for a Permanent VSO role based in Nelson to deliver services and support to our volunteer stations.

Mō tēnei tūranga - about the role

The Volunteer Support Officer (VSO) plays a vital role in ensuring the capability, sustainability, and operational readiness of volunteer brigades across the Nelson Marlborough District. The primary focus of this position is to provide consistent, proactive support to all volunteer stations, enabling them to deliver an effective and resilient emergency response.

You will build and maintain trusted, professional relationships with volunteer brigades, Area and Region staff, Training and Career personnel, internal and external stakeholders, and iwi within our communities.

Key Responsibilities:

• Deliver logistical support to maintain the operational readiness of volunteer brigades.
• Provide guidance and assistance with organisational systems and reporting tools (e.g. SMS, SMART, OSM, TAPS).
• Support brigade training nights and events by coordinating the provision of necessary resources and materials.
• Conduct monthly station visits, identifying and addressing any remedial actions in collaboration with the Chief Fire Officer and brigade leadership.
• Assist with the implementation of regional and national initiatives, equipment rollouts, and programmes aimed at enhancing volunteer brigade capability.
• Coordinate the maintenance, repair, and replacement of operational equipment.
• Attend incidents to provide supplies and on-the-ground support as required.

Ko tāu nā i tēnei tūranga - What you'll bring to the role:

As this role supports our volunteer brigades, applicants will need to have flexibility and availability for some evening work and be on an on-call roster.

If you're passionate about the role volunteer brigades play in their communities, then this role will provide you with a unique opportunity to utilise your knowledge and skills to support them.

To be successful in this role, we'd expect you will:

• Possess strong interpersonal and relationship-building abilities.
• Have a good understanding of the various functions of FENZ.
• Have a high level of knowledge in the use of the volunteer dashboard and how to influence a positive outcome.
• Be proficient in using MS Office and other IT systems.
• Exhibit highly effective communication skills, suitable for collaborating within a small team.
• Work remotely as a single resource as well as in a team.   
• Hold a valid driver's license.

The salary range for this role is PFU-PSA $97,052 - $107,836, dependent on skills and experience relevant to the role.

He aha ngā painga o tēnei mahi mōu? – Why you will enjoy working here

As an employer, Fire and Emergency New Zealand is committed to providing an enjoyable and challenging work environment with a focus on ongoing personal development.

Ko wai mātou - who are we? 

Fire and Emergency New Zealand is a Crown Entity responsible for reducing unwanted fires, responding to structural and vegetation fires and other emergencies including motor vehicle crashes, medical emergencies, hazardous substance-related incidents, and natural disasters, and supporting increased community resilience.

Our vision is to build stronger communities and protect what matters most to the people within them. We are proud to be recognised as New Zealand's most trusted public sector agency. Our values reflect what our people believe is core to who we are and the organisation we aspire to be.

• We Do the Right Thing – Kia Tika
• We Serve and Support – Manaakitanga
• We Are Better Together – Whanaungatanga
• We Strive to Improve – Auahatanga

Ko te tono mai - How to apply:

Come join us - we are excited about the future of Fire and Emergency New Zealand, and we'd love you to be part of it! We value diversity as a strength and welcome applicants that can help bring a difference to our organisation.

If this sounds like you, apply now. To download a copy of our position description, please visit our vacancy page on our FireJobs website. 

If you have any specific questions about this role please email nhqjobs@fireandemergency.nz

However, please note, applications sent via email will not be accepted; all applications need to be done via the online portal process.

Applications close 15^th July 2025

Please note:  Eligibility to work in New Zealand is mandatory for this role.