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Safety & Surface Technician

Air Force Safety and Surface Technician

Job Group

  • Airman

Job Availability

  • Full Time

The Role

As a Safety & Surface Technician, you’ll be a member of the ground crew, jointly responsible for all aspects of maintenance required to support RNZAF aircraft operations. Safety & Surface Mechanics are involved in two separate areas: they service, maintain and repair the RNZAF’s aeronautical safety and survival equipment and they apply, maintain and repair the painted surfaces of its aircraft and components. You will have the opportunity to work in both these roles as your career progresses.

Pay & Benefit Details

The minimum remuneration you will be paid from your enlistment is $35,694. Your remuneration will increase upon graduation of your recruit course to $42,487 and will continue to increase on promotion and seniority.

General Requirements

  • You must be 17 years or older.

Educational Requirements

  • You must have a minimum of 12 NCEA Level 1 credits in English, Mathematics and Science or Design Technology. Level 2 Maths, English, Physics preferred.

Fitness Requirements

  • You must be medically fit for service.

Training

Basic Training

Upon successful enlistment into the Air Force you’ll be posted to RNZAF Base Woodbourne (near Blenheim). Here you’ll do 12 weeks of basic military training to find out if you’ve got what it takes to be in the Air Force, and learn various subjects including:

  • Organisation and Administration

  • RNZAF Customs and Protocol

  • Drill and Parades

  • Military Field Skills and Weapon Training

  • First Aid, and Search and Rescue Techniques

  • Physical Fitness.

Job Training

Aeronautical Engineering Course

As a first step you will need to complete the full-time 17 week Aeronautical Engineering Course with NMIT.  This is undertaken privately and is a prerequisite to joining the RNZAF.

Your NMIT Course fees will be reimbursed to you when you commence your RNZAF Aircraft Mechanic Training Course.

Primary Trade Training

On completing the recruit course you start primary trade training on the 30-week full-time residential course at Woodbourne. This course will provide you with the basic skills to become an Aeronautical Life Support Mechanic.

Advanced Trade Training

The advanced trade training for S&S Mechanics is a 15-week full-time residential course focusing on aircraft painting and its associated skills. From here you are a fully qualified Safety and Surface Mechanic and you can expect to work within all of these specialisations throughout your career. Further training will include extensive on-the-job training during which you will complete formal competency.