As an Organisational Psychologist, your role in the RNZN is broad and varied. Although you serve mostly ashore, but may be required to go to sea as required and deploy to other land based missions – often overseas. Your role is demanding yet fulfilling and provides exposure to a number of areas within the disciplines of organisational and military psychology. Navy Psychologists are regularly involved in challenging professional tasks within the New Zealand Defence Force that require psychological knowledge and expertise.

You need to have a Masters Degree in Psychology before applying, and you may be funded to become a member of the New Zealand Psychological Society and an appropriate professional body of your choice to ensure your specialised skills remain current. There is also support to continue studying through education assistance that helps financially with fees for courses that are job related, and opportunities to continue to develop your knowledge through a variety of conferences and workshops. The process to becoming a registered Psychologist takes approximately 14 months.

If already registered, you will be introduced to the role of an RNZN psychologist through a series of projects relevant to the Defence Force. If unregistered, the Navy will finance and supervise you through your journey to become a NZ registered psychologist.

Career Progression

After completing Junior Officer Common Training you will join the Organisational Psychology Department, where you will undergo two weeks of induction  training. This will involve meeting all the relevant personnel and introducing you to the variety of roles that are undertaken by psychologists.

Following the completion of your registration, you will continue consolidating your experience and skills learnt within the Organisational Psychology Department. During this time you will become eligible to go to sea or overseas, to provide deployment related support. You are also likely to get involved in more joint activities than other branches such as specialised selection boards.

After working as a registered Psychologist for a minimum of 2 years you will also have the opportunity to move into other roles within the wider Defence Force, including positions based in Wellington. Opportunities for psychologists exist within RNZN and Defence Force Headquarters and the Joint Forces New Zealand Headquarters.

Your initial remuneration will be based on previous experience and skill level. This is negotiated on a case by case basis. As your career continues, remuneration will increase on promotion and seniority.

• Hold a Masters Degree in Psychology preferably with an I/O focus.
• Meet the citizenship & security requirements to gain SV security clearance for this trade.
• You must be medically fit for service.
• Be free of any criminal convictions for the previous two years
• Like all officers, you must also pass a two day final officer selection board