Careers

About Navy Reserves

Make part-time work for you

Joining the Navy Reserves means you can reap the best of all that a career in the Navy has to offer, while still holding down your full-time civilian career or studies - meaning you'll get the best of both worlds.

Support our capability

As the part-time force of the Navy, the Reserves are made up of personnel who have joined the Reserves either directly or after having served in the Regular Force. They serve to support the Navy’s operational capability in its maritime defence and security roles, as well as the wider NZ Defence Force Mission to protect New Zealand’s interests and provide support in times of natural and other disasters.

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Reserve roles

In addition to the roles undertaken by ex-Regular Force personnel, we currently have roles available for new recruits looking to join the Naval Reserves directly:

  • Chaplain
  • Legal Officer
  • Maritime Trade Operations Officer
  • Maritime Trade Operations Rating
  • Medical Officer (Doctor)
  • Musician
  • Psychologist
  • Public Affairs Officer
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Can you do a minimum of 20 days a year?

All Reservists have the opportunity to serve both in the Navy’s modern fleet and ashore, in Defence Force establishments around the country, at the Navy Reserve Units located in Auckland, Tauranga, Wellington, Christchurch and Dunedin, and remotely. Ab initio Reservists need to commit to a minimum of 20 days’ service a year – the cumulative total of your weeknight, weekend and any full-time training or supplementation. You will also be expected to maintain your fitness levels and to pass academic and other requirements at the same level as full-time Navy personnel. You will wear the same uniform as Regular Force personnel and be available to be trained and deployed operationally.

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Whats in it for you?

  • A paid part time position.
  • Flexibility to work your Reserve role around your full-time commitments.
  • Learn new skills and gain diverse experiences that will appeal to civilian employers.
  • Opportunities for adventure you won't find in any other job.
  • A taste of all that Navy life has to offer.
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Check out roles now

Reservist or full-time? Officer or Sailor? Military or civilian? There's so many options available in the Navy.

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