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Airforce

Intelligence Specialist

Test your skills at home and overseas as you learn how to produce accurate intelligence from imagery, electronic signals and geospatial information.

Mō te tūranga

About the role

  • Specialisations

    Intelligence, IT & Communications

  • Entry type

    General entry

  • Under training

    $68,103

  • Location

    Auckland, Ohakea and Wellington

As an Intelligence Specialist, you will be assisting in the preparation and planning for military air operations. This includes researching, preparing and producing mission data. This may be presented as written reports, oral briefs or programmed software. 

The Intelligence Specialist trade is comprised of two separate specialisations, Geospatial Intelligence Analysts and Electronic Warfare Specialists. 

As a Geospatial Intelligence Analyst, you will receive training in the exploitation of satellite, electro-optical, infrared and radar imagery, as well as full motion video. You will also be trained in the use of Geospatial Information Systems (GIS) software, enabling you to display and analyse spatial data for the creation of maps and various graphics that supplement intelligence reports.

The Electronic Warfare Specialist is responsible for the analysis, production and programming of data across the electromagnetic spectrum in order to support electronic warfare equipment across the Air Force fleet. A technically challenging role, you will display a keen interest in utilising state-of-the-art equipment and software to analyse complex signals to produce high quality intelligence products. In addition to this, you will be involved in programming aircraft self protection systems that are designed to keep our aircraft and aircrew safe.

The NZDF’s commitment to international peace and security necessitates the deployment of aircraft and military personnel overseas. This can be in support of internationally led peacekeeping missions, or to partake in humanitarian aid and disaster relief requirements. As an Intelligence Specialist, you’ll play a vital role to support these operations either from New Zealand, or deployed within the operating environment.

Accepting Applications

  • Recruit 3/25, starts 22 Sep 2025 Apply by 26 May 2025

    Apply Now

Requirements

Basics

  • Must be 18 years old by the time you graduate from recruit course.
  • Eligible to meet national security clearance criteria, as stipulated by the Government's Protective Security Requirements.
  • Pass a Selection Board.

Education

Minimum: NCEA Level 2 certificate.

Find out more about the NCEA levels and certificate requirements.

Citizenship

There are strict citizenship and security requirements to gain the required TSS security clearance for this trade.
Find out if you’re eligible here.

Period of Service

Your training is some of the most thorough and advanced in the world. Once you have graduated as an Intelligence Specialist, you’ll be contractually obliged to spend another 24 months in the Air Force.

We offer guidance on entry requirements in our eligibility section. Apply if you're uncertain, as we’ll work through the criteria with you to determine if you can proceed.

  • Job on base

    You will work with aircrew and Intelligence Officers in the preparation and planning for missions. This includes researching, preparing, producing and collating mission data, presenting oral and written reports as well as preparing visual aids for briefing purposes.

    You will maintain computerised intelligence databases which involves inputting, storing and retrieving information. You will also interpret and analyse all forms of intelligence data to produce electronic warfare, geospatial and imagery-related reports and products in support of a broad range of Royal New Zealand Air Force (RNZAF) maritime, land and air operations.

    In order to support this and following Recruit training, you will initially attend a Basic Air Intelligence course. Depending on your specialisation, you will be selected to attend intensive training in either electronic warfare, geospatial or imagery analysis followed by a period of consolidation at 230 Squadron to hone your newly developed skills. Throughout your career, you can expect to further extend your skillsets in specialist areas.

  • Job on deployment

    All Intelligence Specialists will have the opportunity to deploy with squadrons on exercises or operations. You will spend time in other countries and experience a diversity of cultures and conditions as you support the activities of the squadron you are deployed with. Your duties on deployment will draw on your specific specialisation (Geospatial or Electronic Warfare) and have you working alongside aircrew and other intelligence staff.

    At times you may be called upon to deploy on operations at short notice and to work shifts. Such is the varied and dynamic nature of the role that no day is ever the same as an Intelligence Specialist. You may be supporting an Economic Zone Patrol around New Zealand one day, and deployed overseas the next working a multinational exercise involving aircraft, ships and land forces.

Career progression and training

01Basic Training

02Job Training

03Ongoing Training

04Specialist Training

05Career Progression

Benefits & allowances

Earn a competitive salary while training or learning your trade, along with additional allowances for time spent in the field, at sea, overseas, or deployed on operations.

In addition to salary and allowances, other benefits of joining the New Zealand Defence Force include:

  • Access to your Service marae or tūrangawaewae
  • Sponsored tertiary study programmes at all levels
  • Free access to gyms and swimming pools on camp and bases
  • Opportunities to travel
  • Free and subsidised medical and dental care
  • Subsidised food and accommodation on camps and bases
  • Free and subsidised insurance cover
  • Help to buy a home and save for retirement

Salary & benefits

Careers in the Air Force are well-rewarded, as well as being diverse and exciting. As you become more experienced and move up through the ranks, gaining additional skills and qualifications, you will see your salary rise accordingly.

  • Under training

    $68,103

  • Future potential earnings

    $98,000

20220909 NZDF R1055140 005

Am I fit enough?

If you want to be part of the NZ Defence Force you need to be medically and physically fit for military duties worldwide.

Medical & Fitness
Air Force Application Process 20240920

The application process

Your step-by-step guide on what to expect at various stages of the application process, specifically for military roles.

Application process
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