Mō te tūranga

About the role

Specialisations

Flight operations | Operational support
Entry type

General entry
Under training

$68,103

Jumping out of a plane can be a challenge for some people – for you it comes with the territory. In the course of your duties as a PJI, you will be required to teach members of the New Zealand Defence Force to make descents ranging from 800 to 12,000 feet in various situations. One day, you could be teaching pilots and other aircrew how to handle parachutes should they need to bail out, the next day you could be teaching Army personnel how to descend into enemy territory.

You will act as a dispatcher for parachuting sorties, carry out drop zone safety officer duties, and conduct display descents as part of the RNZAF Parachute Display Team, Kiwi Blue.

Applications

This role may not be recruited for 6-12 months but we'd encourage you to apply early. You can check in-demand trades for our next intakes

Requirements

Basics

An NZPIA B License wih a minimum of 200 jumps (or international equivalent).
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.

Education

3 years secondary school.

^{Note, qualifications may be used to assess trade suitability.}

Fitness & Medical

You must be medically fit for service.
You must meet the minimum entry fitness standards.

Citizenship

There are strict citizenship and security requirements to gain the required CV 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 a Parachute Jump Instructor, you’ll be contractually obliged to spend another 24 months in the Air Force.

Career progression and training

01Basic 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

02Job Training

Job Training

You must complete a range of courses to become a PJI, including the RNZAF Instructional Techniques Course, Basic Ram-air Static Line Course, Low Level Static Line Course, Free-fall Course, and a Dispatcher Course. Next, you’ll undergo a four-month Parachute Jump Instructor Course before being awarded your PJI’s brevet.

You’ll be expected to achieve Free-fall Instructor Category ‘A’ status within four years of commencing aircrew training.

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

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

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

Ready to start your Air Force career?

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Tūranga whaipānga

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