Navigation

Life in Navigation roles

This covers a wide range of roles, in some of the most critically important areas of Defence Force. It's about getting our forces to the right place, at the right time, safely and securely, and ensuring we are ready to do our part to keep NZ safe.

7 Roles available in the Navigation specialisation across All services

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Airforce

Air Warfare Officer

Flight operations | Navigation | Officers & Management

Officer entry

Aboard the long-range surveillance P-8A Poseidon aircraft, you will learn to operate and manage the complex hi-tech systems used to conduct a wide variety of missions including anti-submarine warfare, resource protection and search and rescue.

  • Under training

    $68,103

  • Future potential earnings

    $140,000

  • Location

    Varied

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Navy

Airborne Tactical Officer (Observer)

Flight operations | Navigation | Officers & Management

Officer entry

The Airborne Tactical Officer or “Observer” acts as mission commander for the aircraft and is responsible for its sensors, communication systems and weapons. You’re the key link between aircraft and ship, evaluating sensor information and performing tactical analysis to employ the helicopter in the best way to accomplish the mission. Be it warfare operations, search and rescue, delivering aid and more.

  • Under training

    $68,103

  • Future potential earnings

    $142,000

  • Location

    Devonport

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Navy

Helicopter Pilot

Flight operations | Navigation | Officers & Management

Officer entry

Take the controls of one of the most advanced aircraft in New Zealand, the Kaman SH-2G(I) Super Seasprite and experience a diverse and rewarding career

  • Under training

    $68,103

  • Future potential earnings

    $142,000

  • Location

    Whenuapai

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Navy

Hydrographic Survey Officer

Navigation | Officers & Management | Operational support

Officer entry

Hydrographic Survey Officers lead teams undertaking survey work in support of everything from beach landings to identifying routes through minefields. You will be trained as a leader, a mariner and a surveyor. Your career will be diverse and challenging with regularly changing roles both within and outside the hydrographic survey trade.

  • Under training

    $68,103

  • Future potential earnings

    $142,000

  • Location

    Devonport

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Navy

Mine Warfare Clearance Diving Officer

Combat & Special Operations | Navigation | Officers & Management

Officer entry

As a Mine Warfare Clearance Diving Officer you will lead a team of divers in the water doing explosive ordnance disposal, maritime security and mine clearance tasks.

  • Under training

    $68,103

  • Future potential earnings

    $142,000

  • Location

    Devonport

RNZAF PILOT ROTARY HERO

Airforce

Pilot

Flight operations | Navigation | Officers & Management

Officer entry

You will understand why this is one of the most sought after careers in the Air Force as you take the controls of the most awesome military aircraft in our fleet.

  • Under training

    $68,103

  • Future potential earnings

    $140,000

  • Location

    Ohakea

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Navy

Warfare Officer

Navigation | Officers & Management

Officer entry

Warfare Officers ‘drive’ the warships. You work on the ship’s bridge, control the ship's manoeuvring, are responsible for the safe passage and navigation of the ship at sea, and manage the bridge staff.