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About the role
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Specialisations
Combat & Special Operations | Intelligence, IT & Communications | Operational support
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Entry type
General entry
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Under training
$68,103
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Location
Devonport
Naval Hydrographic Surveyors not only assist in the creation of accurate seabed and coastline charts for navigational and military purposes, they help search for mines, underwater explosives, missing persons, sunken vessels, operate Autonomous Underwater Vehicles (AUV) and Remotely Piloted Aircraft Systems (RPAS).
As a Naval Hydrographic Surveyor you will need to be adaptable to change, be physically fit, work well under pressure, enjoy a challenge and become familiar with rapidly advancing computer technology. You will also work towards gaining internationally recognised qualifications in Hydrographic Surveying, and the operation of Autonomous Vehicles.
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
- 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
Citizenship
There are strict citizenship and security requirements to gain the SV security clearance required for this trade. You must be free of any criminal convictions.
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.
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Job on deployment
The majority of your time is spent away either at sea or on location conducting small boat surveys. Tasks required within this specialised position include:
- Monitoring of bridge survey computer equipment
- Recording data observed by the charge surveyor
- Recording tidal observations
- Driving 4WD vehicles
- Preparing survey equipment for deployment
- Cleaning and maintenance of survey instruments
- Assisting in the set up and operation of shore surveying stations
- Maintaining survey records
While at sea you will be required to work on the Bridge of the ship as Helmsman or Online System Operators and should expect to work in this capacity for at least 2 x 4 hour shifts in every 24-hour period, as well as completing hydrographic and other work duties as required.
At sea you will have an important role to play in the ship’s operational organisation. During times, such as “action stations”, you may be a member of a small boats crew, refuelling at sea crew, and the man overboard recovery unit. Damage Control is an important aspect onboard all HMNZ Ships, and you will be required to participate in realistic fire and flood exercises. You could also be a member of a Beach Survey Team conducting beach surveys and reconnaissance in preparation for the landing of Defence Force personnel and stores, both in New Zealand and where required in the Pacific region.
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 Navy 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.
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Under training
$68,103
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Future potential earnings
$98,000
Career progression and training
01Basic Training
Basic Training
Upon successful enlistment into the Navy you will be posted to Devonport, Auckland. Here you will do 16 weeks of basic military training to find out if you have what it takes to be in the Navy, and learn various subjects including:
- Teamwork and support
- Naval history and customs
- Drill and parades
- Core mariner skills and weapons training
- First aid and firefighting
- Physical fitness
- Self-discipline
02Ongoing Training
Ongoing Training
On completion of the basic branch training you will complete specialised courses covering:
- Autonomous Underwater Vehicles (AUV) Handlers and Operators Course,
- Hydrographic theory,
- Mine Counter Measures - operations and tactics,
- Advanced First Aid and Firefighting,
- Introduction into Geographic Information Systems,
- Navigators Yeoman (Navigation & Chart correction course),
- Four Wheel Driving courses,
- Truck Driver (Classes 2-5)
Hydrographic Systems Operators complete additional specialised courses as their career progresses. Soon after which you will gain your Skipper Restricted Limits Certificate, and be promoted from Hydrographic Systems Operator to Hydrographic Survey Technician.
03Specialist Training
Specialist Training
On completion of a six month hydrographic course in the UK or Australia, you are accredited as an internationally recognised Category B Hydrographic Surveyor, and on completion of a competencies log, gain a Diploma in Hydrographic surveying and Diploma in Spatial Information Services.
Can you think of a more exciting way to get an internationally recognised surveying qualification?
04Career Progression
Career Progression
You will start your career with basic common training before completing your first hydrographic course, during your basic trade training phase. Following successful completion you will have on the job training period with the Military Hydrographic Group (MHG) based ashore and at sea to develop core navigation and seamanship skills.
Once fully trained you will be skilled in hydrographic surveying, assisting in searching for mines utilising autonomous underwater vehicles (remote underwater search), piloting of Remote Piloted Air System (Drones), driving a number of watercraft (Workboats, RHIBs and Zodiacs), driving heavy vehicles and many more qualifications. You will primarily be a part of the operational unit, HMNZS MATATAUA, and be deployed via land, sea and air in New Zealand and overseas. This will include assisting Humanitarian Aid and Disaster Relief efforts, Land based deployments as an integral part of the Maritime Mine Warfare Force, assisting the New Zealand Police in search and recovery or conducting hydrographic surveys to assist with the freedom to manoeuvre for both RNZN ships and other waterborne craft.
Be Prepared
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
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