You will spend your time away either at sea or conducting small boat surveys. The tasks required within this specialized position include: Operating, monitoring, and recording of survey data Recording tidal observations Preparing survey equipment for deployment Cleaning and maintenance of survey equipment Assisting in the set up and operation of shore surveying stations Maintaining survey records Driving small boats Driving 4WD and heavy transport (class 2+) vehicles You will be part of Beach or Wharf Survey Teams conducting surveys and reconnaissance in preparation for the landing of Defence force personnel, stores, and logistics, both in New Zealand and where required in the pacific region. You could be part of the Mine Countermeasures Team (MCM). Where you will play a vital role in the detection of underwater threats / objects protecting both military and civilian vessels. At sea you will have an important role to play in the ships operational organisation and be required to conduct watches on the bridge as either the helmsman (drive the ship) or bowman (lookout) working in shifts over a 24 hour period. During times, such as “action stations”, you may be a member of a small boats crew, refuelling at sea crew, and a man overboard recovery team. Damage control is an important aspect onboard all HMNZ Ships, and you will be required to participate in realistic fire and flood exercises.

Hydrographic Systems Operator | Navy

Mō te tūranga

About the role

Specialisations

Combat & Special Operations | Intelligence, IT & Communications | Operational support
Entry type

General entry
Under training

$69,833
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.

Accepting Applications

Basic Common Training 27/2, starts 23 Aug 2027 Apply by 05 Jan 2027
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.

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.

Find out if you’re eligible here.

Period of Service

There may be a return of service period for this trade.

Please contact our 0800 number or talk to your Candidate Experience Facilitator for more information.

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 deployment
You will spend your time away either at sea or conducting small boat surveys. The tasks required within this specialized position include:
- Operating, monitoring, and recording of survey data
- Recording tidal observations
- Preparing survey equipment for deployment
- Cleaning and maintenance of survey equipment
- Assisting in the set up and operation of shore surveying stations
- Maintaining survey records
- Driving small boats
- Driving 4WD and heavy transport (class 2+) vehicles
You will be part of Beach or Wharf Survey Teams conducting surveys and reconnaissance in preparation for the landing of Defence force personnel, stores, and logistics, both in New Zealand and where required in the pacific region.

You could be part of the Mine Countermeasures Team (MCM). Where you will play a vital role in the detection of underwater threats / objects protecting both military and civilian vessels.

At sea you will have an important role to play in the ships operational organisation and be required to conduct watches on the bridge as either the helmsman (drive the ship) or bowman (lookout) working in shifts over a 24 hour period. During times, such as “action stations”, you may be a member of a small boats crew, refuelling at sea crew, and a man overboard recovery team. Damage control is an important aspect onboard all HMNZ Ships, and you will be required to participate in realistic fire and flood exercises.

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) Operators Course,
Hydrographic theory,
Mine Counter Measures - operations and tactics,
Advanced First Aid and Firefighting,
Introduction into Geographic Information Systems,
Navigation Assistant (Navigation & Chart correction course),
Four Wheel Driving courses,
Truck Driver (Classes 2-5),
Small boat driving courses.

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 at HMNZS Matataua (MAT), based ashore and at sea to develop core surveying 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.

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
Subsidised insurance cover

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.

Under training

$69,833
Future potential earnings

$100,996

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

Navy Be Prepared Application Process Image 20240927

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 Navy career?

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