Air Force - Air Loadmaster

Defence Technology Agency; Blenheim; On-site; NZD 61,974 - 75,746; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Sponsored tertiary study programmes

Free access to gyms and swimming pools

Subsidised food and accommodation

Job summary

A New Zealand Defence Organization is seeking an RNZAF Air Loadmaster. You'll join a crew to ensure safe loading and transport of cargo and passengers aboard the Lockheed Martin C-130J Super Hercules. Responsibilities include managing aerial delivery operations and maintaining readiness through training at No. 40 Squadron RNZAF. The role offers a competitive salary of $68,860 with future potential earnings of $98,000, along with benefits such as subsidized medical care and opportunities for sponsored education.

Qualifications

• Must be 18 years old by the time you graduate from the recruit course.
• Ability to operate loading systems on the aircraft.
• Medical and physical fitness required for military duties.

Responsibilities

• Manage loading, restraint, and delivery of passengers and cargo.
• Coordinate aerial delivery operations and cargo preparation.
• Conduct regular training in cargo handling and aircraft systems.

Skills

Strong communication skills

Teamwork

Physical fitness

Education

Eligibility to join RNZAF

Job description

As an RNZAF Air Loadmaster, you are a key member of a fixed‑wing airlift aircraft crew, responsible for the safe loading, restraint and delivery of passengers, vehicles and cargo. Working closely with pilots and groundcrew, you ensure the aircraft is configured correctly and that all loads are balanced and secured for flight.

About the role

Flight operations

Under training

$68,860

Location

Ohakea

Air Loadmasters operate aboard the Lockheed Martin C‑130J Super Hercules, the Royal New Zealand Air Force’s tactical airlift aircraft. From inside the aircraft’s cargo compartment, you manage the movement of cargo, operate the loading systems, and monitor loads throughout the flight.

The role also involves planning and conducting aerial delivery operations, where cargo, equipment or personnel are delivered by parachute from the aircraft. Air Loadmasters prepare loads for these air drops, ensure they are correctly rigged and secured, and also coordinate the safe release of cargo from the aircraft during flight.

Operating across New Zealand, the South Pacific and internationally, Air Loadmasters support a wide range of missions including tactical airlift, humanitarian assistance, disaster relief and Antarctic logistics. Their expertise ensures people and equipment can be delivered safely, even into remote or challenging environments.

Accepting Applications

Recruit 3/26, starts Apply by 08 Jun 2026

• Must be 18 years old by the time you graduate from recruit course.

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 base

When not flying missions, Air Loadmasters are based with No. 40 Squadron RNZAF, where they maintain their operational readiness and specialist aircrew skills. This includes mission planning, preparing aircraft load plans and coordinating with logistics and maintenance teams to ensure cargo and passengers are ready for transport. Air Loadmasters also conduct regular training in cargo handling, aircraft systems and aerial delivery procedures, as well as completing ongoing aircrew safety and survival training. Time on base is also used for simulator training and supporting squadron activities to ensure crews are ready for upcoming missions.

Job on deployment

When deployed, Air Loadmasters travel overseas as part of the crew of a Lockheed Martin C-130J Super Hercules, supporting New Zealand Defence Force operations and government tasks around the world. Missions regularly take crews throughout the South Pacific, Australia and Southeast Asia, and can extend further afield to locations in the Middle East, Europe and North America depending on operational requirements.

Working as part of No. 40 Squadron RNZAF, Air Loadmasters help deliver personnel, vehicles and essential supplies to remote or international destinations. They may support humanitarian assistance and disaster relief missions following cyclones, earthquakes or other emergencies in Pacific partner nations, transport NZDF personnel and equipment to overseas exercises or operations, or move cargo between international air bases.

Deployments can involve operating from unfamiliar airfields, coordinating with foreign militaries and partner agencies, and adapting to rapidly changing situations. Air Loadmasters ensure cargo is safely loaded, secured and delivered wherever the aircraft is tasked to go, helping enable the NZDF to respond quickly both regionally and globally.

Recruit Course
(12 weeks) Location: RNZAF base Woodbourne
The aim of this course is to induct aviators into the RNZAF and develop the necessary values, knowledge and military skills to enable them to fulfil their military responsibilities. This course will cover various subjects including:

• RNZAF culture, customs and protocol
• Organisation and administration
• Drill and parades
• Dress, grooming and hygiene standards
• Military law and the Military Justice system

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

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

$68,860

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.

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

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