Civilian Doctor

New Zealand Defence Force; Wellington; On-site; NZD 120,000 - 180,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Life cover

Critical illness protection

Discounted insurances

Free will services

Savings schemes

Mortgage guidance

Job summary

New Zealand Defence Force is seeking dedicated civilian General Practitioners to join Defence Health Centres across the country, including Devonport, Linton, and Woodbourne. Roles focus on primary occupational care for uniformed personnel, with a multi-disciplinary team of nurses, social workers, psychologists, and medics.

Flexible working options are offered—full-time or part-time (0.8/4 days per week)—and a supportive environment with excellent doctor/patient ratios and office-hour consulting.

Qualifications

• MBChB or equivalent medical degree with NZ medical registration preferred.
• Experience in primary health care and occupational health is desirable.
• Vocational registration as GP is ideal.

Responsibilities

• Provide primary occupational and civilian health care for NZDF personnel.
• Deliver acute and preventive health services within Defence Health Centres.
• Lead and train allied health colleagues and medics where appropriate.
• Contribute to NZDF health quality initiatives and clinical governance.

Skills

General practice

Primary care

Clinical leadership

Interdisciplinary teamwork

Communication skills

Education

Medical degree (MBChB)

General Practice registration in NZ

Job description

Jora New Zealand will close on 9th September 2026. Thank you for being with us, we are cheering you on as you continue your career journey.

New Zealand Defence Force – Wanganui, North Island

We are looking for dedicated and passionate civilian GP's to join our amazing health teams across the country.We are a multi-disciplinary team of both medical and civilian personnel including Nurses, Social Workers, Psychologists, Complex Care Coordinators, military Medics and more!

We have opportunities available for Civilian Doctors at Defence Health Centres located across the country, specifically Devonport (Auckland), Linton (Palmerston North) and Woodbourne (Blenheim).

If you are interested in applying for one or even all of these positions, then please outline your location preference/s within your Cover Letter.

Providing primary occupational care to uniformed personnel is the main focus of this role but it may also include:

• Acute and emergency health care and preventive medicine.
• Supporting NZDF operational capabilities by providing care for staff pre and post deployment.
• Providing health advice support to military command.
• Providing training and clinical oversight for medics and other health colleagues.
• Contributing to NZDF health quality initiatives and improvements.

With excellent doctor/ patient ratios and longer consultation times, there will be no need to work ‘after hours' or weekends, as you can fit all consultations plus admin into normal office hours!

We can offer:

• A positive work /life balance.
• Flexible working options - Fulltime or part-time for 0.8/ 4 days per week – you choose!
• Paid leave and extensive benefits package.
• Study leave and CPD allowance.
• Unique social, work and sporting environment within an active defence force.

If you would like to learn more about the role and working for NZDF, please contact Bridget Ward at ************@nzdf.mil.nz in the first instance to arrange a meeting with one of our Doctors.

An as experienced GP, ideally vocationally registered, you'll be part of a multi-disciplinary health team delivering Primary Health care, acute care and occupational assessment and treatment.

You will also bring:

• The ability to provide training and clinical leadership to the wider team, including military medics.
• Excellent communication skills including demonstrating empathy when relating to the health and well‑being of patients.
• Proven ability to make effective recommendations, including health management plans that incorporate both patient needs and organisational responsibilities.
• Experience working in a collaborative and multi-disciplinary environment, easily building strong relationships and working effectively across a diverse range of stakeholders.

If you are the preferred candidate post interview, you may be required to provide certified copies of your medical qualifications including your practicing/registration certificate and a Certificate of Good Standing.

Nōu te rourou | What's in it for you

Your skills and dedication deserve recognition, and NZDF delivers with competitive pay matched to your experience. But that's just the beginning – safeguard your loved ones with a fully funded life cover of up to $300,000 and critical illness protection. Other benefits include discounted additional insurances, free will services and savings schemes for the Defence community. Get expert financial guidance and mortgage broker services. Find all our benefits and more on the Force 4 Families website.

NZDF champions diversity and inclusivity, valuing every member and fuelling their success. We embrace uniqueness, understanding that diverse teams drive creativity, innovation, and excellence. With an open door to all – irrespective of gender, ethnicity, ability, age, or family dynamics – NZDF offers a flexible, empowering work environment. Join us in shaping a brighter future, where everyone thrives.

Applications close on Tuesday 29 September 2026.

To be eligible for the required level of government security clearance with the NZ Defence Force, you need to meet certain citizenship and residency criteria. Here's what you need to know:

Low Level Security Clearance

• You must be a New Zealand citizen or you must hold New Zealand Permanent Residence or have a current New Zealand Residency Class Visa.
• At minimum, you must hold New Zealand Permanent Residence or have a current New Zealand Residency Class Visa, and you must be a citizen of and have lived in Australia, Canada, United Kingdom, United States of America or New Zealand continuously for the last five (5) years.
• You must have a five (5) year background history that can be verified and assessed appropriately by the NZ Security Intelligence Service (NZSIS) to determine if you are suitable for a security clearance at this level.

If you do not meet the minimum criteria, unfortunately, your application will not be accepted. We do welcome your application at a time when you will meet the requirements.

Be careful - Don’t provide your bank or credit card details when applying for jobs. Don't transfer any money or complete suspicious online surveys. If you see something suspicious, report this job ad .