Navy - Airborne Tactical Officer (Observer)

Defence Technology Agency; Devonport-Takapuna; On-site; NZD 62,894 - 76,871; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Access to military gyms and swimming pools

Sponsored tertiary study programmes

Free medical and dental care

Job summary

Defence Technology Agency seeks an Airborne Tactical Officer based in Auckland, responsible for aircraft mission planning and warfare operations. Applicants should have expertise in tactical analysis and leadership, operating sensors and weapons to ensure mission success.

The position requires candidates to complete rigorous training and a commitment to serve in the Navy for six years. Benefits include competitive salary, allowances, and access to various military resources.

Qualifications

• Trainees will focus on followership and teamwork in basic service knowledge.
• Candidates must be medically and physically fit for military duties.
• Must pass Strict citizenship and security requirements.

Responsibilities

• Brief and guide Commanding Officer and embarked flight on missions.
• Employ aircraft's sensors and communications systems for tactical missions.
• Conduct Meteorological briefs and train Ship's Company in Aviation procedures.

Skills

Mission planning

Warfare operations

Tactical analysis

Flight operations

Navigation

Education

18 years old by graduation

Pass Aircrew and Officer Selection Board

Job description

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.

About the role

Flight operations | Navigation | Officers & Management

Entry type

Under training

$69,883

Location

As an Observer your primary roles will be mission planning and warfare and you will be expected to be an expert in both areas. At sea you will be briefing both ship’s Commanding Officer and the embarked flight on missions and the best way to employ the aircraft to ensure success. When conducting warfare you can expect to take command of the battlespace as the Observer utilising all of the aircrafts sensors, communications systems and weapons to ensure optimal tactical employment of the aircraft.

Accepting Applications

Junior Officer Common Training 27-1, starts 18 Jan 2027 Apply by 18 Jul 2026

• Must be 18 years old by the time you graduate from recruit course
• Pass an Aircrew and Officer Selection Board
• Height limits will apply with the introduction of new or upgraded training aircraft. Individuals will be assessed for height limits as part of the application process.
• Colour perception restrictions may apply.

There are strict citizenship and security requirements to gain TSV security clearance for this trade.

Your training is some of the most thorough and advanced in the world. On graduation, you will be required to serve 6 years in the Navy. This helps the NZDF make the most of the skills and knowledge you’ve built during your training.

We offer guidance on entry requirements in oureligibility section . Apply if you're uncertain, as we’ll work through the criteria with you to determine if you can proceed.

There are a bunch of aircraft sensors that the Observer is responsible for. Underneath the aircraft, the large radar acts to extend the eyes and ears of whatever ships you're working with, so you can …

Job on base

On completion of Junior Officer Common Training and Flight training you will be posted to 6 Squadron at RNZAF Base Auckland in Whenuapai. Whilst there your duties and responsibilities revolve around daily flying, consisting of operational flights and training flights, and administrative duties all Officer roles entail. You can expect to fly most days of the week in many different environments working with external agencies throughout New Zealand.

Job on deployment

Naval Aviation is an integral part of any Ship’s deployed capability and for any significant deployment of an aviation capable Ship, a SH-2G(I) can be expected to deploy. The role of the SH-2G(I) on board a RNZN Ship varies from being the primary weapons system on an ANZAC class Frigate conducting Warfare roles and Airborne Use of Force, to resupplying an island off the coast of New Zealand in support other Government Agencies.

A Ship's flight crew usually consists of eight RNZAF technicians, the Pilot, the Observer and a Helicopter Loadmaster. Your role as the Observer is to operate all of the SH-2G(I) systems and to employ your tactical and warfare knowledge to achieve the mission. You will work alongside the pilot providing guidance and tactical information to ensure that the aircraft is positioned correctly and is operated as required for the mission. On board the Ship, you will have duties to conduct, such as advising the Commanding Officer on all aviation matters, conducting Meteorological briefs and training the Ships Company in Aviation procedures.

Recent deployments have included Operations in the Arabian Gulf and Indian Ocean, Humanitarian Aid and Disaster Relief deployments in the South Pacific and multiple Military Exercises throughout the South Pacific and South East Asia.

Phase 1 – Introduction

This phase focuses on ‘followership’ and teamwork. Trainees are instructed in basic service knowledge, discipline, parade, and kit preparation. Physical Training will be conducted at all times throughout training to develop a high level of physical and mental fitness that promotes morale, good health, and good habits. This phase will cover various topics including:

• Physical Fitness
• Service Knowledge
• Introduction to the Leadership Development Framework
• Damage Control Training
• Weapons Training
• First Aid
• Basic seamanship training
• Moving to advanced application

Phase 2 – Fit for Sea

The second phase of training will focus on attributes of being in the Navy in preparation for operational service at sea. Trainees will be taught about the roles and responsibilities on board an RNZN ship. Trainees will also spend time ashore conducting academic and leadership training to further develop as a Naval Officer.

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 Navy are well-rewarded, diverse and exciting. As you become more experienced and move up through the ranks, gaining additional skills and qualifications, your salary will rise accordingly.

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.