Navy - Hydrographic Systems Operator

Defence Technology Agency; New Zealand; On-site; NZD 62,849 - 76,816; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Access to gyms and swimming pools

Free and subsidised medical and dental care

Sponsored tertiary study programmes

Job summary

Defence Technology Agency is seeking a Naval Hydrographic Surveyor in New Zealand. This role involves creating seabed and coastline charts, operating Autonomous Underwater Vehicles, and participating in naval operations. Applicants must be adaptable, physically fit, and meet military training requirements. The position offers a competitive salary of $69,833 with the potential to earn up to $98,000, along with benefits such as subsidized medical care and opportunities for travel.

Qualifications

• Must be 18 years old by the time you graduate from recruit course.
• Must meet strict citizenship and security requirements.
• No criminal convictions.

Responsibilities

• Assist in creating accurate seabed and coastline charts.
• Operate and maintain survey equipment.
• Conduct watches on the bridge as either helmsman or lookout.

Skills

Adaptability

Physical fitness

Technical proficiency in computer technologies

Education

3 years secondary school

Tools

Autonomous Underwater Vehicles (AUV)

Remotely Piloted Aircraft Systems (RPAS)

Job description

If you are fascinated by the sea and its geography, you will be fascinated by the opportunity to help create the sea and coastline charts to keep our ships at sea and clear of the rocks!

About the role

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

Entry type

General entry

Under training

$69,833

Location

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

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

3 years secondary school. Note, qualifications may be used to assess trade suitability.

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.

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 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
• Cleaning and maintenance of survey equipment
• Assisting in the set up and operation of shore surveying stations
• 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.

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

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, 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

$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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