Staff Officer Aviation Services

New Zealand Defence Force; Waitakere Ranges; On-site; NZD 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Life cover

Critical illness protection

Discounted insurances

Will services

Mortgage guidance

Job summary

New Zealand Defence Force – Waitakere, North Island is seeking a Staff Officer Aviation Services to enable safe, compliant RNZAF air operations at Ohakea and Whenuapai. You will lead aviation service contracts, manage budgets, and liaise with key providers and stakeholders, with regular travel between bases.

The role requires strong aviation operations experience, budget/contract management, and knowledge of aviation regulations and safety.

Qualifications

• Strong experience in aviation, airport, or airfield operations and managing operational activities.
• Demonstrated experience managing budgets, contracts and competing stakeholder requirements in a complex environment.
• Sound knowledge of aviation regulations, airfield operations, safety management and risk-based decision-making.
• Excellent communication and relationship management skills, with the ability to influence, collaborate and engage with a wide range of stakeholders.
• Strong organisational, analytical, and problem-solving skills, with the ability to work independently and manage changing priorities.
• Experience within the NZDF, RNZAF, or a regulated aviation environment would be highly regarded, particularly knowledge of Defence Aviation Rules, military air operations, or instructional experience.

Responsibilities

• Leading aviation service contracts and managing relationships with key providers, including inspection contractors.
• Manage aviation service contracts, budgets, and key industry partnerships that enable RNZAF operations.
• Support managers/commanders with airfield certification, compliance, and airworthiness activities across Military Airbases Ohakea and Whenuapai.
• Provide expert aviation advice and oversight to ensure safe, effective, and compliant airfield operations.
• Coordinate essential aviation services, including air traffic management, meteorological support, and navigational aids.
• Advise on aviation risk management and governance to support operational readiness and safety.
• Collaborate with military and civilian stakeholders to enhance airbase capabilities and operational performance.
• Act as a trusted advisor on aviation services, supporting the continued success of RNZAF air operations.

Skills

Aviation operations

Budget management

Contract management

Stakeholder engagement

Job description

New Zealand Defence Force – Waitakere, North Island

The Staff Officer Aviation Services plays a vital and influential role enabling safe, compliant, and effective RNZAF air operations across RNZAF Military Airbases, specifically Ohakea and Whenuapai.

The key responsibilities of this role are:

• Leading aviation service contracts and managing relationships with key providers, including inspection contractors.
• Manage aviation service contracts, budgets, and key industry partnerships that enable RNZAF operations.
• Support mangers/ commanders with airfield certification, compliance, and airworthiness activities across Military Airbases Ohakea and Whenuapai.
• Provide expert aviation advice and oversight to ensure safe, effective, and compliant airfield operations.
• Coordinate essential aviation services, including air traffic management, meteorological support, and navigational aids.
• Advise on aviation risk management and governance to support operational readiness and safety.
• Collaborate with military and civilian stakeholders to enhance airbase capabilities and operational performance.
• Act as a trusted advisor on aviation services, supporting the continued success of RNZAF air operations.

This position is based at RNZAF Base Ohakea, however, applications from candidates seeking to be based at RNZAF Base Auckland (Whenuapai) are welcomed.Regular travel between both Military Airbases will provide exposure to a diverse range of aviation operations and stakeholders.

Applications may be reviewed upon receipt. It is advised to apply early to avoid disappointment, as this role may close ahead of time due to a high volume of applicants.

We're looking for an experienced aviation professional who understands the complexities of airfield operations, aviation, compliance and effective stakeholder management.

To be successful in this role, you'll have:

• Strong experience in aviation, airport, or airfield operations and managing operational activities.
• Demonstrated experience managing budgets, contracts and competing stakeholder requirements in a complex environment.
• Sound knowledge of aviation regulations, airfield operations, safety management and risk-based decision-making.
• Excellent communication and relationship management skills, with the ability to influence, collaborate and engage with a wide range of stakeholders.
• Strong organisational, analytical, and problem-solving skills, with the ability to work independently and manage changing priorities.
• Experience within the NZDF, RNZAF, or a regulated aviation environment would be highly regarded, particularly knowledge of Defence Aviation Rules, military air operations, or instructional experience.
• While aviation experience is strongly preferred, we will consider candidates with considerable experience in regulatory, operational, or compliance-focused environments.If you are someone who can confidently navigate these environments while helping to ensure safe, compliant, and effective aviation operations, then this could be the perfect role for you!

Nōu te rourou | What's in it for you

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.