Army - IT Specialist

About the role

Understand and control the Army’s deployable computer and radio networks that keep our forces in-the-know across the battlespace. IT Specialists are responsible for modern technologies and equipment that enable voice and data communications, as well as providing technical support across the Army.

Entry type

General entry

Under training

$68,860

Location

Palmerston North | Christchurch

When the Army deploys, it needs to communicate. As an IT Specialist, your role is to ensure that the right information is passed to the right unit at the right time. To achieve this, you will find yourself establishing voice or data radio networks, engineering satellite terminals, or maintaining secure computer networks with a range of services and applications.

Unlike a civilian IT role, you will not be restricted to working in an office. You may find yourself providing IT support to our soldiers based out of a vehicle, an Army tent, or acquisitioned building on exercise.

In addition to enhancing your technical skills, your day-to-day training will be varied. It will provide opportunities to enhance your weapon skills, gain experience and qualifications for driving military vehicles, first aid, physical fitness and more. As you progress in your career, you may find yourself stepping into leadership roles by commanding others, or providing instruction and training to soldiers.

You will join the Army and complete your first year of training as an IT Specialist. After this, you will continue your training to specialise in one of five specific roles;

• Information Management Specialist
• Information Systems Operator
• Electronic Warfare Operator

Your training will include a mixture of Defence and Civilian qualifications and courses, with some roles offering funded tertiary study whilst on a salary.

Requirements

Basics

On completion of your training, there may be a return of service period for this trade. Please contact our 0800 number or talk to your Candidate Engagement Facilitator for more information.

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.

Radio

Frequency

Become part of a committed team that engineers and manages radio frequency networks for the NZ Army. You’ll enable data and voice networks by operating various military or commercial radio systems and satellite terminals in the field. As the NZ Army keeps pace with technological change, your skillset will be highly sought after in the civilian world.

Information Management Specialist

Enhance our Army’s ability to conduct operations by managing an accurate and timely flow of information through to Command. You'll enable situational awareness for domestic and international operations by working with web-based technologies, configuring applications, and organising networks and drives to ensure information is readily available.

Information Systems Operator

Provide technical IT support to ensure the Army’s integral computer systems are established and maintained at tactical, operational and strategic levels. You’ll provide user support and be taught to design, build, configure and maintain IT equipment, from client laptops to local area networks and server hardware. Earn a Diploma and Bachelor in ICT as part of your training, all while getting paid and experiencing the best the Army has to offer.

Establish the infrastructure that allows troops to send data from any environment, be it the military camp or way out in the field. Working with local area networks and managing routing, encryption and communication links, you’ll engineer, diagnose and repair cabling and other communications equipment. Earn while you learn with funded full-time study towards a Bachelor in ICT with a double major in Networking and Security.

Electronic Warfare Operator

Operate extensive communications technologies and analytical tools to gather intelligence and protect our forces. You’ll work as a team, sometimes in high-pressure situations, to detect, intercept, analyse and exploit electronic emissions. Control military sensors and communication systems from various environments – be it an Army tent or acquisitioned building, out of vehicles or on foot.

Job on base

You will be a member of a Communications Access Node (CAN), responsible for providing deployable IT services to the Army. Your day-to-day role will be varied, with each day bringing new challenges and opportunities. You and your team will ensure that your IT equipment is maintained and functional, ready to be deployed for training or operational use. Informal and formal training will occur to keep your technical skills fresh, as well as give you the opportunity for further learning. You will also conduct regular training to maintain your physical fitness, weapon handling, first aid and vehicle-based skillsets.

Job on deployment

The NZ Army deploys on operations within NZ and overseas with its own encrypted communication networks. IT Specialists will be deployed with their own scalable IT solutions, tailored to the size and specific requirements of the force they are supporting. From responding to a natural disaster, training foreign militaries, or conducting security and stability operations, there are a number of missions the NZ Army will conduct.

You will find yourself establishing and maintaining computer and radio networks, ensuring our forces can exchange information with each other in the same country, as well as maintaining strategic communications links back to New Zealand. You will provide user support to our staff, ensuring they have the tools to effectively plan and conduct their tasks in support of the mission. This role may see you operating independently, or as a part of a small team of IT Specialists supporting the mission.

Upon joining the NZ Army, you’ll complete your 16 week Basic Training in Waiouru Military Camp. This course, completed by all NZ Army soldiers teaches you the fundamentals of soldier skills such as weapon handling, fitness, field craft, teamwork, first aid and drill.

Your next course will be 20 weeks of IT Specialist training in Linton Military Camp, Palmerston North. This is designed to familiarise you with the radio and computer networks, physical IT equipment and software / applications used by the NZ Army.

Upon enlistment into the NZ Army, you will be posted to Waiouru Military Camp. Here you will complete 16 weeks of basic military training to find out if you have what it takes to be a soldier in the NZ Army. The training will include :

Your IT Specialist training will begin with 20 weeks in Linton Military Camp, Palmerston North. Regardless of your prior IT experience, this course will teach and test you on the fundamental IT knowledge, skills and equipment needed to excel as an IT Specialist. Course content includes but is not limited to :

During this course, you will gain exposure to the five individual trades that make up our IT Specialists. This will help to inform your selection of which career path to pursue.

As a soldier, you will never stop learning. Formal coursing and informal training will be a key part of your military career. As you progress through your career, courses will focus on three key areas :

Additional courses will also be available on a case by case basis, allowing opportunities to diversify your skills in areas such as shooting, first aid and driving.

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 :

Careers in the Army 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.

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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