Aviation Fuel Specialist

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About the role Career progression and training Salary and benefits Entry requirements

As an Aviation Fuel Specialist, you’ll be an important member of the Air Force operational support team. Your main tasks will involve the quality control testing and delivery of aviation fuel, but you’ll also train to drive and operate a wide range of vehicles and machinery.

• Service Air Force
• Specialisation Operational Support
• Location Whenuapai, Ohakea, Woodbourne
• Starting Trade Training $64,177

About the role

You will be responsible for the quality control testing of aviation fuel held in storage at RNZAF bases and the refuelling of RNZAF and visiting Nations aircraft. This will include the testing and receipting of aviation fuel delivered to bases, the loading and routine maintenance of RNZAF refuelling vehicles and the provision of fuelling operations to aircraft. You will perform the same tasks away from base when deployed in support of RNZAF aircraft operating anywhere in New Zealand or overseas.

Driving light and heavy vehicles will be part of your daily activities, and you will be required to perform some minor first line motor vehicle servicing. You will also be trained to operate and maintain the RNZAF’s deployed aviation fuel support equipment.

Career progression and training

Basic Training

Job Training

Upon successful enlistment into the Air Force you’ll be posted to RNZAF Base Woodbourne (near Blenheim). Here you’ll do 12 weeks of basic military training to find out if you’ve got what it takes to be in the Air force, and learn various subjects including :

You’ll then spend about six months completing basic fuel handling and testing training and specialist driving courses to obtain a Class 2 driving licence and endorsements to drive a wide range of vehicles and gain a wide range of driving and aviation fuel handling skills. Once this primary trade training is complete, you will be posted to a base where over the next 24 months you will continue advanced training to obtain further driving licences and fuel skills.

During this process you will learn how to operate the Deployable Bulk Fuelling Installation – the equipment set up in remote locations to supply aviation fuel to aircraft. This training is delivered via a three-week course that covers deployed fuel handling and testing, operation of the equipment, emergency procedures, and set-up and breakdown of the deployable installation.

Salary and benefits

Careers in the Air Force 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.

50,597

Under Initial Training

64,177

Starting Trade Training

119,462

Future Potential Earnings

Figures updated on July 1st 2023

Benefits and allowances

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

Free and subsidised insurance cover

Help to buy a home and save for retirement

Entry requirements

Basics

Education

Fitness and medical

Citizenship

Period of Service

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

To be competitive :   NCEA Level 2.

Find out more about the NCEA levels and certificate requirements

There are strict citizenship and security requirements to gain the required CV security clearance for this trade.

Find out if you’re eligible here.

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.

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