Army - It Specialist

About the roleUnderstand 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 typeGeneral entryUnder training$68,860LocationPalmerston North | ChristchurchWhen 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 SpecialistInformation Systems OperatorElectronic Warfare OperatorYour training will include a mixture of Defence and Civilian qualifications and courses, with some roles offering funded tertiary study whilst on a salary.RequirementsBasicsMust be18 years old by the time you graduate from recruit course.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.RadioFrequencyBecome 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 SpecialistEnhance 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 OperatorProvide 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 OperatorOperate 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 baseYou 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 deploymentThe 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 : Organisation and administrationArmy customs and protocolDrill and paradesMilitary field skills and weapon trainingYour 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 : Operating military radio systemsInstalling, maintaining and recovering cabling systemsConfiguring client computersEmploying information assurance and communication security principlesCCNA1 Introduction to NetworksEstablishing and fault finding satellite and cellular communication linksProviding support to Command Post OperationsDuring 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 : Trade specific – These will enhance your skills and knowledge within your trade, focussing purely on developing your technical expertise as a Radio Frequency Technician, Information Management Specialist, Information Systems Operator, Systems Engineer, or Electronic Warfare OperatorIT Specialist specific – These courses focus on the wider IT Specialist skills that all five trades have in common.

It will allow you to progress into positions of management of Detachments and Troops of IT Specialists later in your career.Army-wide (a.k.a. All Corps) specific – These are courses for all soldiers in the Army, regardless of trade.

They further develop your understanding of leadership within the NZ Army, giving you the knowledge and skills for promotion through the ranks.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 : Access to your Service marae or turangawaewaeSponsored tertiary study programmes at all levelsFree access to gyms and swimming pools on camp and basesOpportunities to travelFree and subsidised medical and dental careSubsidised food and accommodation on camps and basesSubsidised insurance coverCareers 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$68,860Future potential earnings$98,000Am 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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