Safety & Surface Technician Job in Auckland Recruiting by New Zealand Defence Force

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As a Safety & Surface Technician you will be responsible for keeping our aircraft and equipment in peak operational condition.

About the role

S&S Techs have one of the most varied roles in the Defence Force. The name Safety and Surface has proud historical roots reaching back to its origins with the Royal Air Force of Great Britain. However these days, Safety and Surface is essentially the banner for three aeronautical engineering specialisations carried out within our Air Force.

The work of S&S Techs requires exceptional care and attention to detail. Some of your work is on display every day, and the work hidden out of sight needs to be to the highest standard in order to save lives.

Job on base

As a S&S Tech you will work in a variety of roles carrying out Aeronautical Finishing tasks, repair and maintenance of Aerial Delivery Equipment and Aeronautical Life Support Equipment to allow aircraft and aircrew to meet the demands of flying operations.

Job on deployment

When an aircraft and their crew deploy overseas they require the same maintenance they need on base. As a qualified S&S Tech you will have the opportunity to be part of the deployed maintenance team supporting overseas operations and exercises.

Last line of defence

Ensuring perfection - the role of the Safety & Surface Technician

The saying goes that you’re having a bad day if you need some of the gear the Royal New Zealand Air Force's Safety and Surface team looks after.

On any given day, we're doing a range of different things. From painting an aircraft to packing a parachute.

Career Progression and training

Career Progression

Basic Training

Job Training

Throughout your career you will continually hone your trade skills. Once you are proficient, you will assist junior technicians in developing their skills and experience, and you will be responsible for maintaining the high standards of your team. Further courses will provide you with the skills to expand your responsibilities and allow you to participate in exercises and conference with experts from around the world. Later you will have opportunities to become an instructor and be part of the management team leading S&S through the ever-changing environment, as a member of a committed and capable Defence Force team.

Upon successful enlistment into the Air Force you will be posted to RNZAF Base Woodbourne (near Blenheim) for your Recruit Course. Here you will 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:

SAFETY AND SURFACE TRADE TRAINING

After completing Recruit Training, Safety and Surface Mechanics begin a 59 week training program at RNZAF Base Woodbourne. After completion of training, Safety and Surface Mechanics carry out a two year consolidation period at RNZAF Base Ohakea and RNZAF Base Auckland. This will take them through to the Safety and Surface Technicians course, which is held at RNZAF Base Ohakea.

TRAINING BREAK DOWN

15 week certificate in Aeronautical Engineering Fundamentals course covering:

38 week Safety and Surface Mechanics course covering:

24 month on base consolidation training:

Safety and Surface Mechanics will complete a 24 month training consolidation period working in a variety of roles and locations including experience on bases Ohakea and Auckland. They will be guided through equipment type specific training by qualified personnel to ensure they are fully competent to work on aircraft and aeronautical equipment on operational units. This is likely to include operational experience in a variety of deployed environments and / or the following maintenance bay’s.

14 week Safety and Surface Technician course covering:

QUALIFICATIONS

After completing the training progression you will be eligible to receive the following national certificates:

Further formal courses and on-the-job-training, including attendance at conferences and exercise will keep you at the front of your chosen career.

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

$122,331

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 accomodation 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.

Ready to start your Air Force career?

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