About the role
Test your skills at home and overseas as you learn how to produce accurate intelligence from imagery, electronic signals and geospatial information.
Service: Air Force
Specialisation: Intelligence, IT and Communications
Location: Auckland, Ohakea and Wellington
Starting Trade Training: $64,177
As an Intelligence Specialist, you will be assisting in the preparation and planning for military air operations. This includes researching, preparing and producing mission data which may be presented as written reports, oral briefs or programmed software.
The Intelligence Specialist trade comprises two separate specialisations: Geospatial Intelligence Analysts and Electronic Warfare Specialists.
As a Geospatial Intelligence Analyst, you will receive training in the exploitation of satellite, electro-optical, infrared and radar imagery, as well as full motion video. You will also be trained in the use of Geospatial Information Systems (GIS) software, enabling you to display and analyse spatial data for the creation of maps and various graphics that supplement intelligence reports.
The Electronic Warfare Specialist is responsible for the analysis, production and programming of data across the electromagnetic spectrum to support electronic warfare equipment across the Air Force fleet. A technically challenging role, you will display a keen interest in utilising state-of-the-art equipment and software to analyse complex signals to produce high-quality intelligence products.
In addition, you will be involved in programming aircraft self-protection systems designed to keep our aircraft and aircrew safe. The NZDF's commitment to international peace and security necessitates the deployment of aircraft and military personnel overseas, either in support of internationally led peacekeeping missions or to partake in humanitarian aid and disaster relief requirements.
As an Intelligence Specialist, you'll play a vital role in supporting these operations either from New Zealand or deployed within the operating environment.
Job on base
You will work with aircrew and Intelligence Officers in the preparation and planning for missions. This includes researching, preparing, producing and collating mission data, presenting oral and written reports, and preparing visual aids for briefing purposes. You will maintain computerised intelligence databases involving inputting, storing and retrieving information while interpreting and analysing all forms of intelligence data to produce electronic warfare, geospatial and imagery-related reports and products in support of a broad range of Royal New Zealand Air Force (RNZAF) maritime, land and air operations.
In order to support this and following Recruit training, you will initially attend a Basic Air Intelligence course. Depending on your specialisation, you will be selected to attend intensive training in either electronic warfare, geospatial or imagery analysis followed by a period of consolidation at 230 Squadron to hone your newly developed skills. Throughout your career, you can expect to further extend your skillsets in specialist areas.
Job on deployment
All Intelligence Specialists will have the opportunity to deploy with squadrons on exercises or operations. You will spend time in other countries and experience a diversity of cultures and conditions as you support the activities of the squadron you are deployed with. Your duties on deployment will draw on your specific specialisation (Geospatial or Electronic Warfare) and have you working alongside aircrew and other intelligence staff.
At times, you may be called upon to deploy on operations at short notice and to work shifts. Such is the varied and dynamic nature of the role that no day is ever the same as an Intelligence Specialist. You may be supporting an Economic Zone Patrol around New Zealand one day and deployed overseas the next working a multinational exercise involving aircraft, ships and land forces.
Career progression and training
You will initially be employed at 230 (Mission Support) Squadron in Auckland; home of the RNZAF Intelligence Trade and responsible for mission support to RNZAF Air Operations. You can expect to spend at least six to eight years at 230 Squadron during which time you will support operations and deployments both overseas and within New Zealand. Over your career, you may also complete six to twelve month exchanges with other NZDF and allied units. Options for overseas posts are also feasible along with ongoing opportunities for deployment.
Intelligence Specialists continue to grow their skills throughout their career and will increasingly become involved in the management and coordination of staff, rising to become a Section Commander and ultimately potentially head up the Intelligence Team at 230 Squadron.
Upon successful enlistment into the Air Force, you'll be posted to RNZAF Base Woodbourne (near Blenheim) for 12 weeks of basic military training. Following basic training, you will be posted to 230 Squadron in RNZAF Base Auckland where you will undertake an initial induction process.
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)
In addition to salary and allowances, other benefits of joining the New Zealand Defence Force include:
Access to your Service marae or turangawaewae
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:
You must be 18 years old upon completion of recruit course.
You must have been a NZ Citizen for a minimum of 10 years.
Meet the citizenship & security requirements to gain TSV security clearance for this trade.
You must pass a full Psychological Assessment.
Complete a 10 year background history check that can be checked with the New Zealand authorities to obtain high-level security clearance.
Minimum: NCEA Level 2 certificate.
To be competitive: NCEA Level 3.
You must be medically fit for service.
Colour perception restrictions may apply.
There are strict citizenship and security requirements to gain the required TSV security clearance for this trade, including having been a New Zealand citizen for at least 10 years.
There is a 24 month Return of Service associated with the Imagery Specialisation that commences from the completion of your Primary Trade Course.
Ready to start your Air Force career?
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