About the role
Combat Engineers provide the New Zealand Army with vital combat engineering support. As a Combat Engineer in the Army Reserve, you will be trained across a variety of different specialist skills within our five engineering pillars including explosive demolition, bridge construction, mine clearance, small boat handling, and establishing water supplies.
All of this is delivered in parallel with the soldiering profession, such as the development of infantry skills and tactics.
Although Combat Engineer is the only engineer trade offered by the Army Reserves, we are very interested in individuals who may come to us with a variety of civilian qualifications. Lawyers, architects, electricians, project managers, police, and data analysts number amongst our team, and we welcome anyone with an interest in conducting engineering tasks within the combat battlespace.
Soldiers with qualifications in these areas will predominantly train as a combat engineer but may have the opportunity to conduct some transitional training in order to apply their highly valuable skills within the military environment where appropriate.
Career progression and training
Initial training consists of three stages which equate to approximately 7 weeks of training. Module 1 (Introduction to the New Zealand Army and Reserve Force service) is conducted throughout the calendar year, with Module 2 (Basic Training) & Corps Training (Initial Trade Specific Coursing) taking place in November, December, and January of a given year.
Module 1 is conducted across New Zealand at specified times throughout the calendar year. This course is run in Auckland (Whangaparaoa Leadership Centre or RNZAF Base Auckland, Whenuapai), Wellington (Trentham Military Camp), or Christchurch (Burnham Military Camp).
Module 2 (Basic Training) is conducted at Waiouru Military Camp. This is a 38-day residential course, taking place across November, December, and January of a given year (duration accounts for leave period over the Christmas and New Year period).
Corps Training (initial trade specific training) is a two-week residential course conducted in Palmerston North (Linton Military Camp), at the School of Military Engineering.
During this course, you will be introduced to the role, equipment, procedures, and drills involved in becoming a Combat Engineer.
Salary and benefits
As a Reservist, you are paid on an hourly rate rather than a salary. Pay rates depend on the role you are in and your rank; your pay will increase as you move through the ranks.
As an Army Reserve soldier, the minimum remuneration you will be paid from day one is a daily rate of $176 including holiday pay, plus 4% Kiwisaver employer contributions. Your remuneration will increase on promotion and seniority.
Entry requirements
You must be at least 17 years of age
Preferably hold a Class 1 restricted driver's licence
3 years secondary school education
You must be medically fit for service. Colour perception restrictions may apply.
There are strict citizenship and security requirements to gain the required CV security clearance for this trade.
Ready to start your Army career?
#J-18808-Ljbffr