Mō te tūranga
About the role
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Specialisations
Operational support
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Entry type
General entry
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Under training
$68,103
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Location
Whenuapai, Ohakea, Woodbourne
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.
Accepting Applications
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Recruit 2/25, starts 19 May 2025 Apply by 20 Jan 2025
Apply Now
Requirements
Basics
- Must be 18 years old by the time you graduate from recruit course.
- Eligible to meet national security clearance criteria, as stipulated by the Government's Protective Security Requirements.
Education
- 3 years secondary school.
Note, qualifications may be used to assess trade suitability.
Fitness & Medical
Citizenship
There are strict citizenship and security requirements to gain the required CV security clearance for this trade.
Find out if you’re eligible here.
Period of Service
Your training is some of the most thorough and advanced in the world. Once you have graduated as an Aviation Fuel Specialist, you’ll be contractually obliged to spend another 18 to 24 months in the Air Force.
We offer guidance on entry requirements in our eligibility section. Apply if you're uncertain, as we’ll work through the criteria with you to determine if you can proceed.
Supporting Exercise Skytrain
From low-level flying to load drops, it takes a team to successfully execute an exercise involving the C-130H Hercules. Hear from a Pilot, Aviation Fuel Specialist & Rescue Firefighter about how they
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Job on Base
A normal day for an AFSPEC will include the receipting of bulk aviation fuel delivery tankers into main storage, the fuel quality control and maintenance inspections on both fixed facility and mobile tanker assets and the delivery of aviation fuel to aircraft. As an AFSPEC you will support aircraft flying on and off the bases and will often deploy domestically around New Zealand in the mobile tanker fleet doing this.
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Job on Deployment
Whilst working in deployed environments you will be expected to operate the two deployed fuel capabilities. The Deployable Bulk Fuel Installation (DBFI) and the Forward Aircraft Refuelling Systems (FARS) are fuel storage and delivery platforms that support aircraft flying in remote locations. The large capacity DBFI will often operate on a main operating base supporting fixed and rotary wing operations while the more mobile FARS will project forward in support of rotary wing operations.
Career progression and training
01Basic Training
Basic 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:
- Organisation and Administration
- RNZAF Customs and Protocol
- Drill and Parades
- Military Field Skills and Weapon Training
- First Aid, and Search and Rescue Techniques
- Physical Fitness
02Job Training
Job Training
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 (up to class 5) and fuel skills.
During this time you will also learn how to operate the Deployable Bulk Fuelling Installation and Forward Aircraft Refuelling System. These are bulk fuel capabilities that are set up in remote locations to supply aviation fuel to aircraft. Training is delivered via two separate courses that cover deployed fuel handling and testing, operation of the equipment, emergency procedures, and set-up and breakdown of the deployable installation.
Benefits & 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
Salary & 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.
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Under training
$68,103
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Future potential earnings
$98,000
Am 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.
The application process
Your step-by-step guide on what to expect at various stages of the application process, specifically for military roles.
Application process
Ready to start your Air Force career?
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