Mō te tūranga

About the role

Specialisations

Logistics & Administration
Entry type

General entry
Under training

$68,103
Location

Whenuapai, Ohakea, Woodbourne

As a Logistics Specialist, you’ll be responsible for the supply and distribution of military materials, hardware, personnel and supplies using sophisticated computerised systems. You’ll also assist with the movement by air of New Zealand Defence Force personnel and equipment – from the Army’s light armoured vehicles to Air Force helicopters and explosives. When natural disasters hit, and the government directs the NZDF to provide Humanitarian Aid and Disaster relief (HADR) you will play a key role as a Logistics Specialist.

To get the job done, you’ll be trained to operate a variety of vehicles, aircraft loading systems and logistics supply systems.

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.
Class 1 Restricted Drivers Licence essential.

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 a Logistics Specialist, you’ll be contractually obliged to spend another 12 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.

“We’ve got to work fast to make sure the Hercs are in the air when they need to be.”

Kim Spain

Job on Base

A normal day in the life of a LOGSPEC differs depending on your current role. You could be receiving and despatching freight either across NZ or internationally. Selecting stock items for issue to aircraft or putting stock on the shelves. Driving a forklift around base to distribute aircraft parts. Or you could be building pallets for loading aircraft. The great thing about being a LOGSPEC is the variety of roles you may undertake. You could be supporting HADR operations both domestically and internationally.
Job on Deployment

Whilst on a deployment you will be responsible for managing the Squadron pack up with aircraft spares. You will be required to request parts from NZ to your location and return unserviceable spares back to NZ and all the appropriate customs paperwork that goes with them. You will generally work closely with the maintenance team if deployed with an aircraft squadron. Other deployments you work in a tri-service team to support the mission associated with your deployment.

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

After 12 weeks basic military training at RNZAF Base Woodbourne, you’ll complete a 14-week residential course before spending two years working in a transit, warehouse or forward support section on an Air Force base, consolidating your training by means of a competency log.

Your advanced trade training is also a 14-week full-time residential course, covering air movements training, operational and joint logistics, supply chain management principles and much more. As you progress through the trade courses you will be accredited NZQA certificates, while qualifying for a variety of vehicle and aircraft loading equipment licenses.

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.

Under training

$68,103
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.

Medical & Fitness

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?

APPLY NOW

Tūranga whaipānga

Related Roles

Army

In Demand
Active Intakes

Combat Driver

Logistics & Administration

General entry

Get behind the wheel of vehicles you wouldn’t drive in any other career. Take your driving skills to some of the world’s most interesting places.

Airforce

Logistics Officer

Logistics & Administration | Officers & Management

Officer entry

Moving and managing military hardware, supplies and personnel requires quick thinkers and cool heads. Take the lead in this role that offers travel and challenges.