
Medical Officer (Doctor)
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About the role Career progression and training Salary and benefits Entry requirementsNZDF health is tasked with maintaining, improving and restoring the health of the Defence Force in order to maintain the operational effectiveness of the NZDF.
- ServiceAir Force
- SpecialisationMedical and Health
- LocationVarious
- Starting Salary$120,104
- Upcoming Intake16 January, 2023


About the role
NZDF health is tasked with ‘maintaining, improving and restoring the health of the defence force’ in order to maintain the operational effectiveness of the NZDF. To achieve this the NZDF medical officer is expected to provide high quality care to defence personnel at home and on operations.
The Defence Medical Officer is a generalist with a diverse role that includes aspects of primary care, occupational medicine, sports/musculoskeletal medicine, expeditionary medicine, prehospital medicine and acute care. The NZDF medical officer will be expected to provide this care to NZDF personnel, as required on land, at sea or in the air. NZDF health is committed to providing opportunities to develop and maintain the skills and experience required to deliver this care. Individual services may provide opportunities to acquire specific occupational knowledge or skills including Dive Medicine, Aviation Medicine etc however these are not exclusive to any particular service.
If you have referred to the minimum entry requirements below, but would like more information on this role please email specialists@defencecareers.mil.nz
Career progression and training
Basic Training
Job Training
Ongoing Training
Career Progression
RNZAF Officer Commissioning Course (ROC)
(26 weeks) Location: RNZAF Base Woodbourne
All individuals selected to become Commissioned Officers in the Royal New Zealand Air Force (RNZAF) are required to complete this course. It is designed to prepare students with the knowledge and experience necessary for commissioned service and the beginning of a career in leadership. This course will cover various subjects including:
- RNZAF Customs and Protocol
- Drill and Parades
- Military Law
- Military Field Skills and Weapons Training
- Defence and Strategic Studies
- Personnel Administration
- Communication Skills
- Command, Leadership and Management
- First Aid
Training as a medical professional is developed case by case in consultation with the Director of Medicine for the Defence Force.
After initial employment and training the Defence Force may provide funding and study leave for Medical Officers to complete further professional study. Options may include, but are not limited to:
- Early Management of Severe Trauma Course
- Sports Medicine Course/Diplomas
- Musculo-Skeletal Medicine Course
- Dive Medicine Course
- GPVTP Registrar (RNZCGP Supervised)
- RNZCGP Supervision and oversight post GPVTP part 1
- Tertiary study
As a Medical Officer in the Royal New Zealand Air Force, you will be able to take your existing skills to the next level. The comprehensive training you will receive as an Officer will allow you to lead teams of people, in all kinds of situations.
You should be committed to providing high quality care to NZDF personnel at home and overseas, on exercises and on operations. You will sometimes be expected to work in diverse and challenging environments often in small multidisciplinary teams. Solid interpersonal skills and the ability to build and maintain strong teams will be a key attribute.
You should be adaptable enough in your clinical practise to work with confidence, often in austere environments on land, at sea or in the air. Health provision to defence is complex involving aspects of primary care, occupational medicine and emergency medicine. You should be willing to acquire and continually develop skills across this broad spectrum of experience.

Salary and benefits
Remuneration for Medical Officers is benchmarked against the DHB, with military factor and superannuation contribution (if joining a scheme) in addition. Candidates will be assessed individually for their starting remuneration step based on post graduate qualifications and experience. The figures below are only an indication of salary.
$120,104
Graduate Registered
$195,770
Vocational Registration
$254,289
Higher Rank
Military Factor
All full time members of the NZ Defence Force receive an added portion to their salary known as Military Factor. This additional compensation recognises the unique nature of military service and the commitment you make to serve your country. This can include short notice postings around the country and overseas. You will be directed at times to be continuously alert, undertake arduous and hazardous duties, and be exposed to adverse working environments exclusive to military life. This also includes the exercise of military skills not recognised by market comparisons. The part you play in our Defence Force and your commitment to our country will be financially rewarded.
Free medical and dental
5 weeks annual leave
Access to additional compensation and housing allowances
Sponsored tertiary study programmes at all levels
Defence discounts at selected stores and services
Entry requirements
Basics
Education
Fitness & Medical
Citizenship
Period of Service
- You must be at least 17 years of age.
- Meet the citizenship & security requirements to gain SV security clearance for this trade
Registration with the NZ Medical Council in the general scope of practice for a minimum of 12 months.
Desirable experiences we would like interested applicants to hold a solid grounding in the delivery of primary care, experience in small multidisciplinary teams; and experience in austere or expeditionary medicine. Medical officers should have a solid grounding in the delivery of primary care, experience in aspects of acute care including ICU, ED, prehospital medicine, retrieval medicine or anaesthetics, with previous military experience preferred.
- You must be medically fit for service.
- Colour perception restrictions may apply.
There are strict citizenship and security requirements to gain the required SV 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.

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