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Army

Ammunition Technician

As an Ammunition Technician, you are in charge of keeping the Defence Force armed. You will be responsible for the inspection, bulk storage, field storage, maintenance and disposal of all ammunition and explosives used by the Navy, Army and Air Force.

Mō te tūranga

About the role

  • Specialisations

    Logistics & Administration

  • Entry type

    General entry

  • Under training

    $68,103

  • Location

    Various

As an Ammunition Technician, you are the Army’s subject matter expert in all things relating to ammunition and explosives. Your core role will be keeping the Defence Force armed. You will be responsible for the inspection, bulk storage, field storage, safety assurance, maintenance and disposal of all ammunition and explosives used by the Navy, Army and Air Force. 

You will also conduct investigations into ammunition accidents, and dispose of unserviceable ammunition or ammunition which has become unserviceable. Ammunition Technicians are also responsible for keeping Defence Force training areas free from unexploded ordnance (UXO’s), by safely removing and disposing of malfunctioning ammunition.

Ammunition Technicians are also responsible for ensuring the NZDF is compliant with New Zealand and international regulations for the storage and transport of ammunition and explosives in accordance with New Zealand Transport Authority (NZTA), International Air Transport Association (IATA) and International Maritime Dangerous Goods (IMDG) regulations.

Accepting Applications

  • Recruit Regular Force 417, starts 07 Jul 2025 Apply by 24 Mar 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.
  • Pass a Selection Board. 

Education

  • 3 years secondary school.

Note, qualifications may be used to assess trade suitability.

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

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.

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.

Demolition Day in Waiouru

An ammunition technician’s role in our Army is primarily to keep ammo and explosives safe, but part of the job means that a few times a year they need to safely destroy it.

  • Job on base

    The core capability of an Ammunition Technician is to ensure ammunition arrives in the correct quantity, type, place and time. As you are dealing with explosives it is critical the ammunition is safe and reliable for our personnel to use.

    You will be trained in the safe and effective storage, inspection, maintenance and disposal of all the different explosive ordnance used by the Defence Force and other allied agencies and be able to conduct trials on ammunition. You will assist in the disposal of UXO’s and of unserviceable ammunition stocks, either by burning or detonation. You will learn to operate the different vehicles the NZDF utilise and be trained to operate within a Combat Services Support Team (CSST) in support of combat task groups.

    As you become more experienced, you will assist in training other Defence Force personnel in ammunition safe handling, movement and disposal. You will receive exposure to more advanced technical training across the Ammunition Technician spectrum such as breakdown of ammunition, explosive ordnance engineering principles, advanced disposal techniques and weapons technical intelligence.

  • Job on deployment

    Ammunition Technicians also deploy overseas in support of exercises and operations. Recent deployments include Iraq, Afghanistan and various NZDF exercises in New Zealand and the south pacific.

    As our Defence Force increases the amount and variety of training it conducts with other nations, there is an increasing demand for qualified Ammunition Technicians to provide technical advice across the entire explosive ordnance spectrum, and to ensure our ammunition and explosives remain in a safe and usable condition.

Career progression and training

01Basic Training

02Job Training

03Ongoing Training

04Career Progression

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 Army are well-rewarded, diverse and exciting. As you become more experienced and move up through the ranks, gaining additional skills and qualifications, your salary will rise accordingly.

  • Under training

    $68,103

  • Future potential earnings

    $98,000

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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
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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
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Ready to start your Army career?

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