Back
20220526 NZDF R1054358 009 full width

Army

IT Specialist

Understand and control the Army’s deployable computer and radio networks that keep our forces in-the-know across the battlespace. IT Specialists are responsible for modern technologies and equipment that enable voice and data communications, as well as providing technical support across the Army.

Mō te tūranga

About the role

  • Specialisations

    Intelligence, IT & Communications

  • Entry type

    General entry

  • Under training

    $68,103

  • Location

    Palmerston North | Christchurch

When the Army deploys, it needs to communicate. As an IT Specialist, your role is to ensure that the right information is passed to the right unit at the right time. To achieve this, you will find yourself establishing voice or data radio networks, engineering satellite terminals,  or maintaining secure computer networks with a range of services and applications.

Unlike a civilian IT role, you will not be restricted to working in an office. You may find yourself providing IT support to our soldiers based out of a vehicle, an Army tent, or acquisitioned building on exercise.

In addition to enhancing your technical skills, your day-to-day training will be varied. It will provide opportunities to enhance your weapon skills, gain experience and qualifications for driving military vehicles, first aid, physical fitness and more. As you progress in your career, you may find yourself stepping into leadership roles by commanding others, or providing instruction and training to soldiers.  

You will join the Army and complete your first year of training as an IT Specialist. After this, you will continue your training to specialise in one of five specific roles;

  • Radio Frequency Technician
  • Information Management Specialist
  • Information Systems Operator
  • Systems Engineer
  • Electronic Warfare Operator

Your training will include a mixture of Defence and Civilian qualifications and courses, with some roles offering funded tertiary study whilst on a salary.

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.

Citizenship

There are strict citizenship and security requirements to gain the required TSV security clearance for this trade.
Find out if you’re eligible here.

Period of Service

On completion of your training, there may be a return of service period for this trade.

Please contact our 0800 number or talk to your Candidate Engagement 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.

“To be an effective Electric Warfare Operator you need to like the outdoors, be an effective problem solver and be able to think fast on your feet in short windows of time.”

  • Job on base

    You will be a member of a Communications Access Node (CAN), responsible for providing deployable IT services to the Army. Your day-to-day role will be varied, with each day bringing new challenges and opportunities. You and your team will ensure that your IT equipment is maintained and functional, ready to be deployed for training or operational use. Informal and formal training will occur to keep your technical skills fresh, as well as give you the opportunity for further learning. You will also conduct regular training to maintain your physical fitness, weapon handling, first aid and vehicle-based skillsets. 

  • Job on deployment

    The NZ Army deploys on operations within NZ and overseas with its own encrypted communication networks. IT Specialists will be deployed with their own scalable IT solutions, tailored to the size and specific requirements of the force they are supporting. From responding to a natural disaster, training foreign militaries, or conducting security and stability operations, there are a number of missions the NZ Army will conduct.

    You will find yourself establishing and maintaining computer and radio networks, ensuring our forces can exchange information with each other in the same country, as well as maintaining strategic communications links back to New Zealand. You will provide user support to our staff, ensuring they have the tools to effectively plan and conduct their tasks in support of the mission. This role may see you operating independently, or as a part of a small team of IT Specialists supporting the mission.

Career progression and training

01Overview

02Basic Training

03Job training

04Ongoing training

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

20220909 NZDF R1055140 008 v2

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
NZA soldiers 20230512 012 v2

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
army generic base for roles

Ready to start your Army career?

APPLY NOW

Tūranga whaipānga

Related Roles

NZARMY SIGNALS EW OP 1

Army

General entry

As an Electronic Warfare Operator (EWOP), you will find yourself working with an extensive range of communications technologies and analytical tools, working to protect our forces and gather information for input into the intelligence cycle.

se thumb

Army

General entry

Become part of a committed team that engineers and manages Radio Frequency networks for the NZ Army. The skills you gain in this trade will help to develop you for future roles within the IT industry.

  • Location

    Palmerston North | Christchurch

Systems Engineer square 20220525

Army

General entry

As a Systems Engineer your role is to provide network engineering support to the NZ Army’s Communication Information Systems fleet. You will initially receive a Diploma in Information and Communication Technology and later work towards a Bachelors with a double major in Networking and Security. This study is full time and funded by the Army, so you will still earn while you learn.

  • Location

    Palmerston North | Christchurch