
Learning Development Officer
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About the role Career progression and training Salary and benefits Entry requirementsTake your education skills to new places, both inside and outside of the classroom.
- ServiceArmy
- SpecialisationSpecialist
- LocationVaried
- Starting Salary$71,837


About the role
As a Learning Development Officer (LDO) in the NZ Army you will lead learning for the organisation and help manage training risk for CDF and the single-Services Chiefs. As joint enablers in the achievement of NZDF outputs, LDO roles can be categorised into three broad functions.
- Leadership and management of the NZDF learning/training system.
- Learning analysis and training design support to capability acquisition and through life.
- English language and training systems support to Civil-Military (CIMIC) and partner building activities (operational and non-operational)
Job on base
As LDO you will provide specialist training and guidance on learning to NZDF commanders and units throughout the country. You will soon become a specialist in military training, education and professional development by providing support to the wider NZDF.
Responsibilities include:
- Selection, testing and development of translators and interpreters on operations.
- Providing literacy and numeracy support to personnel.
- Preparing overseas military personnel for NZDF courses.
- Conducting occupational and training needs analysis.
- Design and development of training courses.
- Management and evaluation of training.
- The provision of guidance to NZDF project teams.
- Maintain custody of NZDF instructional standards
- Provide personal development advice regarding learning and training opportunities.
- Presenting lessons.
With the NZDF increasing the complexity of the technology it uses in support of learning and training you will have the opportunity to work with specialist personnel in the evaluation, design and implementation of training technology solutions.
You will be provided with leadership responsibilities and along with your core tasks, undertake a range of military activities; from weapon handling, to adventure training and the potential for operational deployments.
You will be provided with leadership responsibilities and along with your core tasks, undertake a range of military activities; from weapon handling, to adventure training and the potential for operational deployments
Career progression and training
Basic Training
Job Training
Ongoing Training
Specialist Training
Officer Cadet School (OCS)
(12 weeks) Location: Waiouru Military Camp
Initial training begins in early January. Attendees at this training will be a mixture of Regular Force General List Officer Cadets, Regular Force Special List Officer Cadets, and Reserve Force Special List Officer Cadets.
The training will be split into three modules and attendance at Modules One, Two and Three is required for all Regular Force Officer Cadets. Reserve Force Special List Officer Cadets must attend Modules One and Three; this can be in the same year or in consecutive years.
2022 dates
Module One: 9 January - 4 February
Module Two: 4 February - 4 March
Module Three: 13 March - 9 April
Training covers:
- NZ Army Ethos and Values
- Self-leadership
- Physical Training
- Basic field-craft
- Military Unarmed Combat
- Weapon handling
- Navigation
- Battle-craft
- Radio telephone procedure
- Weapon handling
- Drill
- NZ Army tactics
- Leadership
After successful completion of your Specialist Officer Induction Training course, you will be posted to one of the Junior LDO positions within the NZ Defence College. These positions will normally be based in Wellington for the initial two years of your career.
Although the primary focus of the role is Learning Analysis and Development, Training Evaluation, English Language as a second language, and Literacy and Numeracy support, there will be opportunities to undertake a range of other tasks. These will be designed to provide exposure to some of the other areas within the NZ Defence College and will also help with your integration into the camp or base to which you are posted.
You will attend a range of courses that will introduce you to the NZDF Systems Approach to Learning and the NZDF way of conducting business. In addition you will progress towards external qualifications in Adult Education, Adult Literacy and Numeracy, and English Second Language teaching.
As an Army Officer you will also complete a number of core military training courses as part of your primary training.
Advanced Learning and Development Officer Training
After attaining experience on the job and when you have consolidated your primary training you will be nominated to attend some more advanced courses to gain higher level skills and knowledge in Learning Development, Instructional Theory and Training Management. These courses will ensure that you have the in-depth professional knowledge needed for more senior appointments.
Command and Staff Courses
As you progress through your career you will attend two courses at the New Zealand Defence Force Command and Staff College at Trentham Military Camp (Wellington): a residential four week Joint Junior Staff Course with an online pre joining package and an eight month Joint Command and Staff Course.
Both courses comprise a mixture of visiting lecturers, tutored discussion groups, visits and individual study to give you the skills you need for high-ranking appointments. If you’re a successful graduate of the Senior Staff Course, will have gained a Masters degree in International Security.

Salary and 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.
$71,837
Graduate Salary
$141,378
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 and subsidised medical and dental care
Access to subsidised equipment on base
Subsidised food on base
Competitive superannuation, up to 4% with KiwiSaver
Sponsored tertiary study programmes at all levels
Entry requirements
Basics
Education
Fitness and Medical
Citizenship
Period of Service
- You must be at least 17 years of age.
- Meet the citizenship and security requirements to gain SV security clearance for this trade.
- You must be free of any criminal convictions.
- You must be a trained teacher or;
- Hold a degree (preferably in Adult Education or a related field such as Human Resource Development, Training and Development, Vocational Training, Organisational Psychology or Education) or;
- Hold the equivalent of a level 5 Diploma in Adult Education and Training
- You must have had proven practical experience.
- 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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