Mō te tūranga
About the role
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Specialisations
Healthcare | Officers & Management
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Entry type
Officer entry
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Under training
$68,103
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Location
Various
As a Pharmacist in the New Zealand Army, 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 will be taught how to handle weapons, and receive adventure and outdoor training.
If you have referred to the minimum entry requirements below, but would like more information on this role please email specialists@defencecareers.mil.nz
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 an Officer Selection Board.
Education
- You are required to be a registered pharmacist with a current Annual Practising Certificate issued by the Pharmacy Council of New Zealand.
- Ideally have two years post graduate experience.
Fitness & Medical
Citizenship
There are strict citizenship and security requirements to gain the required SV 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.
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Job on base
You will form an integral part of the health team in providing pharmaceutical advice on scales of deployment, appropriateness of selected treatments, medicines information and ensuring legal compliance.
You will have a number of responsibilities including:
- Monitoring the control of all medicines & medical consumables (Class Eight Stores)
- Ensuring accurate, safe and effective dispensing of medicines with the NZ Army
- Review operational scales of deployment
- Guiding health personnel in the selection, dose and treatment duration of medicines supplied
- Providing on the job and formal training for medical and logistical personnel
- Improving patient compliance and therapeutic outcomes of medicines treatment
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Job on deployment
Pharmacists have the opportunity to deploy overseas and in the past have done so in order to undertake pharmaceutical audits and ensure legal compliance.
Career progression and training
01Basic Training
Basic 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.
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
02Job Training
Job Training
There are opportunities to further your professional development and tertiary study.
After initial employment and training the NZ Army will provide funding and study leave for Pharmacists to complete further professional study for a number of different courses including post graduate clinical doctorates and diplomas.
03Ongoing Training
Ongoing Training
Further training and education is provided throughout your career to complete further professional studies. There are various opportunities including:
- PG Diploma / Masters in Clinical Pharmacy
- PG Diploma in Travel Medicine
- Support may be given for any PG study if it is relevant to your job.
- Attendance at pharmacy conferences is encouraged
04Career Progression
Career Progression
As a Pharmacist in the NZ Army, you will receive comprehensive training to allow you to effectively lead teams, in all kinds of situations. You will be taught how to handle weapons, and receive adventure and outdoor training. There are also opportunities to further your professional development and the possibility of further tertiary study.
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.
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Under training
$68,103
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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.
Ready to start your Army career?
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