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Navy

Cryptologic Technician

As a Cryptologic Technician (CT), formerly Communications Technician, you will provide communications support in a war fighting capacity. Being a CT means you’re vital to the ship's intelligence gathering operation.

Mō te tūranga

About the role

  • Specialisations

    Intelligence, IT & Communications

  • Entry type

    General entry

  • Under training

    $68,103

  • Location

    Devonport

As a Cryptologic Technician (CT), you will provide communications support in a war fighting capacity. Being a CT means you’re vital to the ships intelligence gathering operation. This role was previously named Communications Technician.

You will be trained to operate highly sensitive and cutting-edge communications equipment to detect, intercept, collect, identify, analyse and exploit electronic emissions in defence of the ship and to gather information to support the mission of the fleet. Additionally, CTs present this information to the ship’s officers to support decision making in threat environments.

As a Cryptologic Technician, you will complete demanding training in technical analysis and equipment usage. Your day-to-day tasks will be real challenges that offer great opportunities for high achievers.

You will need to understand and adhere to strict security requirements that surround this type of work and be able to present information clearly and concisely to command and provide an overall picture of what is happening from the information collected and analysed. Cryptologic Technicians must be able to gain and maintain a Top Secret Vetting security clearance as your day-to-day work is highly sensitive.

Applications

This role may not be recruited for 6-12 months but we'd encourage you to apply early. You can check in-demand trades for our next intakes

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.

Fitness & Medical

Citizenship

There are strict citizenship and security requirements to gain the required TSS 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.

  • Job on base

    When Cryptologic Technicians are not deployed they will likely be based in the Wellington area at the Defence Headquarters or Joint Forces Headquarters. Positions in Auckland will be at the Naval Operations Support Unit which is located in Devonport Naval Base. Positions also exist for two year exchanges based in Canberra, Australia.

  • Job on deployment

    Cryptologic Technicians at sea primarily work in Defence Watches which consist of a 7 x 5 routine (i.e. 7 hours on, 7 hours off, 5 hours on, 5 hours off). In addition to the primary duties of a Cryptologic Technician, sailors on board HMNZ Ships are required to perform general tasks, anytime and anywhere to assist with the functioning of the ship. The completion of overnight duties in port is a role performed by all sailors, including Cryptologic Technician, on a rotational basis.

    Cryptologic Technicians are primarily employed on the ANZAC Class ships. However with the introduction of the Project Protector Fleet (i.e. Multi Role Vessel and Off Shore Patrol Vessels) Cryptologic Technicians are required to augment these ships in order to enhance the ships Indications and Warnings and Force Protection. There are also opportunities to deploy on one of the other NZDF operational missions overseas or undertake a posting overseas that will allow you to enhance your tradecraft.

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 Navy are well-rewarded, as well as being diverse and exciting. As you become more experienced and move up through the ranks, gaining additional skills and qualifications, you will see your salary 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 Navy career?

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Tūranga whaipānga

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