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Navy

Hydrographic Systems Operator

If you are fascinated by the sea and its geography, you will be fascinated by the opportunity to help create the sea and coastline charts to keep our ships at sea and clear of the rocks!

Mō te tūranga

About the role

  • Specialisations

    Combat & Special Operations | Intelligence, IT & Communications | Operational support

  • Entry type

    General entry

  • Under training

    $68,103

  • Location

    Devonport

Naval Hydrographic Surveyors not only assist in the creation of accurate seabed and coastline charts for navigational and military purposes, they help search for mines, underwater explosives, missing persons, sunken vessels, operate Autonomous Underwater Vehicles (AUV) and Remotely Piloted Aircraft Systems (RPAS).

As a Naval Hydrographic Surveyor you will need to be adaptable to change, be physically fit, work well under pressure, enjoy a challenge and become familiar with rapidly advancing computer technology. You will also work towards gaining internationally recognised qualifications in Hydrographic Surveying, and the operation of Autonomous Vehicles.

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.

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 SV security clearance required for this trade. You must be free of any criminal convictions.

Find out if you’re eligible here.

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.

  • Job on deployment

    The majority of your time is spent away either at sea or on location conducting small boat surveys. Tasks required within this specialised position include:

    • Monitoring of bridge survey computer equipment
    • Recording data observed by the charge surveyor
    • Recording tidal observations
    • Driving 4WD vehicles
    • Preparing survey equipment for deployment
    • Cleaning and maintenance of survey instruments
    • Assisting in the set up and operation of shore surveying stations
    • Maintaining survey records

    While at sea you will be required to work on the Bridge of the ship as Helmsman or Online System Operators and should expect to work in this capacity for at least 2 x 4 hour shifts in every 24-hour period, as well as completing hydrographic and other work duties as required.

    At sea you will have an important role to play in the ship’s operational organisation. During times, such as “action stations”, you may be a member of a small boats crew, refuelling at sea crew, and the man overboard recovery unit. Damage Control is an important aspect onboard all HMNZ Ships, and you will be required to participate in realistic fire and flood exercises. You could also be a member of a Beach Survey Team conducting beach surveys and reconnaissance in preparation for the landing of Defence Force personnel and stores, both in New Zealand and where required in the Pacific region.

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

Career progression and training

01Basic Training

02Ongoing Training

03Specialist Training

04Career Progression

Be Prepared

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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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