Pre-joining Requirements
- Be a minimum of 17 years of age
- Have completed at least three years of secondary education
- Be a NZ citizen or have permanent residency and have lived in NZ for five years
- Be medically fit for service
- Be of good character – assessed by study of testimonials and a police record check
- Be free of any criminal convictions for the previous two years
- No decreased colour perception
Download the 
Entry Requirements Guide to see what school subjects and credits are required.
Training
Like all recruits, Electronic Warfare Specialists begin their naval careers completing Basic Common Training at Devonport Naval Base in Auckland. Following this, they will complete a two-phase course of specialised training at the Electronic Warfare School. The first 10-week phase teaches Morse code and touch typing skills, and the basics of Radio and Radar theory. Once personnel have gained the TOP SECRET security clearance, they will commence 10 weeks of phase two training, where they learn tactical Electronic Warfare.
Further courses, promotions and training opportunities are available throughout your career as are opportunities to deploy on Peacekeeping missions and overseas deployments.
Your Future
All Electronic Warfare Specialists complete demanding training in technical analysis and equipment usage. They are skilled professionals and must be highly motivated to perform competently on up to date technological systems. Their day-to-day tasks are real challenges that offer great opportunities for high achievers. Electronic Warfare Specialists are able to understand and meet the strict security constraints that surround this type of work, and are also able to present information clearly and concisely to those in command, giving them an overall picture of what is happening from the information collected and analysed.
Career Progression
As soon as basic and specialist training is complete, Electronic Warfare Specialists usually post to a ship to consolidate the skills learnt and work towards their first promotion to become an Able Electronic Warfare Specialist. After achieving this rank, they will complete advanced training in specialised analyst operations.
Electronic Warfare Specialists at sea work in the Operations Room and should expect to work in their primary role for at least 2 x 4 hour shifts in most 24-hour periods when the ship is at sea, as well as complete additional work and duties as required. In addition to the primary duties of an Electronic Warfare Specialist, sailors onboard HMNZ Ships are required to perform general tasks, anytime and anywhere to assist with the functioning of the ship. These tasks include activities such as embarking stores, ammunition and food. Each sailor is also responsible for the cleanliness of their work and living spaces. Electronic Warfare Specialists also have an important role to play in the ship’s operational organisation. During times such as “action stations” Electronic Warfare Specialists are often a member of a small boats crew, refuelling at sea crew, or the 50 calibre machine gun crew. The completion of overnight duties in port is a role performed by all sailors, including Electronic Warfare Specialists, on a rotational basis.
Electronic Warfare Specialists are employed on all Royal New Zealand Navy Ships and at various locations ashore. These include Devonport Naval Base in Auckland, Defence Headquarters or Joint Forces Headquarters, both in the Wellington region, or the Joint Electronic Warfare Support Facility at RNZAF Base OHAKEA, near Palmerston North. Opportunities to deploy on one of the NZDF missions overseas also exist for Electronic Warfare Specialists and for Senior Electronic Warfare Specialists, opportunities exist for postings to Australia.
Career Progression Chart
Crew
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Apply Now
To apply for this job contact us on 0800 NZ NAVY, contact a recruitment consultant in your area or download the Application Form now.
More information about the joining process can be found in our How to Join section.