Movement Operator

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About the role Career progression and training Salary and benefits Entry requirements

You make the Army an effective force by getting them from A to B efficiently. Organise the transport of troops, equipment and vital supplies to places worldwide, including Antarctica, South-East Asia, the Pacific Islands and the USA.

Service Army Specialisation Logistics and Administration Location Auckland, Linton, Burnham Starting Trade Training $64,177

About the role

As a Movement Operator you will work with all three services to enable the movement and support of our forces. The Movement Operator trade includes three specialist areas which you will be cross trained in:

Movement controlis about planning and executing the international and domestic movement of personnel, vehicles and equipment by road, sea or air, by either military or civilian means.

Terminal Operationsinclude facilitating the loading, unloading and transit of forces by various means (road, sea and air). This includes stevedoring and port operations, being a member of the Amphibious Beach Team (ABT) and also being part of the Ships Amphibious Load Team (SALT) on board the Navy’s HMNZS Canterbury.

Aerial Deliveryinvolves working closely with the Air Force to ensure stores and equipment are prepared correctly to be delivered to ground forces. This can include rigging stores for parachute air drop from planes or external lift underneath helicopters.

Job on base

As a Movement Operator you perform a variety of roles whilst on base, including:

Planning and executing the movement of personnel and equipment, Liaising with units and outside agencies (customs, biosecurity etc) to enable movement plans, Preparing forces for movement, including doing freight and personnel checks, and Preparing equipment and supplies to be dropped by aircraft or lifted by helicopter.

Job on deployment

As you progress in your training, you will find yourself working throughout the world, however most visited locations include Antarctica, Australia and the Pacific Islands. Wherever the Army deploys to, Movement Operators help to get them there and back.

Career progression and training

Career Progression

Basic Training

Job Training

Ongoing Training

Throughout your career as a Movements Operator, you will gain the various licences required to drive vehicles such as forklifts, heavy trucks etc. You will learn about all the computer systems used to plan and implement the movement of troops and supplies, as well as the hardware – like parachutes, boats, cranes etc – required to ensure a safe delivery. You will also attend various management and leadership courses.

Upon successful enlistment into the Army you will be posted to Waiouru Army base. Here you will do 16 weeks of basic military training to find out if you have what it takes to be in the Army, and learn various subjects including:

Organisation and Administration Army Customs and Protocol Drill and Parades Military Field Skills and Weapon Training First Aid Physical Fitness

In the first 12 months of service, you will complete three courses:

A Basic Course familiarising you with the vehicles and equipment used by the New Zealand Army (you may also begin training to gain your heavy trade, forklift and other licences) Three Junior Movement courses teaching you about preparing people, vehicles and equipment for movement by road, air and sea. A stevedoring course teaching you how to work in a port environment.

After you have been in the New Zealand Army for approximately 2 years, you will then attend an Intermediate course, preparing you for leadership and supervisory positions within your trade

You will be eligible to attend Movements Section Commander coursing - offering further training in the movements field as well as additional management and leadership training - after completing approximately four years’ service.

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.

$50,597

Under Initial Training

$64,177

Starting Trade Training

$119,462

Future Potential Earnings

Figures updated on July 1st 2023

Military Factor

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

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 CV security clearance for this trade. Driver's Licence: You will need a Class 1 restricted driver's licence with no traffic convictions. Heavy trade practical or theory licences are preferable.

3 years secondary school.

Note, that qualifications may be used to assess trade suitability.

You must be medically fit for service. Colour perception restrictions may apply.

There are strict citizenship and security requirements to gain the required CV 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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