Logistics Specialist

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

Logistics Specialists ensure our soldiers have enough equipment and supplies to successfully complete any task in both peacetime and on operations. From ammunition and fuel, to spare parts and clothing, it will be your task to ensure the Army has everything it needs to get the job done.

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

About the role

If you’re good at thinking ahead and project planning, then you could be well-suited to a career as a Logistics Specialist. Your main responsibility will be to ensure our troops have enough equipment and supplies to complete any task – no matter where in the world you are, and what in the world your mission. You become a trained inventory and warehouse operator, utilising a variety of skills and services to ensure the Army has everything it needs and is prepared to get the job done.

You'll learn how to move all of the New Zealand Army’s equipment around. That means you will gain driving licences in various classes including forklift and heavy truck. You may learn how to operate our field petrol tankers.

You will also receive training in SAP, the Army’s logistic IT system; an internationally used software package used by many of the world's largest and most successful companies. You will learn and become experienced in logistic supply chains and the distribution of goods throughout New Zealand and our regional dependencies.

Job on base

While on camp, you will be in charge of the safe storage and distribution of the equipment used by the Army. This will involve the ordering and sourcing of different equipment ranging from ammunition to clothing to the stationery needs for troops and providing essential support services.

As well as your day to day responsibilities as a Logistics Specialist, you will also continue your soldier training including weapons, patrolling, navigation, medical and radio/communications training.

Job on deployment

Logistics Specialists deploy on a variety of overseas missions and postings in support of other units and contingents. The role of a Logistics Specialist overseas will be largely the same as while on camp, sourcing equipment and supplies as required to ensure the Army has what it needs to get the job done. Past deployments have included Afghanistan, Iraq, Timor-Leste, Solomon Islands, and Sinai.

When I first came off basic training, I was straight into the field. We were doing shower tasks, fresh water and rations... It's not just warehousing, there's so much more.

Lauren, Logistics Specialist

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Career progression and training

Career Progression

Basic Training

Job Training

Ongoing Training

Specialist Training

After your initial Logistics Course you will have the opportunity to complete a number of specialist courses to broaden your knowledge and skills. This could be from gaining new licenses, to learning how to handle and store ammunition or bulk fuel. You'll have the opportunity to work in a variety of different fields and gain NZQA accredited qualifications while doing so.

As a Logistics Specialist, you could be posted to one of the main Combat Service Support Battalions, or posted to a unit within NZ to provide direct 1st line support to the Combat and Combat Support troops within the NZ Army. Logistics Specialists may be required to work individually within small teams or as part of a large Company sized group. As a Logistics Specialist there are a number of paths your career can move toward and you will gain a variety of highly transferable skills to the civilian world.

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 AdministrationArmy Customs and ProtocolDrill and ParadesMilitary Field Skills and Weapon TrainingFirst AidPhysical Fitness

ROYAL NZ ARMY LOGISTIC REGIMENT BASIC COURSE

This six-week course at Trentham Camp, Upper Hutt, involves:

Learning the intricacies of Combat Services SupportLearning to operate in a camp environmentLearning to operate in a field environmentLearning advanced radio communication skillsLearning the intricacies of force protectionCorps history

Following the basic course, you will spend a further three weeks at Trentham camp learning about the NZ Army supply chain operations, receiving training in basic warehouse operations, health and safety, hazardous substances and will gain a forklift truck licence.

Throughout your career, you will gain recognised qualifications in business, warehousing and inventory management, as well as occupational health and safety licences.

As you gain experience, you will also have the opportunity to specialise in areas such as:

Medical equipmentRepair parts/equipmentRationingPetroleum operationTyre repairField services, include shower/laundryContract managementComputer/information systemsProcurement (purchasing and acquisition)Ammunition handlingMortuary affairs operationSpecial Operations Support Enabler

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

Benefits and 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

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: A Class 1 restricted driver's licence is desirable.Typing and computer skills are preferred.

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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