Mo te tunga | About the role
You will be providing expert training, certification and guidance regarding hazardous substances to New Zealand Defence Force (NZDF) personnel. This is an important role to ensure that hazardous substances safety and compliance processes are maintained, current and adhered with, to protect our people, infrastructure and equipment.
A typical day could may include:
- Undertaking inspections, assessment, certifications, enforcement, mediation and training functions that ensure the NZDF remains safe and compliant with its duties and legislative obligations.
- Delivering hazardous substances training and monitoring of assessment programmes.
- Providing policy and regulatory advice.
- Facilitating and engaging support from external subject matter experts, as well as leading and advising internal stakeholders.
- Contributing to the annual hazardous substances reporting process, monthly reporting and other management reports as required.
Nga pukenga me nga wheako | Skills and Experience
You require an in-depth knowledge of hazardous substances, and are able to translate technical knowledge into accessible information to ensure understanding at all levels of the NZDF. This will be achieved through your well-developed interpersonal skills, proven effective research competency, and written and audio-visual presentation skills.
Ideally, you will also have:
- Extensive experience in the use, control and regulation of Class 2 - 9 hazardous substances.
- Ability to interpret and apply appropriate legislation, policy and codes of practices.
- Experience in providing robust hazardous substances training, and ideally in Certification and assessments.
- Proven experience operating within a large multi-faceted or complex business environment with multiple stakeholder expectations.
- Able to work effectively on your own, as well as part of a group.
Please note: You must be able to travel regularly to NZDF camps and bases, so a Class 1 drivers' licence is required.
Nou te rourou | What's in it for you
Your skills and dedication deserve recognition, and NZDF delivers with competitive pay matched to your experience. But that's just the beginning - safeguard your loved ones with a fully funded life cover of up to $300,000 and critical illness protection. Other benefits include discounted additional insurances, free will services and savings schemes for the Defence community. Get expert financial guidance and mortgage broker services. Find all our benefits and more on the Force 4 Families website.
NZDF champions diversity and inclusivity, valuing every member and fuelling their success. We embrace uniqueness, understanding that diverse teams drive creativity, innovation, and excellence. With an open door to all - irrespective of gender, ethnicity, ability, age, or family dynamics - NZDF offers a flexible, empowering work environment. Join us in shaping a brighter future, where everyone thrives.
Me pehea te tuku tono | How to Apply
Applications close on Monday 1 September 2025.
Use the links on this page where you'll be directed to the Defence Careers website.
Please Note:
- All applications must be made online, via the Defence Careers website. Each listing contains the Position Description and a Contact Us option for any queries or technical issues.
- Your cover letter will be a key part of our selection process, so please highlight how your experience relates to the key activities outlined in the Advert and Position Description.
- Applicants will be required to undergo a pre-employment drug-screening test prior to any offer of employment being made.
NZDF Employees/Members - please apply internally via the HR Toolkit; this will ensure that you are visible as an internal candidate.
NZDF Contractors - please apply via the Defence Careers website.
NZDF Reserves - please apply via the Defence Careers website if you cannot access the HR Toolkit.
NZDF is currently undertaking a Workforce Savings Programme (WSP) to realise efficiencies and required enduring savings, in which NZDF has proposed some changes to the organisational structure of its civilian workforce. At this point in time this position is not proposed to be affected. We welcome your application for this important role and want to let you know that if the WSP is likely to impact on the role you are applying for, we will let you know at the earliest opportunity.
Please Note:
To be eligible for the required level of government security clearance with the NZ Defence Force, you need to meet certain citizenship and residency criteria. Here's what you need to know:
Higher Level Security Clearance
- You must be a New Zealand citizen or you must hold New Zealand Permanent Residence or have a current New Zealand Residency Class Visa.
- At minimum, you must hold New Zealand Permanent Residence or have a current New Zealand Residency Class Visa, and you must be a citizen of and have lived in Australia, Canada, United Kingdom, United States of America or New Zealand continuously for the last ten (10) years.
- You must have a ten (10) year background history that can be verified and assessed appropriately by the NZ Security Intelligence Service (NZSIS) to determine if you are suitable for a security clearance at this level.
If you do not meet the minimum criteria, unfortunately, your application will not be accepted. We do welcome your application at a time when you will meet the requirements.
