Aviation Fuel Specialist at NZ Defence Force, Auckland

Mō tēnei tūranga mahi | About this role

Mō te tūnga | About the role

The Aviation Fuel Specialist plays a critical role in ensuring the safe, effective, and uninterrupted delivery of aviation fuel services in support of RNZAF operations at Base Auckland. This position contributes directly to operational readiness by maintaining high standards of fuel quality, safety, and compliance within a demanding aviation environment.

You will be responsible for the accurate receipt, handling, testing, and distribution of aviation fuel and for supporting daily airfield operations through refuelling and related technical tasks. Working as part of a professional and disciplined team, you will uphold NZDF values while ensuring that fuel operations meet all regulatory, safety, and operational requirements. This role is ideal for someone who excels in meeting operational demands, ensuring aircraft and mission support tasks are carried out safely and completed on time.

Key responsibilities include:

• Conducting safe and compliant refuelling, defuelling, and fuel handling tasks for NZDF and visiting aircraft.
• Performing routine and scheduled fuel quality assurance testing and equipment inspections.
• Maintaining refuelling vehicles, fuel storage facilities, and associated operational equipment.
• Accurately managing fuel inventory, documentation, and reporting requirements.
• Adhering to all NZDF, RNZAF, and Air BP standards, policies, and operational procedures.
• Supporting a positive, safe, and disciplined workplace culture aligned with NZDF values.

Ngā pūkenga me ngā wheako | Skills and Experience

To be successful in this role, you will bring technical competence, sound judgement, and a strong commitment to safety and operational discipline. You will be capable of working in a dynamic environment, managing physical demands, and contributing to a cohesive, high‑performing team.

You will ideally have:

• Proven knowledge and experience in aviation fuelling operations or equivalent industry practice.
• Strong understanding of hazardous substances regulations and aviation safety standards.
• Experience operating heavy vehicles or refuelling equipment in an operational setting.
• A Full Class 4 licence (Class 5 with endorsements preferred).
• The ability to work in outdoor conditions and manage the physical requirements of fuel handling.
• Effective communication skills and the ability to uphold Defence Force values and behaviours.

Nōu 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 pēhea te tuku tono | How to Apply

Applications close on Wednesday 6 May 2026.

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.

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.