Staff Officer, Maintenance Systems at NZ Defence Force, Wellington - Wairarapa

Mō tēnei tūranga mahi | About this role

Mō te tūnga | About the role

This role serves as the Defence Logistics Command (Land) SME for all Maintenance, Repair, Overhaul and Recovery (MROR) support matters within the Army and Land environment.

This pivotal role provides strategic leadership and specialist advice to ensure the effective delivery of maintenance support, sustainment, compliance, and operational readiness across Army capabilities.

The position is responsible for developing and maintaining MROR doctrine, policy, systems, and procedures, ensuring Army meets its legislative, governance, and compliance obligations in both operational and training environments. The role provides expert guidance across the capability lifecycle, including equipment acquisition, concept development, training, sustainment, and through-life management.

The role also drives continuous improvement initiatives, optimising MROR systems, processes, and procedures to enhance efficiency, effectiveness, and operational support capability.

This is an excellent opportunity for an experienced logistics, engineering, or maintenance support professional with strong leadership, stakeholder engagement, and strategic planning skills to contribute to the operational success and sustainment of New Zealand Army capabilities.

The salary for this role will be approximately $116,000 inclusive of a 4% superannuation contribution. Appointments within this range are based on skills and experience.

Ngā pūkenga me ngā wheako | Skills and Experience

We are looking for an experienced logistics and engineering professional with significant MROR expertise, strong leadership capability, and an understanding of NZDF operations, logistics, financial management, and stakeholder engagement.

The ideal candidate combines technical and operational knowledge with proven people leadership experience, highly developed communication skills, and project delivery skills.

Other attributes needed include:

• Excellent written and oral communication skills with the ability to produce reports/directives.
• Strong organisational skills with the ability to work under pressure, manage competing priorities, and meet deadlines within resource constraints.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office applications - SAP experience desirable.
• Sound contract and financial management expertise.
• Project management knowledge/experience is desirable.

Experience and Qualifications

• Minimum of 5 years' experience within an MROR environment.
• Demonstrated experience in contract management and financial management.
• Strong knowledge and understanding of the New Zealand Defence Force and its operational environment.
• Operational logistics experience is desirable.
• An Engineering qualification is desirable.
• Membership of a recognised professional engineering institution is desirable.

Nōu te rourou | What's in it for you

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 Monday 21 September 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.