Registered Nurse YDU at NZ Defence Force, Canterbury

Mō tēnei tūranga mahi | About this role

Mō te tūnga | About the role

The Youth Development Unit (YDU) provides young people (13 – 25 years) with a range of comprehensive programmes designed to enable course participants to progress into job placement, trade training, further education and re-engagement in local communities.

Working as part of a multi-disciplinary team to provide acute physical and mental health assessments, including the management or referral of all YDU trainees suffering from sickness or injury, through to continued nursing support and the triage of all young people attending courses at YDU.  In this role you will also have the opportunity to advise on health policy for YDU and undertake other health-related requirements as needed, such as risk assessments.

This is a fixed term position through to July 2027.

Ngā pūkenga me ngā wheako | Skills and Experience

Join a dynamic and rewarding environment where you'll provide clinical care and support to trainees in both healthcare and outdoor training settings. This diverse role offers the opportunity to make a real impact on the health and wellbeing of young people.

About You

• Registered Nurse with a current NZ practising certificate
• Experience across Primary Care, Mental Health and/or Emergency healthcare settings is welcomed.
• Ability to work effectively with youth and young adults from diverse cultural backgrounds.
• Strong clinical judgement, critical thinking, and patient-centred approach.
• Excellent communication skills with the ability to build trusted relationships.
• Committed to maintaining confidentiality and integrity.

Are you able to do the following?

Be ‘on-call' within one hour of the primary workplace and available for overnight sleepover duties at times, during courses. Compensation is provided for these duties.

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 Wednesday 14 October 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.
• 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:

Low 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 five (5) years.
• You must have a five (5) 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.