Photographer

Taking photos out of the back of a C130 Hercules while in flight.
Being an Air Force Photographer is an exciting and challenging role. You’ll be responsible for providing imagery services across the entire New Zealand Defence Force, working with many different media to plan and accomplish important jobs in New Zealand and overseas.

Category: Operations Support Trades
Salary after one year: Remuneration on enlistment $33,240. This is the minimum remuneration you will be paid from day one. Your remuneration will increase upon graduation of recruit course to $40,713 and will increase on promotion and seniority.

Joining age: You must be 17 years or older


Qualifications: A minimum of 12 NCEA Level 1 credits in English and maths


Nationality: Applicants must be a NZ citizen (some exceptions apply).

// FULL JOB DESCRIPTION

As an Air Force Photographer you’ll use your skills to provide technical, operational and administration imagery.  It’s a wide-ranging and varied role. You’ll be involved in in-flight photography as well as taking group and ceremonial shots, and producing imagery for the media as well as technical imagery. You will also be required to fly in a variety of aircraft and handle different types of photographic equipment to produce digital and video imagery.  Being a tri-service role, these duties may be performed on or away from Air Force bases, and may include being posted to a Navy ship or Army unit. One thing is for sure  wherever you find yourself as an Air Force Photographer you will get to cover the entire range of photographic skills and use your initiative to perform tasks with limited supervision.

// JOB BENEFITS

You’ll have the opportunity to work with the other services of the New Zealand Defence Force – in New Zealand and while deployed overseas. Once you’ve completed your training you can gain promotion progressively to the rank of Warrant Officer and, if we think you have what it takes, you may even be selected for officer training.

// TRAINING

After 12 weeks’ basic military training at RNZAF Base Woodbourne, you’ll undergo a 16-week full-time residential course at RNZAF Base Ohakea. This course sets you up with the skills and knowledge you need to be an Air Force Photographer. You’ll then be posted to a Photographic Section to begin your career proper. You’ll complete on-the-job training and produce a portfolio of images that will demonstrate you have consolidated your knowledge, skills and attitudes.

After two years, you’ll begin your advanced trade training towards becoming a senior photographer. In addition to your trade training you may be required to complete a four-wheel-drive off-road driving course and attain a Defence Driving Permit. You may also attend specialist photography, digital imagery and computer application courses, and must qualify in promotion, safety, leadership and military skills training as you progress in the Air Force.

// JOB REQUIREMENTS

You must be 17 years or older and have a minimum of 12 NCEA Level 1 credits in English and maths. Credits in digital media or photography at NCEA Level 2 are an advantage, as are computer skills and an active interest in imagery. A portfolio of original work is an advantage.

APPLY FOR THIS JOB

Call: Your local recruitment officer on 0800 247 367

// APPLY ONLINE

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// UNI SCHOLARSHIPS

University Officer Scholarship (UOS) scheme available for selected Officer Candidates. Graduate from Initial Officers Training Course as a commissioned Officer and then complete your degree and gain work experience during University holidays. See the UOS for more details.