The primary role of a Communications Operator is to provide reliable, efficient and secure communications for the Defence Force 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year in New Zealand and overseas.

Communications Operators control information by operating and managing a variety of specialised military networks including Satellite, LAN (Local Area Networks), Classified WAN (Wide Area Networks), Radio, and depending on the operational environment; even Morse code, Flashing Light and Flag Signalling.

Job on Base

If not at sea, Communications Operators are predominantly posted to the Naval Communication Station (NAVCOMMSTA) Auckland where you will undergo continuous training and specialist development. The NAVCOMMSTA is the establishment through which all military communication conducted. NAVCOMMSTA Auckland is always manned and as such you will be required to work a rotational shift.

Job on Deployment

Communications Operators at sea are required to work on the Bridge, the Signal Deck, the Communications Centre, or as part of a Boarding Party. Communications Operators complete shift work and those on board HMNZ Ships are required to perform general tasks, anytime and anywhere, to assist with the functioning of the ship.           

Whilst at sea you will be responsible for inter-ship and ship-to-shore communications. The responsibility of flags, lights and all outgoing communications of all varieties fall on the shoulders of the Communications Operators due to their specialist knowledge.

Career Progression

You will start your career with initial and professional training before gaining experience through practical, supervised on job training. Employment opportunities for Communications Operators exist on a rotational basis both ashore and at sea; whether you are carrying out long range Combat missions, conducting Support roles in the Pacific or patrolling New Zealand's territorial waters.  Further courses, promotions and career opportunities exist for Communications Operators throughout your career in the Navy.

Initially you will complete 13 weeks of Basic Common Training. On completion of this you will begin your Basic Branch Training (20 weeks) which comprises of Phase 1 (radio) and Phase 2 (visual) training. When completed you will be posted to sea to conduct ongoing training and familiarisation, providing necessary security clearances have been approved.

The minimum remuneration you will be paid from day one is $33,256. Your remuneration will increase upon graduation of your recruit course to $40,500+ and will continue to increase on promotion and seniority.

• You must be at least 17 years of age.

• You must be a NZ citizen or have permanent residency and have lived in New Zealand for five years.

• You must be of good character – assessed by a study of testimonials and a police record check.

• You must be free of any criminal convictions.

• You must have completed at least three years at secondary school.

• Have a minimum of 8 NCEA level 1 credits in English and Maths.

• You must be medically fit for service.

• No decreased colour perception.

As a Communications Operator you will be posted predominantly to either one of our warships or to NAVCOMMSTA Auckland located at Devonport Naval Base.