Situational Awareness Watch Officer

Mō te tūnga | About the role

A Watch Officer (Situational Awareness Watch Supervisor) leads the 24/7 Situational Awareness Watch at HQ Joint Forces New Zealand. The role is responsible for maintaining and enhancing the NZDF Common Operating Picture (COP) by coordinating, analysing, and fusing operational information multiple sources including individual Component Commands. A critical component of the role is to ensure that current and relevant information is utilised to enhance the NZDF COP in order to enable NZDF Commanders to plan, execute and monitor operations.

Key Responsibilities include:

• Supervising watch personnel and overseeing round-the-clock monitoring of NZDF operations and activities
• Ensuring the accuracy, validity, and security of information displayed within the NZDF Common Operating Picture
• Coordinating information flow between operational headquarters, watch staff, and stakeholders to support current operations and emerging events
• Preparing and supporting operational briefs, including the HQJFNZ Daily Brief
• Leading and managing the watch team, ensuring compliance with standing operating procedures, security requirements, and NZDF directives
• Providing indications and warnings of significant events and ensuring critical information is communicated promptly to support operational decision-making and force protection

Due to the nature of this role, there is no option to work remotely.

The salary for this role ranges from $78,838 - $87,477, inclusive of a 4% superannuation contribution. Appointments within this range are based on skills and experience.

Ngā pūkenga me ngā wheako | Skills and Experience

You will need to have considerable experience operating in a military environment including communication and information security along with operational picture management. You’ll be experienced with interpreting a range of information, plans, directives and regulations and have a working knowledge of GCCS-J family collaborative tools and GCCS-J software segments/external data feeds. You will be comfortable operating in a classified environment where there is controlled access to sensitive information.

As a confident and effective communicator, you build and maintain positive working relationships with the team and wider organisation. You’re detail orientated and focused, have a pro-active approach to work and take pride in everything you do.

Key Skills:

• Situational Awareness
• Communication
• Decision-Making
• Stakeholder Coordination
• Information Analysis & Reporting

Desirable Qualifications and Experience:

• Experience in an Operations Centre, Joint Operations Centre, Headquarters, or Watchkeeping environment
• Previous leadership or supervisory experience
• Understanding of intelligence processes and operational planning
• Relevant military courses relating to operations, command and control, or situational awareness

Personal Attributes:

• Calm under pressure
• Highly organised and detail oriented
• Professional and trustworthy
• Adaptable and resilient
• Proactive rather than reactive
• Collaborative and team focused
• Able to maintain a broad strategic perspective while managing immediate operational demands

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 Tuesday 10 November 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:

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.