As a Pharmacist in the New Zealand Army, you will be able to take your existing skills to the next level. The comprehensive training you will receive as an officer will allow you to lead teams of people, in all kinds of situations.

  • Service
    Army
  • Specialisation
    Medical and Health
  • Location
    Various
  • Starting salary
    $77,181
army random gen 02 landscape
Army Generic square 08

About the role

As a Pharmacist in the New Zealand Army, you will be able to take your existing skills to the next level. The comprehensive training you will receive as an Officer will allow you to lead teams of people, in all kinds of situations.

You will be taught how to handle weapons, and receive adventure and outdoor training.

If you have referred to the minimum entry requirements below, but would like more information on this role please email specialists@defencecareers.mil.nz

Job on base

You will form an integral part of the health team in providing pharmaceutical advice on scales of deployment, appropriateness of selected treatments, medicines information and ensuring legal compliance.

You will have a number of responsibilities including:

  • Monitoring the control of all medicines & medical consumables (Class Eight Stores)
  • Ensuring accurate, safe and effective dispensing of medicines with the NZ Army
  • Review operational scales of deployment
  • Guiding health personnel in the selection, dose and treatment duration of medicines supplied
  • Providing on the job and formal training for medical and logistical personnel
  • Improving patient compliance and therapeutic outcomes of medicines treatment

Job on deployment

Pharmacists have the opportunity to deploy overseas and in the past have done so in order to undertake pharmaceutical audits and ensure legal compliance.

Career progression and training

Basic Training

Job Training

Ongoing Training

Career Progression

Officer Cadet School (OCS)

(12 weeks) Location: Waiouru Military Camp

Initial training begins in early January. Attendees at this training will be a mixture of Regular Force General List Officer Cadets, Regular Force Special List Officer Cadets, and Reserve Force Special List Officer Cadets.

The training will be split into three modules and attendance at Modules One, Two and Three is required for all Regular Force Officer Cadets. Reserve Force Special List Officer Cadets must attend Modules One and Three; this can be in the same year or in consecutive years.

 

Training covers:

  • NZ Army Ethos and Values
  • Self-leadership
  • Physical Training
  • Basic field-craft
  • Military Unarmed Combat
  • Weapon handling
  • Navigation
  • Battle-craft
  • Radio telephone procedure
  • Weapon handling
  • Drill
  • NZ Army tactics
  • Leadership

There are opportunities to further your professional development and tertiary study.

After initial employment and training the NZ Army will provide funding and study leave for Pharmacists to complete further professional study for a number of different courses including post graduate clinical doctorates and diplomas.

Further training and education is provided throughout your career to complete further professional studies. There are various opportunities including:

  • PG Diploma / Masters in Clinical Pharmacy
  • PG Diploma in Travel Medicine
  • Support may be given for any PG study if it is relevant to your job.
  • Attendance at pharmacy conferences is encouraged

As a Pharmacist in the NZ Army, you will receive comprehensive training to allow you to effectively lead teams, in all kinds of situations. You will be taught how to handle weapons, and receive adventure and outdoor training. There are also opportunities to further your professional development and the possibility of further tertiary study.

Army Generic full width 13

Salary and benefits

Careers in the Army are well-rewarded, diverse and exciting. As you become more experienced and move up through the ranks, gaining additional skills and qualifications, your salary will rise accordingly.

$77,181

Starting salary

$154,956

Future potential earnings

Figure updated on July 1st 2023

Benefits and allowances

Earn a competitive salary while training or learning your trade, along with additional allowances for time spent in the field, at sea, overseas, or deployed on operations.

In addition to salary and allowances, other benefits of joining the New Zealand Defence Force include:

Free and subsidised medical and dental care

Access to subsidised equipment on camp and bases

Subsidised food on camps and bases

Sponsored tertiary study programmes at all levels

Free access to gyms and swimming pools on camp and bases

Subsidised accomodation on camps and bases

Free and subsidised insurance cover

Help to buy a home and save for retirement

Opportunities to travel

Competitive superannuation

Entry requirements

Basics

Education

Fitness and Medical

Citizenship

Period of Service

  • You must be at least 17 years of age.
  • Meet the citizenship and security requirements to gain SV security clearance for this trade.
  • You are required to be a registered pharmacist with a current Annual Practising Certificate issued by the Pharmacy Council of New Zealand.
  • Ideally have two years post graduate experience.
  • You must be medically fit for service.
  • Colour perception restrictions may apply.

There are strict citizenship and security requirements to gain the required SV security clearance for this trade.

Find out if you’re eligible here.

There may be a return of service period for this trade.

Please contact our 0800 number or talk to your Candidate Experience Facilitator for more information.

 

army generic base for roles

Ready to start your Army career?

Other jobs you might like

You can also browse jobs by specialisation to narrow down your search.

Back to top