Navy Logistics Administrator

Tasks & duties

Navy logistics administrators may do some or all of the following:

• work as part of the ship's crew
• maintain the ship's husbandry, such as the outside of the ship, the equipment and the fittings, by doing a variety of duties such as cleaning, painting and minor repair work 
• act as a lookout at sea
• transfer stores, personnel and fuel between ships at sea
• carry out towing operations
• help refuel the ship
• anchor the ship
• participate in wartime-scenario training exercises, such as damage-control exercises
• join the medical team when required to carry out basic medical tasks
• handle incoming and outgoing mail.

Senior navy logistics administrators also instruct and train new recruits.

Navy logistics administrators who are writers may do some or all of the following at sea and onshore:

• calculate pay and allowances
• process accounts
• prepare documents, letters and reports
• keep defence force database records up to date
• sort and file written material
• track and trace human resources and personnel documents.

Senior navy writers also advise staff on human resources matters such as promotions, professional development, pay rises, tax and leave entitlement.

Navy logistics administrators who are stores accountants may do some or all of the following at sea and onshore:

• receive orders for supplies from ships at sea and naval bases
• purchase items from external suppliers
• receive and unpack incoming goods from external suppliers 
• check the quantity and quality of goods delivered by external suppliers
• pack orders and arrange freight overseas to the ships
• distribute supplies to crew and officers
• keep computer records of stocks and ensure paperwork is up to date.

Senior navy stores accountants also deal with priority one orders, which are emergency supplies that need to be sent within a strict time frame.

Specialisations

Navy logistics administrators who are writers specialise in administration, while those who are stores accountants specialise in supply.

Skills & knowledge

Navy logistics administrators need to have:

• knowledge of administration policies, systems and procedures
• knowledge of warehouse procedures and general stock control
• knowledge of what goods have been ordered and what goods are stored
• knowledge of Royal NZ Navy regulations and safety procedures
• computer skills including word-processing skills and the ability to use relevant computer software
• record-keeping skills
• planning and organisational skills
• decision-making and problem-solving skills
• good communication skills

Entry requirements

To enter the Royal NZ Navy you must be at least 17 years old and eligible to be a New Zealand citizen. You need to pass a series of psychometric tests and an interview. You must then pass medical and fitness tests and meet an acceptable standard of eyesight and hearing. You also need to be given security clearance, so any criminal convictions you have will be looked at.

To become a navy logistics administrator you need a minimum of three years of secondary education.

Training on the job

On-the-job training begins with the 14-week Basic Common Training Course (BCT) at the Royal NZ Naval College followed by Basic Branch training (BBT) where you begin training in your specialist area.

If you choose to specialise as a writer you complete a five-week able writer course that teaches you administration and office procedures, basic human resources systems and procedures, and computer skills.

If you choose to specialise as a stores accountant you complete a five-week able stores accountant course that teaches you about basic accounting, store room maintenance and security, computer skills and information management systems.

All Royal NZ Navy personnel are given the opportunity to complete relevant part-time tertiary study (fully paid for by the Navy) throughout their career.

Useful experience

A regular fitness programme, involvement in youth organisations or team activities is useful experience. 

Related courses

Purchasing, Warehousing and Distribution

For more information, please refer to Career Services.