You must be an Australian citizen to serve in the ADF. However, Australian permanent residents may be eligible. For more details, visit the "Citizenship" tab on the Eligibility Requirements page.

You can apply for a role in the ADF from 16.5 years of age and must be at least 17 to join. The maximum age to join is 58 years.

For this role, you’ll need an Australian state or territory full, provisional or probationary C Class licence. If your licence is suspended or cancelled, you won’t be eligible until that suspension or cancellation has been lifted or has expired.

All ADF members require a security clearance. As an ADF member, you’ll need to obtain the appropriate level of security clearance for your role. You’ll need a collection of relevant information including background checks and/or interviews so the Australian Government Security Vetting Agency (AGSVA) can make an informed assessment to ensure the protection of Government resources and information. Your Careers Coach will explain what level of clearance is required for the career you are considering.

For more information or to learn about how security clearance will apply to you, view the eligibility requirements page.

The minimum requirement for entry into this role is an undergraduate degree majoring in Environmental Health or a postgraduate qualification in Environmental Health, accredited by Environmental Health Australia (EHA).

Environmental Science/Management or Occupational Health and Safety qualifications are not suitable for entry into this specialisation. If you have these qualifications, you’ll need to complete an EHA accredited undergraduate or postgraduate environmental health qualification.

The following criteria are desirable:

• at least 12-months post qualification experience or able to demonstrate the knowledge and skills required to achieve the Unit of Competency detailed in the Environmental Health Manager Personal Development Strategy
• Postgraduate qualification in Occupational Hygiene.

Air Force will assess your qualifications, experience and academic transcripts for suitability in the specialisation. This may include altering (increasing, reducing or re-sequencing) training requirements.

To join the ADF, you must be healthy and physically fit. This is partially assessed from the completion of an extensive questionnaire covering your medical history, followed by a physical examination.

You’ll also be required to successfully pass a physical fitness assessment.

Female

• Sit-ups (feet held): 20
• Shuttle Run Score: 5.1.

Male

• Sit-ups (feet held): 20
• Shuttle Run Score: 6.1.

For further details on medical and physical fitness standards, refer to physical fitness standards for entry into the ADF and medical process for entry into the ADF.

You’ll be appointed for an Initial Minimum Period of Service (IMPS) of 2 years. Subsequent periods of service may be offered subject to the requirements of the ADF and your suitability for further service. You’ll have a Careers Coach who can advise on how IMPS will relate to your chosen occupation and personal situation.

You may request discharge at any time provided you do not have an outstanding IMPS obligation and provide a minimum of 3 months' notice.

Course: Initial Officer Course
Duration: 12 weeks
Location: Officers' Training School (OTS), RAAF Base East Sale, Vic

Phase 1: Military Introduction. During this phase of training, you’ll be introduced to life in the military. The themes of values-based behaviour, self-leadership, team membership and followership are explored through collaborative problem solving, self-mastery and resilience building activities. Weapons qualification and martial skills are included in this phase.

Phase 2: Education. During this phase of training, you’ll be introduced to leading military teams, effectively managing a workplace and applying critical thinking skills. The themes of moral courage, moral judgement and social mastery are explored through scenario-based experiential learning opportunities and facilitated decision making. Air and space power immersion in the joint environment is included in this phase.

Phase 3: Application. During this phase of training, you’ll consolidate what you’ve learned so far and you will apply those skills in practical leadership exercises in a simulated combat environment. The themes of values-based behaviour and the development of Officer Qualities are explored through the application of transformational leadership.

You’ll be challenged early, well supported and physically prepared. Outside of the classroom you’ll participate in physical training, adventure training and visit other Air Force bases to contextualise what you have learnt. Upon graduation, you will undertake specialist employment training or proceed direct to your workplace.

Course: Operational Health Support Course
Duration: 2 weeks
Location: No 294 Squadron, RAAF Base Amberley, Qld

This course includes a 4-day field phase and will provide you with the knowledge and skills required to deploy an operational health support facility. Subjects include:

• Operational Health Support
• instruction on the various levels of health support available
• personal and collective preparation for deployment
• logistics and administrative considerations
• establishing and running a deployed health facility.

You’ll continue to develop your expertise and skills by completing specialist training courses that include:

• chemical, biological, radiological and nuclear defence
• emergency management for public health professionals
• ionising radiation protection officer
• radiofrequency radiation safety officer
• Defence occupational noise officer
• vector surveillance and control
• monitoring occupational hygiene hazards
• introduction to joint operations

You will be expected to undertake specialist training in occupational hygiene, emergency management, vector control, field hygiene, pest management and radiation safety to support environmental health capability and occupational exposure management.