Human Resources Administrator
As an Army Human Resources Administrator, you’ll experience administrative functions like none other in the nation. This isn't your average office job. You’ll have the opportunity to work in a range of environments, as well as with Navy and Air Force operations when needed.
If you're keen for an organisational challenge that you can't do anywhere else, this could be the career for you.
What you'll do
You'll play a pivotal role in the management and wellbeing of members in each Army unit. If there's an issue, you'll be the first point of contact for it.
Unlike most other office jobs, you'll also take part in soldiering and exercises. Your environment may change regularly, but your responsibilities will be consistent – always working towards the goal of helping the Army run efficiently.
Your duties may include:
- Pay and Personnel Administration – Provide administrative and payroll support directly for Army personnel
- Resource and Financial Management – Conduct financial resource management, clerical, administrative, resource and financial management duties
- Staff Clerk – Perform administrative and clerical support functions, such as assisting with planning, coordinating tasks and operational support requirements (including financial management and training support)
- Data Analysis – Review data to inform conclusions and support decision-making.
Opportunities for progression and upskilling continue throughout your career. As you progress, the Army will provide you with development opportunities to assist you with your increasing leadership responsibility, as well as further education and specialised training to strengthen your skillset. This will help you to command and run a highly skilled team of soldiers and the employment of their equipment.
You could be posted to Army or broader ADF and Special Operations units, both domestically and internationally. Primary Army locations include Adelaide, Brisbane, Darwin and Townsville. There may be opportunities to post to other locations based on service needs, career development needs and individual preferences.
As you progress to higher ranks, you may have more overseas posting opportunities than most other Army trades.
Discover where the Army operates across Australia on our base locations map.
There is more variety than a typical office job – we get to do physical training and sports.
Requirements and training
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.
You don’t need a driver’s licence for this role but if you have one, it can’t be suspended or cancelled.
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.
Completion of Year 10 (or equivalent) education required with passes in English and Maths. If you haven't completed Year 10 but are interested in joining, the ADF may be able to support your application.
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
- Push-ups: 4
- Shuttle Run Score: 6.1.
Male
- Sit-ups (feet held): 20
- Push-ups: 8
- 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 enlisted 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.
Course: Army Recruit Course
Duration: 13 weeks
Location: Kapooka, Wagga Wagga, NSW
During training, you'll take part in physical training, weapon handling, and shooting, first aid, drill, and field craft. You'll be challenged both mentally and physically.
Although it can be demanding, most recruits gain a sense of achievement, purpose, and confidence during basic training, and on completion of the course feel justifiably proud of what they have accomplished. The priority of our instructors is to help you succeed.
Key components of the course include:
- Physical Fitness: Structured training to improve strength, endurance, and overall fitness, preparing you for the physical demands of Army life.
- Field Craft: Learn how to live and operate in field conditions, including camouflage, movement techniques, and working in outdoor environments.
- Weapons Handling and Marksmanship: Safe handling, maintenance, and use of Army-issued weapons, and participating in live-fire exercises.
- Drill and Discipline: Develop attention to detail, teamwork and discipline through parade drill and military routine.
- First Aid and Battlefield Casualty Care: Gain essential life-saving skills and learn how to respond to injuries in both training and operational environments.
- Military Skills and Knowledge: Introduction to Army structure, values, customs, and basic soldier responsibilities.
- Resilience and Teamwork: Build mental resilience and learn to work effectively within a team in high-pressure situations.
On successful completion of the Army Recruit Course, you’ll participate in a Graduation Parade and have the opportunity to invite family and friends to view the parade. You’ll then move on to your Initial Employment Training (IET), where you’ll learn the specific skills required for your chosen role.
Course: The Clerks Course
Duration: Approximately 2 months
Location: RAAF School of Administration and Logistics Training (RAAFSALT), RAAF Base Wagga, NSW
This course will provide you with the required service-specific knowledge, skills and attributes to provide pay and personnel administration advice and to work effectively and professionally in undertaking the roles and responsibilities of a HR Administrator.
This course is delivered through a combination of online training and in-person by qualified RAAFSALT facilitators (Air Force and Army personnel).
Topics covered on the Common Training Course alongside Air Force trainees are:
- communication skills
- use of business technology
- information management
- Defence writing
- personnel administration
- travel administration
- cash office / Imprest accounts.
In addition to the above, Army students also cover the following on the Single Service Specific Module:
- Army and Corps history
- Army records management
- delivery of payroll services
- Command support services on operations
- operate HF and VHF radios.