Behavioural Detection Officer

Aviation; Auckland; Hybrid; NZD 65,000 - 79,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary

Comprehensive paid training

Career development opportunities

KiwiSaver up to 4%

Health and wellbeing benefits

Generous leave provisions

Full uniform provided

Job summary

Auckland Airport is seeking a Behavioural Detection Officer to support security operations in a busy, dynamic airport environment. You will observe and assess passenger behaviour, gather information through professional conversations, and work with NZ Police, Customs and Immigration NZ to identify potential threats.

The role requires strong interpersonal skills, sound judgement, cultural awareness, and the ability to stay focused while delivering high-quality outcomes as part of a team.

Qualifications

• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills.
• Ability to engage with a wide range of people in a busy airport environment.
• Strong judgement and attention to detail.
• Cultural awareness and empathy when interacting with diverse public.
• Capable of staying focused in a fast-paced setting.

Responsibilities

• Engage with passengers, airport workers and the public.
• Observe and assess behaviour to identify potential risks.
• Gather information through professional conversations.
• Collaborate with agencies such as NZ Police, Customs and Immigration NZ.
• Report intelligence to support aviation security operations.

Skills

Interpersonal skills

Communication

Rapport building

Judgement

Cultural awareness

Situational awareness

Focus in busy environments

Job description

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Auckland Airport
Permanent Full-Time | $72,187 per annum | Starts 02 February 2027

Every day, thousands of people move through Auckland Airport. Most are simply travelling. Some may pose a risk.

At theCivil Aviation Authority, our vision is a safe and secure aviation system where people are safe, and feel safe, when they fly. As a Behavioural Detection Officer (BDO), you'll use your observation skills, judgement, and ability to connect with people to identify unusual behaviour, assess potential threats, and help keep New Zealand's aviation system safe and secure.

This is meaningful work where your communication skills, judgement, and ability to connect with people can make a real difference.

What You'll Be Doing

No two days are the same. You'll be working in a dynamic airport environment where you'll:

• Engage with passengers, airport workers, and members of the public
• Observe and assess behaviour to identify potential risks
• Gather information through professional conversations
• Work alongside other agencies such as NZ Police, Customs, and Immigration New Zealand
• Gather and report intelligence that supports aviation security operations

What We're Looking For

We're seeking people who can:

Get Smart - Knowledge & Context
You're curious, eager to learn, and enjoy understanding how things work. You can absorb new information quickly and apply it in practical situations.

Think Smart - Sound Judgement
You stay calm under pressure, think critically, and make balanced decisions, even when faced with uncertainty or complex situations.

Work Smart - Achieves Results
You work well with others, communicate effectively, and take pride in delivering high-quality outcomes as part of a team.

Act Smart - Personal Effectiveness
You're adaptable, resilient, self-aware, and respectful of different cultures, backgrounds, and perspectives. You bring professionalism and integrity to everything you do.

What You'll Bring

• Strong interpersonal and communication skills
• Confidence engaging with a wide range of people
• The ability to build rapport and navigate difficult conversations
• Sound judgement and attention to detail
• Cultural awareness and empathy
• The ability to stay focused in a busy, fast-paced environment
• Good situational awareness

What We Offer

• Competitive salary of $72,187 per annum
• Comprehensive paid training from February 2027
• Ongoing career development and progression opportunities
• Up to 4% KiwiSaver contribution
• Health and wellbeing benefits
• Generous leave provisions
• Full uniform provided

To join our team, you'll need to:

• Be a NZ/Australian citizen or NZ resident
• Be eligible to obtain and maintain a Secret Security Clearance
• Be medically fit and willing to undergo a medical assessment
• Be comfortable working a rotating roster, including weekends, evenings, and public holidays
• Be willing to travel and deploy to other New Zealand airports when required
• Be available for assessment centres and interviews in late October 2026

Ready to make a difference?

If you're observant, people-focused, and looking for a career where you can grow while helping keep New Zealand safe and secure, we'd love to hear from you.

For more information, please refer to the position description .