Behavioural Detection Officer

New Zealand Government; Auckland; On-site; NZD 65,000 - 79,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Comprehensive paid training

Career development opportunities

KiwiSaver contribution (up to 4%)

Health and wellbeing benefits

Generous leave provisions

Full uniform provided

Job summary

The Civil Aviation Authority at Auckland Airport is seeking a attentive Behavioural Detection Officer (BDO) to help keep New Zealand skies safe. You will observe and assess passenger behavior, de-escalate situations, and report intelligence to support security operations in a busy airport environment.

We value clear communication, calm judgment under pressure, and the ability to connect with people from diverse backgrounds.

Qualifications

• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills.
• Ability to stay calm under pressure and exercise sound judgment.
• Ability to engage with a wide range of people in diverse environments.
• Willingness to travel and deploy to other New Zealand airports when required.

Responsibilities

• Engage with passengers, airport workers, and members of the public.
• Observe and assess behaviour to identify potential risks.
• Gather information through professional conversations.
• Help de-escalate challenging situations.
• Work alongside agencies such as NZ Police, Customs, and Immigration NZ.
• Gather and report intelligence to support aviation security operations.

Skills

Interpersonal skills

Communication skills

People engagement

Judgement under pressure

Job description

The Civil Aviation Authority and the Aviation Security Service offer distinctively different career opportunities and embrace diverse talent. All jobs at the Authority contribute to ensuring safe and secure skies to help New Zealand fly.The Civil Aviation Authority is the regulatory arm of our organisation and the Aviation Security Service is the nationwide provider for aviation security.Auckland AirportPermanent Full-Time | $72,187 per annum | Starts 02 February 2027Every day, thousands of people move through Auckland Airport. Most are simply travelling. Some may pose a risk.At the Civil 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 DoingNo 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 publicObserve and assess behaviour to identify potential risksGather information through professional conversationsHelp de-escalate challenging situationsWork alongside other agencies such as NZ Police, Customs, and Immigration New ZealandGather and report intelligence that supports aviation security operationsWhat We're Looking ForWe're seeking people who can:Get Smart - Knowledge ContextYou'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 JudgementYou stay calm under pressure, think critically, and make balanced decisions, even when faced with uncertainty or complex situations.Work Smart - Achieves ResultsYou work well with others, communicate effectively, and take pride in delivering high-quality outcomes as part of a team.Act Smart - Personal EffectivenessYou'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 BringStrong interpersonal and communication skillsConfidence engaging with a wide range of peopleThe ability to build rapport and navigate difficult conversationsSound judgement and attention to detailCultural awareness and empathyThe ability to stay focused in a busy, fast-paced environmentGood situational awarenessWhat We OfferCompetitive salary of $72,187 per annumComprehensive paid training from February 2027Ongoing career development and progression opportunitiesUp to 4% KiwiSaver contributionHealth and wellbeing benefitsGenerous leave provisionsFull uniform providedEssential RequirementsTo join our team, you'll need to:Be a NZ/Australian citizen or NZ residentBe eligible to obtain and maintain a Secret Security ClearanceBe medically fit and willing to undergo a medical assessmentBe comfortable working a rotating roster, including weekends, evenings, and public holidaysBe willing to travel and deploy to other New Zealand airports when requiredBe available for assessment centres and interviews in late October 2026Ready 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. If you have any questions, please contact us on [e-mail] online with your current CV and cover letter by Tuesday 20 October 2026 and start your journey as a Behavioural Detection Officer.