Safety & Tactical Training Instructor

Customs; Auckland; On-site; NZD 70,000 - 95,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Flexible working arrangements

Job summary

New Zealand Customs Service | Te Mana Ārai o Aotearoa is seeking a Safety and Tactical Training Instructor to build frontline officers' operational readiness. You will deliver Officer Safety and Defensive Tactics, Firearms Safe Handling, Personal Search, and other safety-critical programmes.

You will develop structured lesson plans, assessments, and training improvements, ensure national consistency in delivery, and contribute to cross‑agency discussions on safety and readiness.

Qualifications

• Experience with Safety training, Defensive Tactics, Firearms Safe Handling or comparable safety-critical training systems gained in a similar operational environment.
• Ability to interpret legislation, policy, and training content and translate into training requirements.
• Skilled in developing structured training documentation, lesson plans, and evaluation summaries, including the use of digital tools.
• Proven relationship management and communication skills, with the ability to collaborate with diverse stakeholders, including operational staff and training colleagues.
• Proactive, self-motivated, and adaptable, with the initiative to deliver OST training with minimal supervision across varying contexts.

Responsibilities

• Deliver Officer Safety and Defensive Tactics, Firearms Safe Handling, Personal Search, and other safety-critical programmes.
• Support national consistency in delivery standards and contribute to lesson plan development, assessments, and training improvements.
• Represent the OST training function in organisational forums, policy development discussions, and cross-agency working groups.

Job description

Make a real impact. Protect Aotearoa New Zealand. Build a career with purpose.

If you're looking for a role where your work directly strengthens New Zealand's border protection, this is an opportunity to train officers in the skills, judgement, and safe tactical options required for real-world operational demands.

Customs protects New Zealand's borders, regulates international trade, and upholds Customs, Immigration, and Excise laws. We operate at the frontline of New Zealand's security and economic wellbeing.

Our people are at the heart of what we do. Whether working with travellers, businesses, or partner agencies, our people bring dedication, integrity, and a shared commitment to protecting what matters to New Zealand. As a Safety and Tactical Training Instructor, you will directly support this mission by building the operational readiness and tactical capability of those who serve at the border.

About the role

We're recruiting Safety and Tactical Training Instructors to deliver the operational safety training that underpins Customs' frontline capability. This includes Officer Safety and Defensive Tactics (OST), Firearms Safe Handling, Personal Search, and other safety-critical programmes.

You will coach officers in safe, proportionate, and legally compliant tactical responses, support national consistency in delivery standards, and contribute to the development of lesson plans, assessments, and training improvements. Your work ensures officers are prepared, capable, and ready to protect Aotearoa New Zealand every day.

The role additionally represents the OST training function in organisational forums, operational reviews, policy development discussions, and cross-agency working groups, providing expert input on training, safety, and operational readiness.

About you

• Experience with Safety, Defensive Tactics, Firearms Safe Handling or comparable safety-critical training systems gained in a similar operational environment.
• Ability to interpret legislation, policy, and operational content and translate into training requirements.
• Skilled in developing structured training documentation, lesson plans, and evaluation summaries, including the use of digital tools.
• Proven relationship management and communication skills, with the ability to collaborate and negotiate with a diverse range of stakeholders, including operational staff and training colleagues.
• Proactive, self-motivated, and adaptable, with the initiative and reliability required to deliver OST training with minimal supervision across varying operational contexts.

To be considered for this position, you must:

• Be able to pass a fitness test, drug test, and medical.
• Have a full and unrestricted NZ driver's licence.
• Be able to obtain and maintain an organisational security clearance.
• Be able to work 'unpredictable hours' including outside of Monday - Friday, 9-5, and national travel including nights away from home.

Note: Permanent appointment is subject to successful completion of the Customs Defensive Tactics Instructors Course.

We aim to create a great place to work, where our people feel they belong and have the capability and desire to meet future challenges. We are clear about our mission, which is underpinned by Te Pou Tokomanawa (the Foundations) and our Whanonga Pono (Values). Our work matters to the safety and success of New Zealand.

Working for New Zealand Customs...

To join Customs in any role you must be aNew Zealand citizenorNew Zealand permanent resident* and be able to obtain and maintain an Organisational Security clearance.

(*) A New Zealand Citizen or New Zealand Permanent Resident who has resided continuously in New Zealand for the last five years, (including five years ago from the date of this application) and resides in New Zealand at time of application.

If shortlisted, you will be asked to complete online psychometric testing as part of the process.

Applications close at 11pm, Wednesday 21 October 2026.

Please note Customs will be managing this recruitment independently in-house and will not be engaging with recruitment agencies at this stage.

New Zealand Customs Service | Te Mana Ārai o Aotearoa is a member of Diversity Works New Zealand and is committed to developing a diverse workforce and an inclusive workplace.We provide equal employment opportunities and welcome applications from everyone who can meet the requirements of the role. We also offer flexible working arrangements.