Senior Customs Officer - Grade 1 - National Security Operations Team

New Zealand Customs Service; Christchurch; On-site; NZD 69,000 - 88,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Discounted health insurance

Free on-site gym

Service holidays + 4 weeks annualleave

Job summary

New Zealand Customs Service is seeking a Senior Customs Officer - Grade 1 (National Security Operations) to lead intelligence efforts and support operational activity across NSO. The role analyzes threats, guides decisions, and delivers actionable intelligence to protect New Zealand.

You will oversee collection, assess risk, and collaborate with management to improve intervention strategies, with a focus on counter-terrorism and national security. Flexible working arrangements may apply.

Qualifications

• High attention to detail and strong problem-solving abilities.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities and meet deadlines in a fast-paced environment.
• Excellent written and spoken communication tailored to client needs.
• Team-oriented with ability to work independently with minimal supervision.

Responsibilities

• Oversee intelligence collection and guide operational activity.
• Identify and measure risk across NSO operations.
• Produce timely intelligence products and assessments.
• Support management with reporting and contribute to risk assessment strategies.

Skills

Attention to detail

Problem solving

Multitasking

Communication

Team player

Relationship building

Technical knowledge

Security clearance

Resilience

Tools

Databases

Software

Operational equipment

Job description

Join the front line of New Zealand's counter terrorism efforts, uncover emerging threats, and help protect New Zealand from terrorism risks.

Help protect New Zealand from terrorism and national security threats

Work alongside experts in a high-performing intelligence team

Identify emerging threats and assess areas of greatest risk

We have a great opportunity as a Senior Customs Officer - Grade 1 (National Security Operations) in our National Security Operations team. You will provide tactical and operational intelligence ensuring the New Zealand Customs Service (Customs) is targeting the areas of greatest risk. This role is where you can make a difference by being involved in a range of intelligence activities such as analysis and developing tactical, operational and strategic assessments specialising in Counter Terrorism.

About this role | Mō tēnei tūranga mahi:

You will be overseeing and guiding intelligence collection, supporting operational activity and making effective decisions and producing intelligence products in a timely fashion. You will assist the Supervising Customs Officer - National Security Operations (NSO) to identify and measure risk. Additionally, you will provide support and reporting to Customs' management, contribute to the effectiveness of Customs' risk assessment outcomes and intervention strategies; support the capability and understanding of intelligence within Customs; and work collaboratively within the team to ensure consistency of approach.

The salary range for this role is $68,558 – $87,783 with an allowance of $16,481 for working unpredictable hours.

Please note that it may take up to a year to be qualified to receive the allowance, however, can start straight away once flexible working has been agreed. Flexible working allowance is for flexible limited notice work requirements such as going out to the airport or doing external training in the weekend or working longer hours after an attack event or for an operation.

This role can be based in Auckland, Wellington or Christchurch.

About you | Ko wai koe: To be successful in this role:

• You will have a high level of attention to detail
• Capability in problem solving and decision-making in a fast-paced environment
• An ability to juggle multiple priorities and meet deadlines
• Proficiency in all forms of written and spoken communication relevant and appropriate to our client needs
• A team player attitude while being able to act independently with minimal supervision
• Strong relationship building skills with both internal and external stakeholders and clients
• Sound technical knowledge with the ability to utilise and effectively use a range of databases, software and operational equipment
• Ability to obtain and maintaina Top Secret Specialsecurity clearance
• An understanding of information security principles (classifications, caveats, handling and sharing of information)
• Resilience to cope with the nature of the work that the NSO unit does and its associated pressures

Working at Customs |Mahi ki te Mana Ārai o Aotearoa:

Our people get on-the-job training, formal courses and leadership programmes, and the chance to move between diverse roles. We foster an inclusive and supportive team environment with vibrant social and cultural groups. We also support flexible working - talk to us about how we can help you achieve your flexible working goals, within our operational requirements.

• Our people get discounted health insurance, free on-site gyms (in some locations) and three days of service holidays in addition to four weeks of annual leave.

What’s involved | Ngā paearu hei tono:

Please note you will need to obtain and maintain a Top Secret Special level national security clearance. In order to obtain this you need to be a New Zealand Citizen or New Zealand Permanent Resident who has resided continuously in New Zealand for the last 15 years and resides in NZ at time of application; OR a New Zealand Citizen or New Zealand Permanent Resident who has resided in New Zealand for the last 15 years and resides in NZ at time of application, but may have been absent from New Zealand for periods of six or more months within the past 15 years. You may be required to provide overseas police certificates for these periods spent outside of New Zealand.

You must have a background history that is verifiable and can be assessed as appropriate by the New Zealand Security Intelligence Service towards a recommendation of suitability for security clearance at a higher level. Already having Top Secret clearance is a benefit, but not a requirement.

Due to the nature of Customs work you must have a clear Police record. Successful applicants are also required to pass a medical assessment and drug test and must hold a full NZ Drivers' license.

Applications close on Monday 23rd November at 11 pm

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 support flexible working arrangement.