Senior Customs Officer - Grade 1 - National Security Operations Team

Marketplace; Wellington; Hybrid; NZD 69,000 - 88,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance discount

On-site gym access

Service holidays

4 weeks annual leave

Job summary

New Zealand Customs Service in Wellington is seeking a Senior Customs Officer – Grade 1 within the National Security Operations team. The role leads intelligence collection, risk assessment, and decision-making to target the greatest risks and support operational activity.

You will produce tactical, operational and strategic intelligence, collaborate with internal and external stakeholders, and maintain security clearance.

Qualifications

• Be a New Zealand citizen or New Zealand permanent resident with 15 years of residence in NZ and reside in NZ at time of application, or similar eligibility for security clearance.
• Must obtain and maintain Top Secret Special security clearance.
• Clear Police record; pass medical and drug test; hold a full NZ Driver's license.

Responsibilities

• Oversee and guide intelligence collection; support operational activity and decision-making.
• Identify and measure risk; produce timely intelligence products for NSO.
• Support management with reporting and contribute to risk assessment outcomes; work with stakeholders.

Skills

Attention to detail

Problem solving

Decision making

Multitasking

Communication skills

Team player

Relationship building

Technical knowledge (databases/oper.)

Security clearance preparation

Tools

Databases

Operational equipment

Job description

# Senior Customs Officer - Grade 1 - National Security Operations Team at New Zealand Customs Service, Wellington## Mō tēnei tūranga mahi | About this role**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 riskWe 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 | M****ō t****ēnei t****ūranga 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 maintain a Top Secret Special security 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 | Ng****ā 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.**How to apply | Me pehea te whakaura:**Please apply online. You will be asked to outline your relevant skills and experience along with why you are interested in the role. The online application process takes a bit of time and requires you to provide examples of previous work. It's best to set aside some time when you won't be interrupted.If progressed in the recruitment process, you will be asked to complete online testing and video interviews. You may then be invited to attend an assessment and panel interview. If you have any queries, please contact Hannah at [e-mail]**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.*## Ngā taipitopito tūranga mahi | Job details| | || --- | --- || Employer: | New Zealand Customs Service || Location: | Wellington || Position type: | Ongoing - Full Time || Category: | Intelligence || Date listed: | 09-Nov-2026 || Salary range: | N/A || Closing date: | 23-Nov-2026 || Reference: | 49789-1 || Attachment: | || File links: | NSO SCO G1 PD (V1).docx || Website: | https://www.customs.govt.nz/about-us |Note: You may be redirected to the employer's careers website.