Senior Customs Officer Grade 2 (SCO2) - Investigator - Drugs

New Zealand Customs Service; Auckland; On-site; NZD 82,000 - 107,000; Full time

Job summary

A government agency is looking for a Senior Custom Officer to join the Drug Investigations team in Auckland. The role involves planning operational activities, coaching team members, and managing investigations related to drug trafficking. Ideal candidates will have strong investigative and leadership skills, and a clear police record is essential. This position offers a salary range between $82,894 and $106,618, with additional allowances for unpredictable hours.

Qualifications

• Have previous and up to date knowledge of investigations.
• Have an enforcement background ideally with experience in operational investigations.
• Have excellent relationship management skills.
• Demonstrate previous coaching and mentoring.

Responsibilities

• Plan and lead operational activity.
• Coach and mentor team members.
• Manage evidence and prepare files to an evidential standard.
• Prepare prosecution files and give evidence in court.

Skills

Leadership skills

Investigative skills

Relationship management

Job description

Overview

INVESTIGATION ROLE BASED IN AUCKLAND

Interested in joining the investigations team that contributes to disrupting and dismantling transnational organised crime groups involved in drug trafficking? Our Customs Drug Investigators are at the heart of preventing drugs from reaching our communities and putting a stop to the harm they cause to New Zealand. We're looking for someone with investigative and leadership skills to join our Auckland based Drug Investigations team.

About This Role

We have a Senior Custom Officer (SCOG2) investigator role available in Auckland. We are seeking someone who cares about their team, is approachable and supportive, and willing to help. You will be a coach and mentor to your colleagues, lead operational activity and prosecution work.

The salary range for this role is $82,894 - $106,618 plus an annual allowance of $16,286 for working unpredictable hours.

About You

To be successful in this role you will:

• Have previous and up to date knowledge of investigations
• Have an enforcement background ideally with some experience planning and leading operational investigations activity
• Have proven experience in working with business partners, internal and external
• Have excellent relationship management skills
• Be methodical and dedicated to working to a high standard, and with the utmost care
• Have sound judgement and levelheadedness - you'll be able to handle sensitive information and situations well, and stay calm and composed in challenging situations
• Be able to demonstrate previous coaching, mentoring and leadership ideally within an investigations/enforcement environment
• Be flexible and agile

What You'll Be Doing

You will be responsible for a full range of investigative activities, including:

• Planning and leading operational activity
• Coaching and mentoring team members
• Undertaking inquiries, interviews, and arresting offenders
• Managing evidence and preparing files to an evidential standard
• Applying for and executing search warrants
• Preparing prosecution files and giving evidence in court - being a confident public speaker is important for this role
• Working out in the field and in diverse environments, and at times working unpredictable hours (such as long hours, weekends and public holidays, and travelling at short notice)

What’s Involved

As part of the recruitment process, you will need to pass a medical test as well as the NZ Police Physical Competency Test (PCT). The PCT is a timed obstacle course, requiring you to do a variety of tasks from climbing a wall, to dragging a weight, to jumping through a window.

You will need to obtain Confidential level national security clearance. To obtain this clearance you need to be a New Zealand Citizen or New Zealand Permanent Resident who has resided continuously in New Zealand for the last 5 years and resides in NZ at time of application; OR a NZ Citizen or NZ Permanent Resident who has resided in NZ for the last 5 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 5 years, preferably in one or more of the following countries: Australia, Canada, UK or the USA. Small periods (3 months or less) of absence from New Zealand over the 5 years may still be acceptable however you must be able to provide police certificates for time spent in other countries.

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 Confidential 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' licence.

Working at Customs

Our people get on-the-job training, formal courses and leadership programmes, and the chance to move across diverse roles. We foster an inclusive and supportive team environment with vibrant social and cultural groups.

How To Apply

Please apply online. You will be asked to outline your interest in the role, suitability and motivation, and your skills and experience relevant to this role particularly in relation to your enforcement experience. You'll also be asked to provide examples of previous work experience and answer a functional and technical question as well as a specific competency-based question as part of the online process. It's best to set aside some time when you won't be interrupted.

If shortlisted, you will be asked to complete online psychometric testing as part of the process and be invited to attend an Assessment Centre.

If you have any queries, please contact Jasmine at [e-mail]

Applications Close

Applications close at 5pm on Friday 3rd October 2025.

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 arrangements.