Senior Customs Officers Grade 1 (SCO G1) - Human Source Unit (HSU)

New Zealand Customs Service; Auckland; On-site; NZD 67,000 - 87,000; Full time

Job summary

A government agency dedicated to border protection is looking for an entry-level Human Source Handler. The role requires excellent interpersonal skills and the ability to manage relationships to gather vital intelligence for national security. Candidates must be New Zealand citizens or residents, with a clear police record and willingness to complete necessary training. Flexible working hours are expected with various team-based activities.

Benefits

Discounted health insurance

Free on-site gym

Flexible working arrangements

Three days of service holidays

Qualifications

• Proven track record in relationship building.
• Comfortable dealing with ambiguity.
• Experience writing operational planning documentation.
• Understanding of the intelligence cycle.
• Experience in risk management.

Responsibilities

• Manage covert relationships to gather intelligence.
• Develop relationships with human intelligence sources.
• Work flexible hours including weekends.

Skills

Interpersonal skills

Problem solving

Autonomous work ethic

Decision making under pressure

Resilience

Communication skills

Collaboration

Education

New Zealand citizenship or permanent residency

Clear Police record

Job description

Overview

Are you motivated by a challenge and a dynamic work environment? Do you want to be at the forefront of Customs response to Transnational Serious Organised Crime (TSOC) and the growing threat they present to New Zealand's border? Are you looking for a career beyond the ordinary?

This is an entry level role into the world of human source handling. Prior human source handling experience is not required.

About this role | Mō tēnei tūranga mahi

Human Intelligence (HUMINT) is a vital intelligence stream that supports Government\'s commitment to addressing the harms caused by the importation of illicit drugs, the growing threat of TSOC, and Trusted Insiders.

As part of New Zealand Customs Service, the Human Source Unit (HSU) manages covert relationships to gather intelligence that helps us understand and target cross-border crime. People skills are essential to this work because we gather our information through the relationships we form and the trust that we build.

We\'re looking for someone who is passionate about protecting New Zealand\'s border by developing relationships from a range of Human Intelligence Sources to produce highly impactful intelligence. This role requires a high level of resilience and proactivity along with a strong ability to manage relationships.

You will be required to work unpredictable hours alongside your team on occasion. This may include working long hours and weekends, both in Auckland and out of town.

If you successfully pass all stages of the recruitment process for this role and are offered a position, you will be required to attend and complete a 7.5-week Customs level 1 HUMINT course that will commence in February 2026. This is a pass or fail course. Your employment will be subject to the successful completion of the 7.5-week course which is critical for you to safely deploy as a Human Source Handler. If you are unable to pass any of the key assessment modules, your employment with Customs will be terminated and you will be given four weeks\' pay in lieu of notice.

Salary

The salary band for this role is $67,745 - $86,742 plus an annual allowance of $16,286 for working flexible hours.

About You — Ko Wai Koe

To be successful in this role you will need to be able to demonstrate the following:

• Excellent interpersonal skills - and a proven track record in relationship building and management of relationships
• You need to be innovative, creative, and a problem solver. You need to be comfortable dealing with ambiguity
• Have a pro-active work ethic, highly motivated to drive your own workload, and an ability to work autonomously
• A sound decision maker and be able to exercise good judgment under pressure
• Have a high level of resilience and flexibility, be able to handle when things don\'t go to plan, and think on your feet under time pressure
• Be able to remain calm and composed under pressure and adapt quickly and easily to change
• Strong mission focus with a professional, can-do attitude and collaborative approach
• Work within a small but very connected team. Be an asset.
• Experience in motivating, collaborating with, and influencing others to achieve results
• Strong communication skills, verbal and written with the ability to appeal to a wide audience
• A strong ability for self-reflection and always be open to learning new skills and developing existing skills. Have a growth mindset
• You will be comfortable engaging with a wide range, and different types of people. Building and managing positive, open relationships with people of all ages and stages of life
• Demonstrate an ability to work collaboratively with internal and external stakeholders/customers
• Experience writing operational planning documentation, or significant comparable report writing experience
• Can demonstrate an understanding of the intelligence cycle
• Experience working within a risk management framework

Requirements To Apply

To work for the New Zealand Customs Service in this role, you must be able to meet the following requirements:

• Must successfully complete the HSU Level 1 HUMINT 7 week course
• Ability to obtain and maintain a Top Secret level security clearance
• Be a New Zealand Citizen or New Zealand Permanent Resident
• Residing in New Zealand at the time of application
• Have resided continuously in New Zealand for the last 10 years
• Must have a clear Police record and be able to obtain an Organisational Security clearance
• Hold a full New Zealand drivers licence

Already having a Top Secret clearance is a benefit, but not a requirement. We\'ll guide you through the process. You will also be asked to complete a medical check, drug screening and a physical fitness test.

(*) If you are a New Zealand Citizen or New Zealand Permanent Resident who has resided in New Zealand for the last 10 years but have been absent from New Zealand for periods of 6-9 months within the past 10 years, preferably in one or more of the following countries: either Australia, Canada, UK or the USA then you may still meet the requirements for a \'secret\' clearance. You will be required to provide overseas Police certificates for these periods spent outside of New Zealand.

(**) The physical test, which is part of the recruitment process, measures you against average levels of fitness for your age and gender. You will need to pass the Beep Test to \"average\" level (you can find out more about the Beep test online) and some strength based tests.

What we offer | He aha mātou e tuku

Our people have opportunities to complete on-the-job training, formal courses and leadership programmes, as well as the chance to move across 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.

How to apply | Me pehea te whakauru

Please apply online. You will be asked to outline your relevant skills and experience in human intelligence or relationship management and a few competency based questions, 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 experience. We have some specific questions about that in our online process. It\'s best to set aside some time when you won\'t be interrupted.

If shortlisted, you will be asked to participate in a practical assessment and complete online psychometric testing which includes a personality and leadership growth profile that can be used to aid your career development.

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

Applications close at 5pm on Monday 6 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.