Surveillance Officer

New Zealand Government; Auckland; On-site; NZD 74,000 - 79,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Accommodation provided

Travel allowance

Intensive training course

Job summary

New Zealand Security Intelligence Service (NZSIS) seeks a Surveillance Officer to conduct foot, static, and mobile surveillance. You’ll work with a diverse team in Auckland or Wellington, using tradecraft and tech to collect intelligence for national security.

The role requires strong observation, adaptability, and teamwork. It includes a 4-month training course, travel when needed, and progression to a permanent position upon completion.

Qualifications

• Excellent observation and navigational skills.
• Ability to adapt in fast-paced environments.
• Strong teamwork and self-motivation for independent tasks.

Responsibilities

• Conduct foot, static and mobile surveillance as part of a diverse team.
• Operate using field tradecraft and technology to collect intelligence.
• Work in Auckland or Wellington with occasional travel and long hours.
• Maintain physical fitness and comply with training and security requirements.

Skills

Multitasking

Self-motivated

Adaptability

Teamwork

Observation skills

Flexibility

Navigational skills

Resilience

Job description

Join our diverse and talented people and work at the heart of national security, providing essential intelligence to the NZ government to protect New Zealand and its people.

At the New Zealand Security Intelligence Service (NZSIS) | Te Pā Whakamarumaru, we are dedicated to our mission of keeping Aotearoa New Zealand and our people safe and secure. We collect and analyse intelligence and security concerns to protect New Zealand from threats such as foreign interference, espionage and terrorism.

Do you have excellent observation skills? Do you enjoy people watching at coffee shops? The New Zealand Intelligence Service (NZSIS) are seeking self-motivated, enthusiastic and committed people from all walks of life to become a Surveillance Officer.

About the role

As a Surveillance Officer you'll conduct foot, static and mobile surveillance against subjects of security interest. You’ll work as part of a diverse team, based in either Wellington or Auckland, using operational tradecraft and technology, to collect intelligence, and enable national security investigations. This is a unique opportunity to make a real difference to the safety and security of New Zealand. It is an enormously rewarding job for someone who thrives in an unpredictable and challenging environment. No prior experience of intelligence, or law enforcement or other security related roles is required. Our specialised training will prepare you for this unique career, and a range of professional development opportunities await.

Who we are looking for

• The ability to multi-task and adapt effectively within fast-paced and variable environments
• A self-motivated attitude; and having the ability to manage long periods of inactivity, whilst remaining able to respond quickly
• A high level of flexibility, adaptability and resilience
• Exceptional observation and navigational skills
• The ability to work collaboratively as a team to achieve results

The role entails working unsociable hours with potential domestic travel at short notice. This can be demanding on your personal life so you will need an understanding and/or supportive home environment to make this job work. We need you to be physically fit with no impediments to sitting or being active for long periods of time.

Key points in our selection process

If shortlisted and progressed through the recruitment process, you may be invited to complete the following activities:

• Cognitive and psychometric testing
• Assessment centres - scheduled for mid Feb & early-mid March 2027
• An interview

Successful applicants will start in February 2028 and are required to commit to an intensive 4 month training course. The course takes place predominantly in Auckland and Wellington, with travel to other New Zealand cities. Accommodation and travel will be provided to those from out of town for the duration of the course. The training is a pass/fail course and after successfully completing this you will become employed as a permanent Surveillance Officer.

Level 1 Surveillance Officers begin with a salary in the range of $73,684 - $78,596, but will progress based on training and achievement.

This is a multi-level position allowing for career progression in the future. To cater for the uniqueness and unpredictability of this role, you will receive a $10K allowance on top of your salary, upon successful completion of the course.

Before you apply

Working within our unique environment means we have to ensure you're eligible for employment.

• Have been a New Zealand Citizen for at least 10 years OR Hold a current NZ Residency Class Visa and ideally have been a citizen of the UK, USA, Canada or Australia for at least 10 years
• Be eligible to obtain a Top Secret Special (TSS) security clearance
• Ordinarily, this means you'll have a 15 year checkable background in countries NZSIS Vetting can make meaningful and reliable checks. Still unsure? Use this online tool to self-check your eligibility for a TSS security clearance: http://www.protectivesecurity.govt.nz/eligibility-tool

You’ll also need a clean, full, current NZ driver's licence.

Applications close Thursday 29th October 2026.

The NZIC treats all applications for employment in the strictest confidence and we expect that you maintain a similar level of confidentiality during the recruitment process and throughout your career.

We'll provide you with information and tips throughout the recruitment process, but in the meantime check out our Myth Busting booklet: What to expect | Beyond Ordinary Careers. You can also learn more about our work and understand our areas of focus by reading New Zealand's Security Threat Environment | New Zealand Security Intelligence Service.