Operations Centre (Gateway) Operator - Senior Customs Officer Grade 1

• Are you interested in developing or furthering a career at the New Zealand Customs Service, within the Intelligence, Investigations and Enforcement (II&E) Group?

This opportunity will have you working in the Ops Support Operations Centre (Gateway), alongside Customs Surveillance (CSU) and Customs Technical (CTU) teams supporting operations for Investigations and Intelligence.

About this team| Mō tēnei tīma

The Gateway works with both domestic and international partner agencies, providing specialised operational support to help protect our communities from Transnational & Serious Organised Crime (TSOC), the importation of illicit drugs, financial crime, child exploitation and smuggling syndicates.

The Gateway also benefits from exceptional working relationships with Customs Technical, Surveillance and Investigation teams.  This enables the unit to be a formidable opponent against TSOC, disrupting international syndicates and providing evidence to secure custodial sentences against those bringing harm and prohibited items into New Zealand.

We are looking for highly motivated people to become a Senior Customs Officer Grade 1 (SCO1) for Operations Support in this new Gateway role, reporting to the Supervising Customs Officer, Gateway.

About this role | Mō tēnei tūranga mahi

SCO1 Gateway Operators provide specialised operational support across Ops Support teams, Investigations, Intelligence, and joint agency operations.. The role manages multiple streams of information in a fast‑paced environment, correlating data from a range of platforms and databases to deliver a timely and accurate intelligence picture. Working with minimal supervision, Gateway Operators work to ensure the effective flow of critical information between operational teams and key stakeholders, supporting coordinated and informed decision‑making.You will be responsible for:

• Running the Operations Centre (Gateway) during CSU and/or CTU deployments, dependent on risk level.
• Utilising applications in the Gateway including CCTV and radio communications and in house applications.
• Participating in planning and supporting operational activity.
• Engaging with a wide range of internal and external stakeholders. 
• Assisting with the implementation of new technologies and the relevant guides and standard operating procedures.
• Completing basic intelligence checks across Customs databases and open-source. 
• Preparing operational briefing material and assisting with pre and post deployment administration.
• Assisting on projects and initiatives to develop and enhance the capability of the Gateway.

The nature of the work you will be involved in requires you to be available to work unpredictable and long hours at times. There will be times you will receive short or no notice around operational activity. The role is demanding, and we require a high level of commitment to achieve operational success, however the role has a level of flexibility in and around operational need and requirements.

The role is based in Auckland, although there may be a requirement to travel nationally to support operations. The salary range for this role is $67,745 – $86,742 plus an annual allowance of $16,286 for working unpredictable hours. 

About you | Ko wai koe

To thrive in this role, you'll bring:

• Experience with CCTV platforms and radio communications.
• Confidence operating several applications simultaneously.
• Excellent attention to detail and observation skills.
• Clear, concise and accurate communication skills in a high-pressure environment.
• Confidence undertaking basic open-source checks and using Customs internal databases.
• Problem solving skills and the ability to make sound decisions in a fast-paced environment, whilst having flexibility, adaptability and resilience to changing operational needs.
• Confidence operating in high pressure environments with small dynamics; you are committed to the team and their success.
• The ability to maintain effective working relationships with internal and external stakeholders at all levels in a professional manner.
• Understanding to apply relevant Customs and other legislations.

Requirements to apply | Ngā paearu hei tono

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

• 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.
• Have a full and unrestricted NZ driver’s licence.

Already having a Top Secret clearance is a benefit, but not a requirement. We'll guide you through the process.

(*) 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.

What’s involved | Ngā paearu hei tono

If shortlisted, you will be asked to complete online psychometric testing and undertake an assessment as part of the process. Assessment centres will be held on 2nd and 3rd March 2026. You will also be asked to complete a medical check, drug screening and a physical fitness test**.

(**) 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.

How to apply | Me pehea te whakauru

Please apply online.  You will be asked to outline your motivation for the role and 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 - specific questions are asked in the online process. It's best to set aside some time when you won't be interrupted.

 The closing date for this role is 5pm Monday 16 February 2026.

If you have any questions or queries, please contact Jasmine at [email protected].

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, consider flexible working arrangements and welcome applications from everyone who can meet the requirements of the role.