- Want to lead a team which is targeting and disrupting transnational organised crime at our borders?
We have an opportunity for a highly skilled and capable covert human intelligence source, Customs Technical Specialist (CTS), to join the Custom Human Source Unit (HSU).
Human Intelligence (HUMINT) is a vital intelligence stream that supports Government's commitment to addressing the harms caused by the importation of illicit drugs, revenue fraud (illegal Tobacco) and other cross-border offences.
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 and influence skills are essential to this work because we gather our information through the relationships we form and the trust that we build.
This role has a variety of functions from supporting complex human source operations, developing training and policy, working closely with partner agencies, and leading the development of capability and capacity growth for the HSU. This role is Auckland based.
About this role | Mō tēnei tūranga mahi
This role is for a Customs Technical Specialist - HSU, which means you'll be leading and influencing people, operational work and capability and capacity growth. You will have deep knowledge and experience as a senior human source practitioner, and demonstrable leadership skills and experience coaching and mentoring others. You will have a high emotional intelligence, be approachable, supportive and always willing to help. You lead with your team members' wellbeing in mind. You remain calm and level-headed in stressful and dynamic situations.
As a CTS, you'll need to lead the development of your team, provide robust advice on operational activities and risk, liaise with internal and external stakeholders, support complex operational planning, and lead on development of training and human source policy. You'll create and review processes to manage work and make improvements, along with assessing team members' work in the field and as well as in the office. You will foster open, trust-based relationships and model the values, integrity and discretion expected of all team members.
Working alongside your Chief Customs Officer, and the Supervising Customs Officer, you will be assisting with the overall direction and leadership of the team.
Our HSU team relies on flexible coverage. As an operational leader, like your team, there may be times when you are expected to work out of hours or be flexible with start times dependent on operational activity. You may also need to work on weekends and holidays. HSU is based in Auckland but has national coverage so you may be required to deploy to other regions.
This position sits within a salary band of $111,668 - $144,354 plus an annual allowance of $16,286 for working unpredictable hours.
About you | Ko wai koe
To be successful in this role you will need to be able to demonstrate the following:
- Successfully completed the Customs HUMINT training course or equivalent human source training programme
- Greater than five years' experience in whole of case source management for criminal or high risk human intelligence (HUMINT) operations in criminal environments, and a deep understanding of risk management within HUMINT collection operations.
- Experience and knowledge of conducting HUMINT collection operations in a multiagency, legal/political environments
- Evidenced strength in translating organisational priorities into goals, strategies and plans to ensure results are achieved
- Evidenced ability to contribute to training delivery and operational policies in the HUMINT field.
- Strong problem solving and decision making capability, including the ability to identify problems, manage or mitigate risks and implement innovative solutions that take immediate and longer term consequences into account
- Experience in developing team members and building a strong team culture that reflects the values of the organisation
- Proven ability to write business cases, briefings and reporting to a high standard. Experience in delivering briefings to a senior audience
- Hold an unrestricted, full drivers licence
- Be able to meet and maintain all physical requirements for the role which include medical assessments, Physical Fitness Test (PFT), and officer and safety tactics (to a minimum of level 2)
- Ability to achieve and maintain an organisational security clearance and security clearance at Top Secret* level.
What we offer | He aha mātou e tuku
At Customs | Te Mana Ārai, we aim to create a great place to work, where our people have a sense of belonging and the capability and desire to meet our future challenges. We are an organisation that is clear about our mission and this is underpinned by Te Pou Tokomanawa (the Foundations) and our Whanonga Pono (Values). Our work really matters to the safety and success of New Zealand.
We care about well-being, personal growth, and job satisfaction, which is supported through:
- offering on-the-job training, formal courses and leadership programmes, and the chance to move across diverse roles.
- fostering inclusive and supportive team environment with vibrant social and cultural groups.
- supporting flexible working - talk to us about how we can help you achieve your flexible working goals, within our operational requirements.
- providing discounted health insurance, and free on-site gyms (in some locations).
- Three days of service holidays, in addition to four weeks of annual leave.
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:
- 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.
- Full New Zealand drivers licence
- Ability to obtain and maintain a Top Secret* security clearance.
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 fitness 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 interest in working for Customs along with your relevant skills and experience. There will also be some competency-based questions. It is best to set aside some time to apply where you won't be interrupted.
If shortlisted, you will be required to take a psychometric assessment.
If you have any queries, please contact Jasmine at recruitment@customs.govt.nz
Applications close at 5pm on Friday 22nd August 2025.