Job Description
Opportunity to lead an ACR Unit now in Invercargill!
Can you demonstrate strong leadership & planning skills?
Help lead our people through tough and challenging situations
He aha te kai o te rangatira? He Korero, he korero, he korero. What is the food of the leader? It is knowledge. It is communication.
Mo te tunga | About the role
When there is a serious threat to prison security, Advanced Control and Restraint (ACR) are deployed, allowing a greater level of response and assurance. An ACR Unit is made up of Corrections staff who receive specialist training to equip them when activated as part of a solution in response to a serious incident and/or security concern, led by a Unit Commander.
ACR's role is to provide an organised, timely and appropriate response to an incident in what is often a challenging, high pressure and complex situation. As part of a team, you will lead and work with and alongside ACR Members/Section Leaders and other key specialists (e.g. PNT) along with prison staff to ensure the safety of all involved to bring the situation to a resolution.
As a Unit Commander you will lead, coach and motivate, ACR team members, as part of a strong ACR command team. Unit Commanders are recognised for their expertise in emergency response and contribute to ongoing ACR training development, selection of new members, and other emergency response initiatives.
A Commander will also:
Assess a situation, recommending appropriate tactical options to bring about the safe resolution of an incident
Provide advise and guidance on suitable solutions, working with and alongside key stakeholders as required
Lead and train a team and oversee the deployment of resources during a response
Demonstrate high levels of situational and safety awareness
Ensure effective communication and conduct briefings
Exercise well developed judgement and leadership skills in what can be highly volatile and demanding situations
Demonstrate expert level knowledge of all tactical options, policies and guidance to all incident, emergency management and use of force related practices and guidelines
All ACR members can be activated at any time including during the night so you will need to commit to being available 24/7 when required.
Mou | About you
A current active member of ACR, you will also have strong leadership experience and leadership presence in order for you to be successful in this role. In addition, you will also be:
Skilled in planning, organising and executing a plan or approach
Adept at assessing risk and how best to manage risk
Collaborative and respected as a team player
Well respected as an expert in your field, clear on process, policy and legislation
Able to demonstrate your ability to adapt quickly to changing priorities and situations while also leading through an incident
A confident and clear communicator, commanding when needed as well as concise and clear when providing written plans and reports
If you feel you would like to utlise your leadership experience and develop this further in this specialist space, then start by preparing your application now!
Part of the selection process will include a current PRA, psychometric assessments, various selection elements (this may include but not limited to Interview, Scenario, Planning Exercises etc.) as well as you demonstrating your technical know-how in relation to Use of Force and tactical options etc., please click on the following links to assist with your preparation:
Tactical Options Manual
ACR Manual
Nga painga | The benefits
A Special Custodial Allowance is available as per the Frontline Prison Based Collective Agreements of $1500.00 per annum once qualified and officially designated. Additional standby allowances and meal allowances are also available when on standby and/or deployed. Please refer to the CANZ and PSA prison based Collective Agreements on Tatou for further information.
Mo matou | About us
Join Ara Poutama Aotearoa - Department of Corrections, where your work will contribute to improving public safety, reducing re-offending, and address the overrepresentation of Maori in correctional facilities. As a values-led organisation, we use the principles of rangatira (leadership), manaaki (respect), wairua (spirituality), kaitiaki (guardianship), and whanau (relationships) to guide our work and achieve the goals of our Hokai Rangi strategy.
We value inclusion and diversity in our workforce, and as a Public Service organisation we are committed to building a workforce that reflects the public we serve. We strive to make our recruitment process fair, and we encourage you to discuss reasonable accommodations with us if required.
Tono inaianei | Apply Now
To submit an application and view the position description, click the apply link. All applications must be submitted through our careers site to ensure transparency - applications received via email will not be considered.
When applying, please submit a tailored CV that clearly outlines your experience as well as a cover letter that is competency based highlighting your suitability as a Unit Commander for ACR including your alignment to our values.
Applications close on: Sunday, 26th April 2026
If you have any questions or want to learn more about a career with us, contact [email protected], or visit careers.corrections.govt.nz.
Can you demonstrate strong leadership & planning skills?
Help lead our people through tough and challenging situations
He aha te kai o te rangatira? He Korero, he korero, he korero. What is the food of the leader? It is knowledge. It is communication.
Mo te tunga | About the role
When there is a serious threat to prison security, Advanced Control and Restraint (ACR) are deployed, allowing a greater level of response and assurance. An ACR Unit is made up of Corrections staff who receive specialist training to equip them when activated as part of a solution in response to a serious incident and/or security concern, led by a Unit Commander.
ACR's role is to provide an organised, timely and appropriate response to an incident in what is often a challenging, high pressure and complex situation. As part of a team, you will lead and work with and alongside ACR Members/Section Leaders and other key specialists (e.g. PNT) along with prison staff to ensure the safety of all involved to bring the situation to a resolution.
As a Unit Commander you will lead, coach and motivate, ACR team members, as part of a strong ACR command team. Unit Commanders are recognised for their expertise in emergency response and contribute to ongoing ACR training development, selection of new members, and other emergency response initiatives.
A Commander will also:
Assess a situation, recommending appropriate tactical options to bring about the safe resolution of an incident
Provide advise and guidance on suitable solutions, working with and alongside key stakeholders as required
Lead and train a team and oversee the deployment of resources during a response
Demonstrate high levels of situational and safety awareness
Ensure effective communication and conduct briefings
Exercise well developed judgement and leadership skills in what can be highly volatile and demanding situations
Demonstrate expert level knowledge of all tactical options, policies and guidance to all incident, emergency management and use of force related practices and guidelines
All ACR members can be activated at any time including during the night so you will need to commit to being available 24/7 when required.
Mou | About you
A current active member of ACR, you will also have strong leadership experience and leadership presence in order for you to be successful in this role. In addition, you will also be:
Skilled in planning, organising and executing a plan or approach
Adept at assessing risk and how best to manage risk
Collaborative and respected as a team player
Well respected as an expert in your field, clear on process, policy and legislation
Able to demonstrate your ability to adapt quickly to changing priorities and situations while also leading through an incident
A confident and clear communicator, commanding when needed as well as concise and clear when providing written plans and reports
If you feel you would like to utlise your leadership experience and develop this further in this specialist space, then start by preparing your application now!
Part of the selection process will include a current PRA, psychometric assessments, various selection elements (this may include but not limited to Interview, Scenario, Planning Exercises etc.) as well as you demonstrating your technical know-how in relation to Use of Force and tactical options etc., please click on the following links to assist with your preparation:
Tactical Options Manual
ACR Manual
Nga painga | The benefits
A Special Custodial Allowance is available as per the Frontline Prison Based Collective Agreements of $1500.00 per annum once qualified and officially designated. Additional standby allowances and meal allowances are also available when on standby and/or deployed. Please refer to the CANZ and PSA prison based Collective Agreements on Tatou for further information.
Mo matou | About us
Join Ara Poutama Aotearoa - Department of Corrections, where your work will contribute to improving public safety, reducing re-offending, and address the overrepresentation of Maori in correctional facilities. As a values-led organisation, we use the principles of rangatira (leadership), manaaki (respect), wairua (spirituality), kaitiaki (guardianship), and whanau (relationships) to guide our work and achieve the goals of our Hokai Rangi strategy.
We value inclusion and diversity in our workforce, and as a Public Service organisation we are committed to building a workforce that reflects the public we serve. We strive to make our recruitment process fair, and we encourage you to discuss reasonable accommodations with us if required.
Tono inaianei | Apply Now
To submit an application and view the position description, click the apply link. All applications must be submitted through our careers site to ensure transparency - applications received via email will not be considered.
When applying, please submit a tailored CV that clearly outlines your experience as well as a cover letter that is competency based highlighting your suitability as a Unit Commander for ACR including your alignment to our values.
Applications close on: Sunday, 26th April 2026
If you have any questions or want to learn more about a career with us, contact [email protected], or visit careers.corrections.govt.nz.
💡 Quick Summary
Seeking a career-building opportunity? The ACR Unit Commander - Invercargill Prison position is now open for candidates interested in the Government Job Alert sector. This role in South Hillend offers a professional environment and growth potential.
Requirement Snapshot: Candidates should possess basic communication skills, a proactive attitude, and the ability to work in a team. Experience in Government Job Alert is a plus.
