New Position** Customs Technical Specialist (CTS)

Full job description
Looking to join a team that is contributing to help keep our borders and communities safe?

We have a technical specialist opportunity in our Electronic Forensic Unit (EFU). The EFU delivers electronic forensic services to assist in the investigation and prosecution of those persons/organisations engaged in the international trade of illicit commodities, child exploitation material and revenue fraud. The EFU is a team of tech-savvy problem solvers, unlocking information using advanced methods to recover and examine material from a range of electronic media and digital devices.


About this role | Mō tēnei tūranga mahi

As a Customs Technical Specialist- Forensic Analyst - EFU, you will act as the as technical developer of Forensic Analytical/Intelligence Tool Suites and you will pass on your knowledge to the wider II&E team through training, coaching and mentoring.


Working alongside your Chief Customs Officer (CCO), Customs Technical Specialist (CTS-Forensic Investigator) and Supervising Customs Officer (SupCo), you will

provide advice, expertise and effective development/delivery of the Forensic Analytical/Intelligence Tool Suites,
develop procedures and provide support to enable the extraction of evidence and actionable intelligence from electronic devices processed within these suites,
manage, report, mentor and train staff to optimise the use of the data within these suites,
develop the management of workflow and operating procedures for these suites,
liaise with the Senior Information Technology Specialists to ensure the stability of the network.
provide support to EFU activity

The EFU team deals with confronting information and images, including objectionable material that exploits children. You'll need resilience and the ability to separate your job from the rest of your life, leaving work at the door when you go home. We do have strong support systems in place for our teams.


Our EFU team relies on 24/7 and flexible coverage and there may be times when you are expected to provide support outside of normal business hours.


This position sits within a salary band of $111,628-$144,354 plus an annual allowance of $4,348 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:

Experience and knowledge in the field of electronic forensics
Ability to develop and deliver training in the electronic forensic field, specifically forensic analytical suites
Formal qualifications in the field of electronic forensics
Demonstrated ability to lead and navigate complex projects from start to completion
Understand the operating and political environment in which the EFU team operates
Strong problem solving and decision-making capability, including the ability to identify problems, manage or mitigate risks and implement innovative solutions that take immediate as well as longer term consequences into account
Assist in nurturing an environment that allows for a successful and inclusive team culture where everyone has a voice and which reflects the values and behaviours expected from Customs
Assist in providing the freedom for staff to thrive and expand their knowledge in reviewing electronic data acquired from devices.
Ability to work with and develop mitigation strategies around objectionable material
In-depth understanding of the wider agency operating and legal/political environments
Providing support and reporting to the CCO EFU and wider leadership group
Ability to maintain and hold qualifications with the Electronic Forensic Unit training framework
Ability to continue learning in the field of electronic forensics and part that knowledge to others across the II&E workgroup
Ability to obtain and maintain any required Security Clearances

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.
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 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 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 you have any queries, please contact Jasmine at recruitment@customs.govt.nz


Applications close at 5pm on Wednesday 20th August 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. New Zealand Customs Service | Te Mana Ārai o Aotearoa also support flexible working arrangements.


Job details
Reference #
45431

Posted on
06 Aug 2025

Closes on
20 Aug 2025

Location(s)
Auckland

Expertise
Customs Technical, Intelligence, Management

Job level(s)
Experienced, Team Leader

Work type(s)
Permanent Full Time

Additional attachment