Behavioural Detection Officers - Auckland

The Civil Aviation Authority and the Aviation Security Service offer distinctively different career opportunities and embrace diverse talent. All jobs at the Authority contribute to ensuring safe and secure skies to help New Zealand fly.

The Civil Aviation Authority is the regulatory arm of our organisation and the Aviation Security Service is the nationwide provider for aviation security.

Behavioural Detection Officer
Behavioural Detection Unit | Aviation Security Group
$72,187 per-annum

We are seeking passionate and dedicated individuals to join our team as Behavioural Detection Officers (BDO) based at Auckland Airport from 23/06/2025, to help keep our skies safe and secure. 

About the role
The role BDO is to identify out of the ordinary behaviour displayed by individuals with criminal and or malicious intent, who may exhibit behavioural indicators that stem from a fear of discovery. As the role is due to start in June, we will be prioritising immediately available candidates.

Key competencies
BDOs are involved in critical situations demanding on-the-spot decisions to be made with good judgment. The role requires quick and decisive action, but not at the expense of quality decision making.  To be successful you must demonstrate a high level of interpersonal skills, the ability to build rapport quickly, an eye for detail and have the ability to conduct difficult conversations. 

The foundation for achieving this is our values, which guide how we work and the behaviours we expect from each other:
Me mahi tahi – Collaboration. We work together to achieve and succeed
Me mahi pono – Transparency. We are open and honest communicators
Me mahi tika – Integrity. We do the right thing.
Me manaaki – Respect. We treat all people with consideration and kindness.
Kia tū rangatira ai – Professionalism. We act in a way that brings credit to ourselves and our organisation.

Key tasks

• Observe and engage with passengers, airport workers or members of the public to deliver enhanced security screening measures within the operational environment
• Attend any incident, self-initiated or referred, that requires behaviour assessment of a passenger, airport worker or member of the public
• Elicit information from the person of interest through targeted conversation and behaviour questioning
• De-escalate situations and manage critical incidents
• Liaise with and assist other relevant stakeholders (NZ Customs, NZ Immigration, NZ Police)
• Gather and report on Intelligence of benefit to Aviation Security and other agencies
• Maintain a high level of operational readiness and be available to respond as and when required

Benefits

• An NZQA recognized qualification, only offered through the AvSec Behaviour Detection program in NZ
• Work phone, corporate uniform, and an annual allowance to cover role specific expenses 

BDOs are required to complete and maintain the following:

• Complete the BDO Training Course and continue to meet ongoing testing and training requirements
• Demonstrate a high degree of flexibility regarding working hours and work a 4-on 2-off shift cycle - changes at short notice can and will occur according to the risk-based approach of this position
• Must be physically fit and able to stand for long periods of time and walk long distances if required
• Be willing and able to deploy beyond Auckland at short notice if required
• Make decisions using your experience, risk assessment and initiative within the behaviour detection framework

 To be considered for this role, you must:

• Be immediately available
• Submit your CV and cover letter 
• Be a NZ citizen or resident, able to hold and maintain a “Secret” level NZ security clearance 
• Carry a full, clean, current NZ drivers licence
• Be willing to comply with all required Health and Safety procedures
• Be medically and physically fit, and willing to undertake a medical assessment by a licensed practitioner - including a drug and alcohol test

Apply now! For more information, email recruitment@caa.govt.nz, or refer to the position description. 

Applications close Monday, 05 May. Please note: if selected, you must be available to attend an in-person assessment centre in Auckland on Mon, 12 May.