Senior Customs Officer (SCO) Grade 2 - Senior Information Technology Specialist

Mō tēnei tūranga mahi | About this role

Looking to use your IT and networking skills to join a team that is contributing to keeping our borders and communities safe?

The role of the Senior IT Specialist within the Customs Technical Unit is to provide operational advice, technology development and support for digital collection systems across the operational business units in NZ Customs.

These digital systems are used in a range of specialised technical activities that contribute to the investigation of offences relating to the unlawful importation and exportation of illicit goods.

This role provides expert IT and network support, data storage and supporting the Information Technology strategic direction, including technological roadmap, for the CTU.

About this role | Mō tēnei tūranga mahi

As a Senior IT Specialist in the Customs Technical Unit, you will support the implementation and delivery of forensic platforms as well as undertaking specialist network administration activities.

Working collaboratively within a small IT Team, the Senior Information Technology Specialist will support activities within the CTU (Customs Technical Unit), EFU (Electronic Forensic Unit), and wider Operations Support environments across a broad range of functions, including but not limited to;

• Developing and documenting network systems and associated architecture, including the development of network diagrams and IT-related policies and procedures,
• Researching, developing and implementing specialist technologies to support operational activity.
• Maintaining hardware, firewalls, networks and end-point devices,
• Implementing, supporting and maintaining a specialist intelligence and forensic platform, including close collaboration with the platform's non-IT Technical Specialist,
• Ensuring compliance with both the NZISM and PSR.

This role requires 24/7 and flexible coverage and there will be times when you are expected to provide support outside of normal business hours.

This position sits within a salary band of $95,036 - $122,544 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:

• ability to obtain and maintain a Top-Secret Security Clearance.
• extensive knowledge and hands-on experience with on premise IT networks, including the configuration and securing of switches, servers (both physical and virtual) and firewalls.
• in-depth knowledge of networking, such as TCP/IP, DNS, VLAN's and routing protocols.
• experience building and maintaining strong relationships with New Zealand IT service providers.
• experience in the design and implementation of architecture solutions to meet both cyber security and operational requirements.
• experience in managing IT infrastructure including Windows Server, Linux, SQL Server, Active Directory, endpoint security platforms and mobile device management platforms.
• strong understanding of information security frameworks such as the NZISM or similar.
• recognised formal IT and/or cyber security qualifications and/or industry experience.
• previous IT and cyber security experience managing complex networks, ideally but not essentially within the Defence, Government, Law Enforcement or similar industries.
• strong problem solving and decision-making capability, including the ability to identify problems, manage or mitigate risks and implement innovative solutions.
• ability to think both critically and analytically to find solutions to complex technical problems.
• ability to provide support outside of business hours, including weekends and/or public holidays.

What we offer | He aha mātou e tuku

At Customs 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 an 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 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

The closing date for this role is 28th August 2025 at 5pm.