Assistant Customs Officers - Auckland

Job details
Job type
Full-time
Shift and schedule
Weekend availability
Shift work
 
Location
Auckland City, Auckland
 
Full job description
Want to be part of the team that helps protect New Zealand's borders?
Get your career started with NZ Customs | Te Mana Arai o Aotearoa!
We have an opportunity to join the New Zealand Customs Service | Te Mana Arai o Aotearoa - in a frontline role where your work directly contributes to the safety, security, and integrity of our borders. Based at Auckland International Airport, our Assistant Customs Officers are the first line of defence, ensuring compliance with border laws and regulations whilst maintaining a professional and respectful presence.

This is a unique opportunity to begin a career in border protection and enforcement, in a fast-paced, high-stakes environment where your actions make a real difference.


What we offer | He aha m tou e tuku

We're committed to building a workforce that's resilient, capable, and proud to serve.
At Customs | Te Mana Arai, you'll find:

A role where your work protects New Zealand | Aotearoa from risks and threats at the border
Comprehensive training, including Officer Safety Tactics (OST) and legal compliance procedures
Career progression pathways into enforcement, investigations, and specialist roles
Competitive remuneration: base salary of $55,614 + shift allowance of $13,237 per annum
Additional benefits: 20 days annual leave + 3 extra paid days over Christmas/New Year, discounted health insurance through Southern Cross, free flu vaccinations, full uniform including boots, and free parking.
About the role | Mo tenei turanga mahi

As an Assistant Customs Officer, we will train you to:

Monitor and assess passenger behaviour for potential risk indicators
Support enforcement operations, including revenue collection and compliance checks
Assist in the processing of NZ Traveller Declarations, ensuring accuracy and legal compliance
Escalate and report suspicious activity
Maintain secure and accurate records in line with operational requirements
Work collaboratively with other border agencies to protect our borders.
This is a full-time, rostered role (6 days on, 3 days off), with shifts covering weekends, nights, and public holidays. The next intake begins March 2026.

About you | Ko wai koe

We're looking for people who are:

Alert, observant, and confident in often, high-pressure situations
Naturally curious and have an enquiring mind
Committed to an enforcement-oriented role and who can conduct themselves with integrity and professionalism
Able to communicate clearly and assertively
Physically fit, with the stamina to work on your feet, and walk often lengthy distances around the international terminal
Tech-savvy, with the ability to learn and use Customs systems effectively
Reliable and team-oriented, with a strong sense of duty and accountability.
Previous experience in a customer facing role, security, or enforcement is an advantage but not essential - we'll provide the training you need.

Working for Customs | Mahi ki te Mana Arai o Aotearoa

To work for the New Zealand Customs Service | Te Mana Arai o Aotearoa 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 5 years
Hold a full NZ Driver's licence at the time of application
Successful applicants are also required to pass a medical assessment, drug test and have a clear Police record.
() If you are a New Zealand Citizen or New Zealand Permanent Resident who has resided in New Zealand for the last 5 years but have been absent from New Zealand for periods of 6-9 months within the past five years, preferably in one or more of the following countries: either Australia, Canada, UK or the USA then you will be required to provide overseas Police certificates for these periods spent outside of New Zealand.

How to apply | Me pehea te whakauru

If you meet the requirements above, we welcome your application so please apply online - we cannot accept applications via email - you must apply using the link provided.

Applications close on Sunday, 12th October 2026 at 11pm.

() Please apply as soon as you can as we process applications as they are received and will fill places on our assessment centres as applications are progressed. This opportunity may therefore close earlier.

Note - we will be holding assessment centres during 4-6 November 2026 in Manukau. If you are unable to attend an assessment centre, unfortunately we will not be able to progress your application at this time.

New Zealand Customs Service | Te Mana Arai 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.