Surveillance Officer

Join our diverse and talented people and work at the heart of national security, providing essential intelligence to the NZ government to protect New Zealand and its people.

At the New Zealand Security Intelligence Service (NZSIS) | Te Pā Whakamarumaru, we are dedicated to our mission of keeping Aotearoa New Zealand and our people safe and secure. We collect and analyse intelligence and security concerns to protect New Zealand from threats such as foreign interference, espionage and terrorism.

Do you have excellent observation skills? Do you enjoy people watching at coffee shops?

The New Zealand Intelligence Service (NZSIS) are seeking self-motivated, enthusiastic and committed people from all walks of life to become a Surveillance Officer.

About the role:

As a Surveillance Officer you'll conduct foot, static and mobile surveillance against subjects of security interest. You’ll work as part of a diverse team, based in either Wellington or Auckland, using operational tradecraft and technology, to collect intelligence, and enable national security investigations.

This is a unique opportunity to make a real difference to the safety and security of New Zealand. It is an enormously rewarding job for someone who thrives in an unpredictable and challenging environment. No prior experience of intelligence, or law enforcement or other security related roles is required. Our specialised training will prepare you for this unique career, and a range of professional development opportunities await.

Who we are looking for:

We are looking for someone who has:

The ability to multi-task and adapt effectively within fast-paced and variable environments
A self-motivated attitude; and having the ability to manage long periods of inactivity, whilst remaining able to respond quickly
A high level of flexibility, adaptability and resilience
Exceptional observation and navigational skills
The ability to work collaboratively as a team to achieve results
The role entails working unsociable hours with potential domestic travel at short notice. This can be demanding on your personal life so you will need an understanding and/or supportive home environment to make this job work. We need you to be physically fit with no impediments to sitting or being active for long periods of time.

Key points in our selection process:

If shortlisted and progressed through the recruitment process, you may be invited to complete the following activities:

Cognitive and psychometric testing
Assessment centres - scheduled for end July/August
An interview
Successful applicants will start in March/April 2027, and are required to commit to an intensive 4 month training course. The course takes place predominantly in Auckland and Wellington, with travel to other New Zealand cities. Accommodation and travel will be provided to those from out of town for the duration of the course.

The training is a pass/fail course and after successfully completing this you will become employed as a permanent Surveillance Officer. Level 1 Surveillance Officers begin with a salary in the range of $73,684 - $78,596, but will progress based on training and achievement.

This is a multi-level position allowing for career progression in the future. To cater for the uniqueness and unpredictability of this role, you will receive a $10K allowance on top of your salary, upon successful completion of the course.

Thinking of applying?

If you are observant and a quick thinker, have a good memory, and can comfortably fit into a range of environments then we'd love to hear from you! You'll also need a clean, full, current NZ driver’s licence.

Please include in your application an up-to-date CV and Cover Letter.

Additionally, please include an additional page, or annex, to your cover letter answering the below questions:

What are the core behaviours that underpin the values of the GCSB & NZSIS?
Which of these behaviours resonates with you the most and explain how it would shape the way you contribute in this role.
Our behaviours can be found on the Beyond Ordinary website.

Applications close Wednesday 18th February.

Before you apply

Working within our unique environment means we have to ensure you're eligible for employment.

You must:

Have been a New Zealand Citizen for at least 10 years
OR

Hold a current NZ Residency Class Visa and ideally have been a citizen of the UK, USA, Canada or Australia for at least 10 years

Be eligible to obtain a Top Secret Special (TSS) security clearance
Ordinarily, this means you'll have a 15 year checkable background in countries NZSIS Vetting can make meaningful and reliable checks.
Still unsure? Use this online tool to self-check your eligibility for a TSS security clearance: http://www.protectivesecurity.govt.nz/eligibility-tool

The NZIC treats all applications for employment in the strictest confidence and we expect that you maintain a similar level of confidentiality during the recruitment process and throughout your career.

We'll provide you with information and tips throughout the recruitment process, but in the meantime check out our Myth Busting booklet: What to expect | Beyond Ordinary Careers

You can also learn more about our work and understand our areas of focus by reading New Zealand's Security Threat Environment | New Zealand Security Intelligence Service

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $73,684.00 – $131,622.00 per year

Work Location: In person