Senior Customs Officers Grade 1 (SCO G1) - Electronic Forensics Unit (EFU)

Mō tēnei tūranga mahi | About this role

What we do matters…

Join the team that examines devices to help protect (whakahaumaru) New Zealand communities.

Customs Electronic Forensics Unit (EFU) use advanced methods to examine electronic media and devices, and we are currently looking for proactive and creative thinking people to join our team. We're looking for a Senior Customs Officer (SCO) Grade 1.

In this role you will work closely with Customs Child Exploitation Operations Team (CEOT), Drug Investigation Unit and Fraud/Revenue Team.

About this role| Mō tēnei tūranga mahi

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 have strong support systems in place for our teams.

As an EFU team member you will work from Customs locations in Auckland, although you will also be out in the field (around Aotearoa) and working in diverse environments, and at times unpredictable hours. You'll work with a team of dedicated digital forensic practitioners in Customs and across other agencies in scenarios beyond anything you'd encounter in your usual nine-to-five.

We are looking for people who care about their team and work well with others - you're approachable, supportive and willing to help.

The salary band for this role is $81,992 - $103,053 plus an annual allowance of $16,109.

The role typically involves:

• Being involved with operational activity out in the field
• Examining electronic forensic images and content and recover digital evidence
• Managing evidence and prepare files to an evidential standard
• Being a recognised as a court expert. This means writing clear and accurate reports, and being a confident public speaker
• Analysing electronic data, identify trends, report intelligence for further action
• Ideally being accredited as a forensic professional. If you do not already hold forensic accreditation, you will be prepared to work towards gaining this.

About you | Ko wai koe

You need to be quick thinking, with a diagnostic mind, and can use the latest technologies and digital tools. A knowledge of - and background in - electronic or digital forensics as well as experience in the field would be advantageous. Ideally you will have an understanding of investigative techniques and legislative processes. 

In addition to your technical skills, you'll need to be methodical and dedicated to working to a high standard, and with the utmost discretion and care. Level-headedness and sound judgement are important - you'll use these to handle sensitive information and situations well and stay calm and composed in challenging situations. You'll need to be good at explaining technical terms in a way that a non-technical person can understand.

Why work for us?

We asked a team member: "Why did you want to join the team and what keeps you here?"

They said… "To work with like-minded and motivated people, work with the latest technology and equipment to target criminals, and the opportunity to undertake challenging and varied electronic forensics training courses that can be used in Customs.

"I enjoy the variety, and the fact we can be working in the office one day or deploying elsewhere in New Zealand and working remotely with mobile equipment supporting Customs or partner agency operations the next.  There is a large amount of expertise around me that I can tap into and learn from. If you're driven, self-motivated, willing to learn and interested in technology and electronic forensics, it's a great place to be."

Requirements to apply | Ngā paearu hei tono

As part of the recruitment process, you will need to obtain and maintain a Top Secret* level national security clearance. You must have a background history that is verifiable and can be assessed as appropriate by the New Zealand Security Intelligence Service towards a recommendation of suitability for security clearance at a higher level. Already having Top Secret clearance is a benefit, but not a requirement.

(*) a New Zealand Citizen or New Zealand Permanent Resident, who

• resides in NZ at time of application, and
• has resided continuously in New Zealand for the last 10 years or
• has been absent from New Zealand for periods of six or more months within the past 10 years, in one or more of the following countries: Australia, Canada, UK, USA.

Due to the nature of Customs work you must have a clear Police record.  Successful applicants are also required to pass a medical assessment and drug test and must hold or obtain a full NZ Drivers' licence. You will also need to pass a physical fitness test (PFT).

How to apply | Me pehea te whakauru

Please apply online. You will be asked to outline your relevant skills and experience and answer some competency-based questions.  The online application process takes a bit of time and requires you to provide examples of previous work - specific questions are asked in the online process. It's best to set aside some time when you won't be interrupted.

If shortlisted, you will be asked to undertake a technical assessment.  You may also be asked to complete online psychometric testing as part of the process.

Any questions or queries, please contact recruitment@customs.govt.nz 

Applications close on Thursday, 19^th September 2024 at 5:00pm

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. We also support flexible working arrangements.