Frequently Asked Question
Q
What types of jobs are there in Customs? (AREAS OF INTEREST)
A
Types of Jobs in Customs
There are the following types of jobs in Customs.
Customs generalist
Customs officers who inspect and evaluate people or goods, applying knowledge of legislation relevant to Customs work. Computer confidence is also important. May work
- at international airports, evaluating passengers to detect anyone who is carrying drugs or other prohibited items, or evading Customs duties, or attempting to enter the country illegally
- at ports or inspections facilities, or travel to client sites, to examine and clear goods
- in Customs Client Service teams, advising clients on Customs requirements.
Call Centre
A one-stop-shop for enquirers, located in Auckland, generally staffed by experienced Customs officers.
Customs Act Audit
Undertake audits of importers, exporters, brokers etc to ensure compliance with Customs legislation.
Customs Technical Unit
Provides investigative technical expertise to support border enforcement. Requires expertise with electronic surveillance equipment.
Intelligence
Obtains, analyses and disseminates information to enable Customs to detect potential offending and target risk areas. Requires proven analytical ability and good report writing skills.
Investigations
Investigate offences relating to the unlawful importation/exportation of controlled drugs and other prohibited goods, or where there is serious revenue fraud.
Risk Response
Teams of Customs officers who are mobile and respond rapidly to border threats. Based in Auckland or Christchurch, but travel extensively, often operate at sea, or at ports, or sometimes in remote locations on land.
Tariff Classification
Assists Customs clients with tariff classification rulings on their products. Requires an in-depth knowledge of the tariff classification system and the ability to write reports.
Administrative Support
Provide logistical support in a range of areas, including, for instance, facilities management, health and safety management, purchasing, and organising travel.
Applications Development
A small group of IT professionals primarily based in Wellington who develop and design business application systems to support Customs objectives.
Business Analysis
Improves service delivery within a business unit through analysis of processes and development of improvements.
Communications
Includes a small number of communications (PR) staff based in Wellington and Auckland, and a small Information Delivery Unit based in Dunedin.
Data Entry
Customs employs a small number of DEOs to input financial or other data with a high degree of speed and accuracy.
Finance
Roles in Finance include accountants (financial and management), and accounts support. Primarily but not exclusively Wellington based. Also part of Finance is the Customs Credit Control team, based in Auckland, which recovers outstanding Customs revenue collection.
Human Resources
The key function of our Human Resources team is to build organisational capability to deliver business outcomes. Including employee relations, remuneration, HR policy development, health and safety, HRIS administration and analysis.
Internal Audit
In Customs this is a very small group based in Wellington that provides the Chief Executive with independent advice and assurance on the effectiveness of internal controls and safeguards over strategic, operational, financial and other business risks including information system risks.
Legal
- A small group of Solicitors in Wellington and Auckland who provide legal advice on matters affecting the New Zealand Customs Service
- A small Prosecutions team, part of the Investigations group in Auckland, who manage prosecution actions, co-ordinate cases, brief witnesses etc.
Management
Management positions in Customs include team leaders, Level 3 Managers, and National Managers.
Payroll
Provides an in-house payroll service.
Personal/Executive Assistant
Provides secretarial and logistical support to a senior manager and their team.
Policy Analysis
Provides a Customs contribution to the broader policy dialogue in areas such as border policy, international trade, law enforcement and defence.
Trade Analysis
Provides advice, support and guidance, develop policy and procedures, and investigate matters relating to New Zealand's international trade agreements, Customs valuation, tariff preference and trade matters.
Training and Development
Customs maintains a strong in-house training and development effort focused on performance development. Includes curriculum development and delivery.
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