Behavioural Detection Officer

Behavioural Detection Officers

Auckland Airport

Permanent Full-Time Roles | $72,187 per annum | Start date: April 2026

At the Civil Aviation Authority, we don’t just keep New Zealand’s skies safe and secure, we help shape the future of aviation. 

As the industry evolves, so do we, through innovative technology, new ways of working, and a team of people who are passionate about what they do. Now’s the time to get on board. We are building a forward-thinking, modern CAA, and we need people who want their work to matter. People who thrive on challenges, value collaboration, and want to make a positive impact every day. 

If you are ready to grow your career while helping keep one of New Zealand’s most vital sectors safe and secure, this is your opportunity. Step into a frontline role that makes a real difference. As a Behavioural Detection Officer (BDO), you will play a critical role in keeping travellers safe and secure.  

What You Will Do 

The role of the Behavioural Detection Officer (BDO) is to identify out of the ordinary behaviour displayed by individuals with criminal and or malicious intent. These individuals may exhibit behavioural indicators that stem from a fear of discovery. 

Your responsibilities will include: 

• Observe and engage with passengers, airport workers or members of the public to deliver enhanced security screening measures within the operational environment.

• Attend any incident, self-initiated or referred, that requires behaviour assessment of a passenger, airport worker or member of the public
• Elicit information from the person of interest through targeted conversation and behaviour questioning
• De-escalate situations and manage critical incidents
• Liaise with and assist other relevant stakeholders (NZ Customs, NZ Immigration, NZ Police)
• Gather and report on Intelligence of benefit to Aviation Security and other agencies
• Maintain a high level of operational readiness and be available to respond as and when required

 What We Offer

Our people are at the heart of everything we do, and we are proud of the professionalism, respect, and integrity they bring every day. In return, we offer:

• A competitive salary with regular reviews - your contribution is recognised and rewarded.
• Career development pathways and progression opportunities.
• Wellbeing support including health checks and medical insurance discounts.
• Generous leave provisions so you can balance work and life.
• Up to 4% KiwiSaver matched.
• A full uniform provided, so you are ready for action every day.

Training and Development

You will receive comprehensive, fully paid training, combining classroom learning with hands-on experience. Training will begin in April 2026.

About You 

You will thrive in high-pressure environments where sound judgment and timely decision-making are essential. You are confident engaging with people from all walks of life, able to build rapport quickly while maintaining attention to detail and conducting challenging conversations with professionalism and empathy.

You will bring:

• Strong interpersonal skills and experience dealing with the public.
• Cultural awareness and empathy when engaging with diverse communities.
• Confidence making quality decisions in dynamic, fast-paced situations.

To join our team, you must:

• Have NZ/Australian citizenship or NZ residency with the ability to hold and maintain a NZ security clearance to “Secret” level.
• Be comfortable working in a fast-paced, noisy, and often distracting environment that requires you to maintain strong focus and concentration.
• Be comfortable with change and prepared to work according to a roster that can switch at short notice during your shift, depending on operational needs on the day. 
• Be flexible to work a rostered shift pattern of 4 days on, 2 days off (including days, evenings, weekends and public holidays).
• Be willing and able to deploy beyond Auckland at short notice if required.
• Be medically fit and willing to undergo a medical assessment.
• Be available for an in-person assessment centre and interview in end of January and beginning of February.

Because safety is at the heart of everything we do, all applicants will be asked to complete some pre-employment questions. This helps us make sure you will be safe and supported in the Behavioural Detection Officer role. There are a small number of medical conditions that may not be compatible with the duties of this position. Please note on your application form anything that you think may impact your ability to do the role. 

To check out all our benefits and entry requirements, click on the link below Aviation security careers | aviation.govt.nz . 

Ready to apply?

Submit your application with an updated CV online by Sunday 18/01/2026. For more information, please refer to the position description, or visit our careers page.

If you have any questions about this role, please contact us on recruitment@caa.govt.nz.