Technical Specialist, Security Regulation

• Use your technical skills to apply innovative solutions to improve aviation safety
• Collaborate with government bodies, international regulators, and other participants to keep our skies safe!
• Wellington, National Office or Auckland location

By joining us, you will be part of a team where meaningful work, collaboration and innovation come together to help keep New Zealand’s skies safe and secure.

At the Civil Aviation Authority of New Zealand, we are constantly evolving to meet the demands of a changing environment and the aviation industry.

Recent legislative changes, along with an organisational realignment, have opened exciting new opportunities across the Authority.  These changes are part of a broader effort to better position our teams for the future by enabling us to be more collaborative, efficient and effective in everything we do. 

As we step confidently into our role as a modern regulator, we are embracing intelligence-led, risk-based approaches that help us make a real difference for our people and the communities we serve – with a strong value-for-money ethos. We’re also committed to enabling aviation participants to support economic growth in New Zealand's aviation sector.

About the role

The Technical Specialist Security Regulation is a critical and exciting opportunity for an enthusiastic professional looking to make a real difference. Everything we do is related to our vision and purpose – a safe and secure aviation system – so people are safe and feel safe when they fly. To achieve our vision, we regulate and oversee numerous participants who each have specific security duties, including regulated air cargo agents (RACA), airlines (foreign and domestic), air traffic service organisations airports, and support aviation security service providers. 

We also play a critical role across government and internationally to connect Ministries, other agencies, and international regulators with New Zealand’s civil aviation system.  Our approach to ensuring an integrated, safe, responsive and sustainable system is guided by the CAA Regulatory Safety and Security Strategy.

 
This is a permanent National Office position, however, there is flexibility for this role to be based in either Auckland or Wellington. National travel will also be required from time to time.

The salary band for this position goes from $98,689 to $137,630 with the mid-range being $115,378. Starting salaries will be based on knowledge, skills and experience the successful candidate brings to the role, and relativities both, within the immediate team and in the broader Authority for the same or similar roles.

What You’ll Bring

We are looking for highly motivated technical specialists with experience working in a regulatory environment. To be successful in this role you will possess:
 

• Skills at leading and supporting regulatory lifecycle activities including certifications, audits, inspections, investigations, interviews, and other critical aviation security functions.
• Proven ability to manage relationships and influence stakeholders both internally and externally, preferably at a national and international level.
• Capable of interpreting and applying laws, regulations, standards, and guidance materials.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills to clearly convey complex technical information to diverse audiences.
• Solid understanding of risk management, audit, and assurance principles.
• Experienced in documenting regulatory outcomes. This includes assessing and responding to corrective actions that seek to improve and manage risk.
• Proficiency at providing timely, technical regulatory advice to support decisions that improve system performance.
• Effective at problem-solving and managing competing priorities while delivering high-quality, detailed regulatory reports.
• Confident at making evidence-based decisions that may be subject to scrutiny, review, or appeal.
• Actively contributes to knowledge of best practices, emerging threats, and trends in aviation security regulation and practice.
• We have a dedicated regulatory learning pathway and will provide ongoing training and support to equip you with the necessary skills to obtain a warrant and exercise delegated authority.
• Aviation security technical expertise in one or more subject matter areas, e.g. aerodrome, airport, air cargo security (desirable).

What do you need?

You must be able to obtain and maintain a Top-Secret security clearance. Use this online tool to self-check your eligibility for a Top-Secret security clearance. Please note this tool is not part of the formal security clearance process: http://www.protectivesecurity.govt.nz/eligibility-tool
 

About Us

Our Values – Professionalism, Respect, Integrity, Transparency, and Collaboration – represent the standards of behaviour we uphold and guide how we work at the Authority. We embrace diversity and are committed to providing an inclusive environment where our people feel respected, safe, and valued for their unique contributions. We recognise that our people drive our success. 

Apply directly by completing the online application form and submit your CV and Cover Letter. Note: your cover letter will be a key part of our assessment process, so please highlight how your experience relates to the key skills required for this role.

We want to ensure accessibility needs are well supported, so the recruitment process is fair and equitable for all. Therefore, please let us know if there is any support, we can provide to ensure the recruitment process is fully accessible to you.

For more information on the role please view the position description or contact the Recruitment team at recruitment@caa.govt.nz

Applications close:Thursday 1 May 2025.