Graduate Opportunities

The New Zealand Customs Service is a government agency with the job of protecting the community from risks arising from international trade and travel, whilst ensuring the legitimate movement of people and goods across the border.

As New Zealand’s gatekeepers, we are responsible for intercepting contraband, checking travellers and their baggage, enforcing import and export restrictions and prohibitions and collecting Customs duties, excise taxes and GST on imports.

What we can offer you?

Each year Customs advertises entry-level positions for Trainee Customs Officers. We have 3-4 intakes per year, and we generally recruit between 20-30 recruits per intake. If accepted, candidates will undertake a four-month training program, which includes four weeks’ residential training, and three months’ on-the-job training through different operational areas of Customs, such as airports, marine, client services and inspections.

On successful completion of the training program, Trainees will be placed into positions according to Customs requirements. 

The Trainee Customs Officer role is an entry-level position. As such, candidates are required to have the following: 

• New Permanent Residence or New Zealand Citizenship
• Level two NCEA or equivalent, in English and Maths is preferred
• Excellent communication skills, with an awareness and understanding of a range of cultures
• A full clean driver’s license
• Able to obtain a Customs Security Clearance

A moderate level of fitness (Some work areas will involve heavy and repetitive manual handling tasks and/or standing for lengthy periods of time). There will be a medical assessment and a drug test as part of the employment process. 

Although the Customs Service doesn’t have an existing graduate recruitment program, vacancies for more specialised roles including graduate opportunities are periodically advertised on our recruitment website.