Court Security Officer
Public Defence Service - New Zealand
Waikato, New Zealand · Full Time
Be the first to apply
- Experience
- Any
- Salary
- NZD 60,729 – NZD 80,794 / year
- Openings
- 1
- Posted
- 3 weeks ago
- Work mode
- In office
- Eligibility
- Candidates who can meet the physical, licensing, and background requirements, and who are interested in working in court security within the justice system, may apply. Experience in customer service, security, defence, or government is helpful but not required.
- Resume
- Required to apply
Where you'll work
Job description
Role overview
This permanent full-time role is for a Court Security Officer based at Taupō District Court in Waikato, New Zealand. The position focuses on maintaining a safe, calm, and secure court setting so people can access justice without intimidation or violence.
The work is varied and people-facing, with frequent interaction with court users, agencies, and stakeholders. It also offers accredited training, opportunities to grow into specialist or leadership pathways, and a supportive team culture where professionalism and teamwork matter.
Key duties
- Welcome, engage with, and build rapport with a wide range of people who come through the court.
- Carry out security screening and use CCTV and electronic access control equipment.
- Work alongside Police, Corrections, lawyers, and judicial officers to help proceedings run safely.
- Patrol public spaces, complete building security checks, and respond to duress alarms.
- Recognise, reduce, respond to, and report security concerns, health and safety risks, and incidents.
Skills and experience
While background in customer service, security, defence, or government work is helpful, it is not essential because full training is provided. The role suits someone who is comfortable with technology, has used de-escalation approaches, and can meet the physical requirements for full-contact officer safety training.
You must hold a full clean New Zealand driver licence and have a clean criminal record. A working understanding of Te Tiriti o Waitangi, along with awareness of tikanga Māori and wider cultural matters relevant to the court environment and the Ministry of Justice, is also important.
Training and development
The role includes funded training in health, safety, and security qualifications. Learning may cover equipment and procedures such as x-ray machines, walk-through and handheld metal detectors, SRBA, RT, and handcuffing. There are also opportunities to broaden your skills through study and leadership development.
Working arrangement
This is a 40-hour-per-week role, Monday to Friday. Paid overtime may be available when additional cover is needed. Rostered hours can also include at least one 3-hour shift on Saturdays. The base location is Taupō District Court, but travel to nearby courts may occasionally be required based on operational needs, with travel expenses covered by the Ministry.
Benefits
Employees receive 4.4 weeks of annual leave, access to an online professional development portal, and membership in inclusive and proactive staff networks. The role also offers the chance to gain broad experience in a dynamic environment while building a career in justice services.
About the employer
Te Tāhū o te Ture, the Ministry of Justice, works to strengthen public trust in the law of Aotearoa New Zealand. The organisation is committed to an inclusive workplace that supports people of all gender identities, ages, ethnicities, sexual orientations, disabilities, and religions.
Salary and application
The salary band for this role is NZD 60,729 to 80,794 per year, with the starting point depending on skills and experience. Applications close on 28 June 2026, and CVs may be reviewed before that date as they are received. Applicants are asked to submit a CV and cover letter through the employer’s careers site. For questions, contact recruitment@justice.govt.nz.