Cyber Incident Responder

Join our diverse and talented people and work at the heart of national security, providing essential intelligence to the NZ government to protect New Zealand and its people.

Are you an emerging or established cyber security expert with a passion for protecting New Zealand's digital landscape and economy from sophisticated cyber threats? Do you think you have a knack for staying one step ahead of nation-state actors or other malicious adversaries?

We're on the hunt for skilled Cyber Incident Responders to join our dynamic team at the National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC) in Wellington.

About the Role:

New Zealand faces a growing and evolving cyber threat landscape, with nation-state actors and other sophisticated adversaries seeking to compromise our nation's security and interests. As a Cyber Incident Responder, you'll be responding to incidents involving complex and targeted cyber threats.

You'll be at the forefront of defending New Zealand's economy, critical infrastructure and people from cyber threats, playing a critical role in investigating, disrupting, advising, and coordinating complex cyber security incidents. Your expertise will help protect New Zealand's critical systems, organisations, and individuals from the evolving cyber threat landscape.

Key Responsibilities:

• Investigate and respond to complex cyber security incidents, including those involving nation-state actors and other sophisticated adversaries
• Analyse and disrupt cyber threats to New Zealand's critical infrastructure, economy, and people
• Provide expert advice and guidance to stakeholders, including government agencies and private sector organisations, on cyber security best practices and incident response
• Coordinate with domestic and international partners to share intelligence and stay ahead of the cyber threat landscape
• Develop and maintain technical understanding of emerging cyber threats and trends

What We're Looking For:

• Experience in IT security, digital forensics, or incident response
• Strong technical skills, including Unix/Linux and Windows operating systems
• ICS/OT or cloud familiarity a bonus
• Familiarity with forensic tools, processes, and artefacts
• Excellent communication and relationship management skills
• Ability to remain calm and composed under pressure, with a focus on delivering high-quality results in a fast-paced environment
• Willingness to work flexible hours, including after-hours and on-call shifts, to respond to emerging threats
• A proactive mindset, with the ability to anticipate and prepare for emerging threats and trends
• Ability to obtain and maintain a Top Secret (TSS) security clearance

What We Offer:

• Opportunity to work with a talented team of cyber security experts who are passionate about protecting New Zealand's digital landscape
• Professional development and growth opportunities within the NZ Intelligence Community
• A dynamic and supportive work environment that values diversity and inclusion

Expected appointing salary:

Level 1: $87,048 - $92,851

Level 2: $103,009 - $109,876

Level 3: $120,538 - $128,383

We're looking for someone who is not only technically skilled but also able to thrive in a high-pressure environment. If you're a motivated and skilled cybersecurity professional who is proactive, flexible, and able to remain calm under pressure, we want to hear from you.

The GCSB is committed to building a diverse and inclusive workforce. We welcome applications from all qualified candidates, regardless of their background, culture, or identity.

Before you apply

Working within our unique environment means we must ensure you’re eligible for employment. You must:

• Have been a New Zealand Citizen for at least 10 years
  OR
  Hold a current NZ Residency Class visa and ideally have been a citizen of the UK, USA, Canada or Australia for at least 10 years

• Be eligible to obtain a Top Secret Special (TSS) clearance

• Ordinarily this means you will have a 15-year checkable background in countries NZSIS Vetting can make meaningful and reliable checks

Still unsure? Use this online tool to self-check your eligibility for a TSS security clearance: http://www.protectivesecurity.govt.nz/eligibility-tool

The NZIC treats all applications for employment in the strictest confidence and we expect that you maintain a similar level of confidentiality during the recruitment process and throughout your career.

We'll provide you with information and tips throughout the recruitment process, but in the meantime check out some of our Security FAQs here The security clearance process | Beyond Ordinary Careers

You can also learn more about our work and understand our areas of focus by reading New Zealand's Security Threat Environment | New Zealand Security Intelligence Service