Watch Officer

Type: Permanent (Shift Work)

Location: Wellington

Applications close: 5pm Friday 22nd May 2026

• Do you have a passion for emergency management
• Do you enjoy the flexibility of working on a rotating shift pattern
• Do you have experience in intelligence investigations or researching/reporting

We are seeking a resilient team player to join our 24/7 Monitoring Alerting and Reporting (MAR) Team. If you like the idea of being responsible for the safety of New Zealanders in an emergency then this role is for you.

Ko wai mātou About us

The National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) provides national leadership to New Zealands distributed emergency management system. NEMAs primary focus is on the performance and capability of the emergency management system as a whole across all hazards and all risks and the 4 Rs of risk reduction readiness response and recovery.

NEMA values diversity and inclusion. We want our workforce to reflect the diversity of our communities. We value and respect the contributions of our people with diverse backgrounds experiences skills and perspectives. We support flexible ways of working that bring out the best in you.

NEMA recognises the continuing partnership Te Tiriti o Waitangi between Māori and the Crown. We are committed to doing our part to deliver on the Crowns commitments to Māori under Te Tiriti. We strive to actively build Te Ao Māori perspectives and capability into our day to day work values and practices.

Mō tēnei tūranga mahi About this role

The MAR Team sits within the National Operations group which leads NEMAs operational capability. The MAR Team operates as NEMAs eyes and ears providing day-to-day situational awareness early warning of emerging risks and critical decision making during the early stages of a hazard event.

In this role you will be working as part of a team scanning for emerging events and working with emergency management sector partners to produce a range of intelligence products and situation reports for the NEMA executive the government and wider public service. You will also inform the public of emerging risks and activities through our social media channels.

In the event of a significant emergency you will be issuing timely advisories and warnings using technologies such as the National Warning System and the Emergency Mobile Alert application.

For major events you will initiate the standing up of the NEMA National Coordination Centre and provide initial situational awareness as part of the NCC Intelligence Function.

Because of the unpredictability of hazard events you will need to be able to move from steady state business-as-usual activities to high-tempo emergency response applying a methodical approach and exercising sound judgement. You will be given full training in our processes.

A requirement of this role is that you will be available to work on a 24/7 rotating roster which will include day night and weekend shifts.

Ko wai koe About you

We are looking for candidates with the following experience:

• Ability to work in a challenging and time-critical environment requiring high levels of attention to detail
• Experience operating in a systems-based environment utilising standard operating procedures
• Experience communicating with diverse audiences and presenting to senior decision makers
• Knowledge of emergency management processes and planning
• Experience working in a 24/7 operational environment
• Experience using common social media platforms
• Experience in an investigative or intelligence environment
• Practical application of the Intelligence Cycle and the preparation of intelligence products
• Experience using geospatial information systems
• Knowledge of the machinery of local and national government

Key attributes required:

• Ability to think strategically with strong initiative and problem-solving abilities
• Flexibility of approach/thinking ability to adapt to constantly changing circumstances
• An ability to deliver high quality work under pressure
• Highest standards of professionalism and integrity
• Reliability and resilience
• Easy going personality and ability to work well in a tight knit team

Ta matou e tuku What we offer

We pride ourselves on the quality of our staff and understand the importance of fostering a working environment where excellence is recognised and where staff are encouraged to develop their own talents and potential. We welcome diversity in all its forms and we believe it is a strength.

The indicative base salary range for these roles is $80341- $84804 depending on experience. An additional shift allowance is payable after completion of training. NEMA has a number of other benefits including Departmental Leave Wellbeing allowances and Vision allowances.

Security Requirements

Due to the security requirements of this role applicants must be a New Zealand citizen or New Zealand Permanent Resident. Preferred applicants will undergo Ministry of Justice background checks psychometric and/or practical testing and must provide recent referees.

Me pehea te tono How to apply

Please apply online. If you have any questions please email MAR Team Leader Nick Davies at We do not accept unsolicited approaches from agencies or 3rd parties.

To review the full job description pleaseclick you are unable to follow the link please review the full job description on our careers website.