Geospatial Intelligence Team Lead at NZ Defence Force, Wellington - Wairarapa

Mō tēnei tūranga mahi | About this role

Mō te tūnga | About the role

Lead the future of Geospatial Intelligence in New Zealand.

We're looking for an experienced, dynamic and engaging GEOINT professional to lead a high-performing team in delivering impactful intelligence to the New Zealand Defence Force, government agencies and international partners.

As the Geospatial Intelligence Team Lead, you'll play a pivotal role in advancing New Zealand's GEOINT capability and delivering intelligence that matters. You'll lead a skilled team, foster innovation, and provide strategic direction to ensure high-quality geospatial intelligence supports decision-makers across national security, defence, emergency management, and government. This is an opportunity to influence outcomes at a national and international level while developing future intelligence practitioners.

You will:

• Lead and develop a team of GEOINT professionals.
• Deliver high-quality geospatial and imagery intelligence products.
• Drive innovation and modernisation of GEOINT workflows and capabilities.
• Build strong relationships across NZDF, government agencies and international partners.
• Provide expert advice, briefings and intelligence assessments to diverse stakeholders.
• Champion quality assurance, continuous improvement and professional development within the team.
• Represent GEOINT New Zealand at national and international forums.

Please Note: The formal title for this role within NZDF is GEOINT Team Lead.

Please note:  As this role requires a high level of security clearance, you will need to be / have been a NZ, UK, Australian, Canadian or USA citizen for a minimum of 10 years to be eligible for this role. 

The successful candidate is required to undergo a psychological assessment as part of the pre-employment security vetting process.  

Ngā pūkenga me ngā wheako | Skills and Experience

We're seeking a people-focused leader with a strong background in geospatial intelligence, imagery intelligence, remote sensing, GIS, or a related discipline.

To be successful, you'll bring:

• Proven experience leading, coaching or mentoring technical teams.
• Significant experience within a geospatial, imagery intelligence or remote sensing environment.
• Strong analytical and critical thinking skills.
• Experience using GIS, imagery analysis and geospatial data platforms.
• Excellent communication skills, including the ability to brief senior stakeholders.
• Experience developing processes, improving systems and driving change.
• Strong relationship-building skills and the ability to work across diverse stakeholder groups.
• Excellent planning, organisational and project management capability.

Nōu te rourou | What's in it for you

Your skills and dedication deserve recognition, and NZDF delivers with competitive pay matched to your experience. But that's just the beginning – safeguard your loved ones with a fully funded life cover of up to $300,000 and critical illness protection. Other benefits include discounted additional insurances, free will services and savings schemes for the Defence community. Get expert financial guidance and mortgage broker services. Find all our benefits and more on the Force 4 Families website.

NZDF champions diversity and inclusivity, valuing every member and fuelling their success. We embrace uniqueness, understanding that diverse teams drive creativity, innovation, and excellence. With an open door to all – irrespective of gender, ethnicity, ability, age, or family dynamics – NZDF offers a flexible, empowering work environment. Join us in shaping a brighter future, where everyone thrives.

Me pēhea te tuku tono | How to Apply

Applications close on Thursday 30 July 2026.

Use the links on this page where you'll be directed to the Defence Careers website.

Please Note:

• All applications must be made online, via the Defence Careers website. Each listing contains the Position Description and a Contact Us option for any queries or technical issues.
• Your cover letter will be a key part of our selection process, so please highlight how your experience relates to the key activities outlined in the Advert and Position Description.
• Applicants will be required to undergo a pre-employment drug-screening test prior to any offer of employment being made.

NZDF Employees/Members – please apply internally via the HR Toolkit; this will ensure that you are visible as an internal candidate.

NZDF Contractors – please apply via the Defence Careers website.

NZDF Reserves – please apply via the Defence Careers website if you cannot access the HR Toolkit.

Please Note:

To be eligible for the required level of government security clearance with the NZ Defence Force, you need to meet certain citizenship and residency criteria. Here's what you need to know:

Higher Level Security Clearance

• You must be a New Zealand Citizen for at least the last ten (10) years.
• At minimum, you must hold New Zealand Permanent Residence or have a current New Zealand Residency Class Visa, and you must be a citizen of and have lived in Australia, Canada, United Kingdom, United States of America or New Zealand continuously for the last ten (10) years.
• To obtain this level of clearance, you must have a background history of fifteen (15) years that can be verified and assessed appropriately by the NZ Security Intelligence Service (NZSIS) to determine if you are suitable for a security clearance at this level.

If you do not meet the minimum criteria, unfortunately, your application will not be accepted. We do welcome your application at a time when you will meet the requirements.