Intelligence officer

Intelligence officers collect and analyse information on people, places and events that may be a threat to businesses or national and international security.

Also known as

Intelligence analyst, intelligence specialist, intelligence operator, electronic warfare operator, information systems operator, communication systems operator

Work environment

  • Usually work regular business hours but may work long or irregular hours
  • Usually work in offices or at military facilities and may travel locally
  • May work in hazardous conditions
  • Need to be responsible, identify and solve problems and communicate well

Salary information

MOST COMMON
UPPER
LOWER
$68.1K-$140K 68103

Typical tasks

  • Collect and analyse information
  • Prepare and share intelligence reports
  • Work on cases with police and lawyers
  • Interview people to gather information
  • Monitor phone calls
  • Follow up on intelligence reports
  • Manage informants and process their information
  • Review and improve intelligence processes
  • Train staff in crime prevention and information collection

Outlook

The intelligence sector continues to evolve as governments and organisations respond to security, cyber and geopolitical challenges. In New Zealand and internationally, increasing volumes of digital information are changing how intelligence is gathered and analysed. Emerging technologies, including artificial intelligence and advanced data analytics, are supporting intelligence work while creating new areas of focus and oversight.

What employers and industry want in graduates

  • Strong research and analytical skills
  • Ability to assess information objectively
  • Attention to detail and accuracy
  • Clear written and verbal communication
  • Problem-solving and critical-thinking skills
  • Ability to handle sensitive information responsibly

AUT programmes

The above is a suggestion only and a starting point. You may need to meet other criteria or take additional steps to work in this career.

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This data is sourced from the Tertiary Education Commission through the Tahatū Career Navigator website (www.tahtu.govt.nz) and used under the CC BY 4.0 licence. Some of the information has been modified by AUT. TEC has not approved, endorsed or tested these modifications. TEC will not be held accountable for any errors within this data.