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Marine Tactical Officer - Affirmative Measure - First Nations

Job Req ID

ABF - 135316

 

Location

ACT; NSW; NT; QLD; SA; VIC; WA 

 

Employment Type

Ongoing (Permanent), Full-time 

 

Classification

APS Level 3 - $64,392.00 and $73,981.00 plus 15.4% super (part time pro-rata)

 

Contact Officer

Peter Altona at peter.altona@abf.gov.au  

 

Office Arrangements

Onsite 
 

Applications close on 05/01/2025 at 11:59pm AEDT (midnight) - Late applications will not be accepted.

 

About our opportunity

 

This process is being used to fill 12 immediate position/s. 

Applicants suitable for the role but not offered the position for the current vacancy may be placed in a merit list or pool to fill similar vacancies for up to 18 months anywhere in ACT; NSW; NT; QLD; SA; VIC; WA 
 

About our team

 

National Operations | Maritime Border Command & OSB | Marine Deployments & Support | Marine Deployments & Support

 

Benefits

Amongst other allowances, on successful completion of the training program, marine seagoing officers currently attract a commuted seagoing allowance (CMA) 63% of base salary. Conditions of service can be found here: Enterprise Agreement 2024-27 (homeaffairs.gov.au). For marine specific conditions see section 12 - Enterprise Agreement 2024-27 (homeaffairs.gov.au) 

 

About the Australian Border Force

The Australian Border Force (ABF) is an operationally independent body under the Home Affairs Portfolio. The ABF operates in a rapidly evolving global environment. We must perform to the highest standards while remaining agile to anticipate and respond to emerging threats, and capitalise on opportunities to partner with domestic and international border, customs, immigration, intelligence and law enforcement agencies. To deliver our mission in the face of advancing technology and new threats, it is not enough to be reactive; we must be professional, disciplined and collaborative.

 

Branch Overview

Marine Deployments and Support Branch deploys (MDSB) deploys sea-going marine Border Force Officers Australian Border Force Cutters (ABFC), other associated assets assigned for ABF operations and Australian Defence Vessel (ADV) Ocean Protector where they undertake a range of border enforcement activities throughout the Australian Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ).

 

This includes offshore maritime patrols and response, surveillance and deterrence activities that support civil maritime security operations and respond to identified Maritime Security Threats (MSTs) including:

  • Illegal Maritime Arrivals (IMAs)
  • Maritime Terrorism
  • Piracy, Robbery and Violence at Sea
  • Prohibited Imports and Exports
  • Exploitation of Natural Resources
  • Illegal activity in Protected Areas
  • Marine Pollution
  • Compromise to Bio-security.

 

ABF Cutter crew perform varied duties, which include boarding operations, bridge and engine room watch keeping, deck and engine room tasks and maintenance, meal preparation and vessel cleaning tasks. Officers maintain a capability to allow for re deployment within the fleet or general duties within ABF.

 

Please visit our website for more information about the Department of Home Affairs or Australian Border Force

 

Our ideal candidate

 

MDSB are seeking applications from First Nations people who can respond positively to a challenging and high-pressure environment. The programme of the Branch is high profile, with added sensitivity due to the armed nature of the workforce, demanding a high level of training and qualifications as well as liaison with other agencies and ABF Commands.

 

The Marine Tactical Officer (MTO) role is a physically demanding, specialist role with skills that enable response to known or suspected breaches in Australia's territories and exclusive economic zones. They use specialised equipment and advanced physical search skills to detect prohibited, illicit or non-compliant goods. When not conducting or training for enforcement activities, MTOs assist with and conduct on-board deck functions that contribute to the safe and efficient operation of the vessel.

 

The work you will undertake entails spending substantial time away from home for extended periods usually up to 31 days but possibly up to 36 days, on a Fly In Fly Out roster.

 

MTOs must also manage and be responsive to a range of requirements, including:

  • Ability to work for periods up to 36 days on a Fly In Fly Out roster with no opportunity to return to port or home
  • Ability to cope with sea sickness
  • Withstand arduous environmental conditions e.g. heat, rain, wind, rough sea conditions
  • Compatible with sharing facilities and sleeping quarters, when living within the close constraints of a vessel for an extended period of time
  • Ability to cope with limited internet access and phone connectivity for extended periods
  • Demonstrate flexibility and initiative in response to allocated work, including assisting in the completion of work outside of assigned responsibilities.

 

Deployment to vessels reflects the operational priorities of the ABF and rostering as determined by the relevant policies and procedures. Officers are expected to be flexible and agile in responding to rostering and deployment by the ABF.

 

Depending on operational requirements and the circumstances of candidates, the Marine Unit permits domiciling in Brisbane, Sydney, Canberra, Melbourne, Adelaide, Perth, and Darwin.

 

With approval Torres Strait Islanders may be permitted to be domiciled in Thursday Island.

 

MTO employment will be subject to the ABF Career Management and Posting Principles. MTOs are subject to postings consistent with that framework. Applicants are expected to complete appropriate training and deployment as a Border Enforcement Officer in other Commands in the ABF.

 

Duties and responsibilities

 

Specific Duties / Responsibilities

  • Perform specialist marine and enforcement duties, enforcing and assisting in a range of activities responding primarily but not exclusively to the identified maritime risks
  • Perform general deck, engine room, line handling and ship's husbandry duties including food preparation and vessel hygiene (cleaning) duties
  • Conduct lookout and helmsman watch keeping duties
  • Perform all generic APS3 duties; including but not limited to boarding and searching vessels, seizing prohibited goods, apprehending and questioning suspects and making statements for prosecution briefs
  • Perform transportee management tasks including processing, welfare duties and security watches.

 

Mandatory Qualifications

• Completed Year 12 education or Year 10 with a trade certificate or Year 10 with a Certificate IV and/or equivalent or relevant work

 

Highly Desirable

  • Hold and Maintain a Certificate of Competency (CoC) Coxswain Grade 1 Near Coastal (NC) as issued by the Australian Maritime Safety Authority (AMSA) in accordance with Marine Order 505 (Certificates of competency - national law) 2013
  • Knowledge and understanding of the civil maritime security domains and operating zones
  • Knowledge of relevant Commonwealth legislation
  • Experience living and working on vessels for several weeks at a time.

 

Mandatory Role Requirements

  • Successfully complete Marine Tactical Officer cadet program (MTOCP)
  • Ability to undertake and successfully complete the Enforcement Standard Medical Examination, Use of Force Functional Fitness Assessment Protocol, initial entry Swim and Tread water Assessment, psychometric testing as well as successfully complete the Use of Force training program and maintain the ABF 'Use of Force' Permit
  • Obtain and retain Certificate of Medical Fitness for Sea in accordance with Marine Orders Part 9 (Health Medical Fitness) and having due regard to the guidelines for Medical Inspectors of Seamen as set out by AMSA
  • Obtain and maintain a security clearance of Baseline level
  • Obtain and maintain Certificate of Safety Training (CoST) (STWC Reg. VI/1) issued by AMSA which complies with The International Convention on Standards of Training, Certification and Watch keeping for Seafarers 1978, as amended, (STCW)
  • Successfully complete and maintain an Advanced First Aid Certificate (HLTAID014) and Advanced Resuscitation (HLTAID15)
  • Undertake and pass cutter specific training as required
  • Ability to obtain an Official Passport
  • Swear an oath or make an affirmation
  • Be uniformed and able to wear required personal protective and personal defensive equipment (PPE & PDE)
  • Climb a range of ladders; Pilot ladder on a moving container ship, SAWCA ladder on a moving vessel, a range of other ladder types including caving ladder, 10 metre high cargo net
  • Prepared to deploy on board a vessel for up to 36 days
  • Actively participate in career management (postings and deployments)
  • Food Safety Certificate to enable cooks assistant work in the Galley.

 

Additional information

 

Other Information

This is a seagoing position and as such, living space is limited with shared cabins and communal ablutions for crew. There may be limited internet access and phone connectivity for extended periods. The ABFC operate in remote areas and there is limited opportunity to be transferred ashore during deployment.

 

This is a designated ABF position. You will be a sworn officer and are subject to the ABF Career Management Posting Principles and the Uniform and Appearance Standards Procedural Instruction. Officers are subject to employment conditions as specified in the Enterprise Agreement 2024-27 (EA). Although every effort will be made to maintain a scheduled roster, occasionally due to operational requirements your roster patterns may vary in accordance with the EA.

 

All sea-going officers have been determined to be workers in a place with a high infection risk. Under the guidelines from the Australian Health Protection Principal Committee (AHPPC), you are therefore required to obtain and be 'up to date' with COVID-19 vaccinations. Proof of vaccination will be requested. Please note there is no scope for medical exemption.

 

Training

Candidates are required to successfully complete the Marine Tactical Officer cadet program (MTOCP) to ensure they meet the mandatory competencies and requirements of the role. The MTOCP is undertaken over a minimum period of 34 weeks. 

 

This training program includes:

  • Border Force Officer foundational training (BFO)
  • Four week Basic Operational Safety Training (BOST)
  • Marine Skills Training Program at a Maritime RTO inclusive of achieving Australian Maritime Safety Authority (AMSA) qualifications;
    • Certificate of Safety Training (CoST) - firefighting (inclusive breathing apparatus) and survival at sea training
    • Certificate I Maritime Operations (General Purpose Hand Near Coastal)
    • Certificate II Maritime Operations (Coxswains Grade 1 Near Coastal) course
    • Marine Radio Operators Course
    • Confined space and working at heights training
    • Advanced First Aid and Advanced Resuscitation
  • Visit Board Search Seizure (VBSS) at ABF College Neutral Bay
    • Maritime specific legislation and investigation training
    • Marine Tactical Officer Boarding Vessels At Sea (BVAS) training and tactical posturing
    • Advanced Vessel Search
    • Boarding Operations
    • Cumulative Boarding Scenario Assessments
  • Sea-going Familiarisation Patrol aboard an ABF Cutter (within an approximate six-eight week period)
    • Successfully complete Marine Tactical Officer-Cadet task book
    • Achieve endorsement from onboard Commanding Officer
    • Prove ability to remain a functional crew member for duration of patrol; working split shifts, remain a functioning officer during physically demanding operational activities as well as managing fatigue, adverse weather, and confined living conditions.

 

How to apply

 

Submit your application and CV through the Home Affairs’ recruitment system (ourPeople) before the closing date on 05/01/2025 at 11:59pm (midnight) AEST  – Late applications will not be accepted.

 

Stage 1: Apply Online

As part of your application, you will need to provide:

  • Your resume/CV please. Please ensure your evidence of heritage is ready for Stage 3.
  • Details of one Referee
  • Include your full name and the Requisition Number – 135316 in the document footer.

 

Stage 2: Work sample test

When applications close, you may be invited to undertake a work sample test. Your responses will be recorded and reviewed by the assessment panel.

 

Stage 3: Evidence of Heritage

If you are successful at Stage 2, you must provide your evidence of heritage within 5 business days.

 

Stage 4:Interview

If you provide the required documents at Stage 3, you will be invited to participate in an online face-to-face interview.

 

Stage 5: Merit Pool

If you are successful at Stage 4, you will be placed in a merit pool. We will use this pool to fill training courses throughout the next 18 months. Courses may require you to travel to another region to attend the training.

 

Stage 6: Medical, Fitness and Psychometric Testing

If you are found suitable through the recruitment process above and placed in the merit pool, further assessment will be required before you can be offered a position with the Department.

 

Each Assessment will be completed where possible close to your home region. The medical assessment is completed first and if you pass, you will be invited to a fitness assessment.  You will be invited to undertake a psychometric test as close to the fitness test as possible. The psychometric test will involve online tests and a clinical interview with a psychologist.

 

Evidence of heritage

 

Shortlisted applicants will be required to provide confirmation of Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander heritage.

 

A confirmation must stipulate that a person:

  • is of Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander descent; and
  • identifies as an Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander person; and
  • is accepted as such by the community in which they live, or formerly lived.

 

Confirmation of Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander heritage can be provided by a wide range of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander organisations and bodies, and commonly include, but are not limited to, the following:

 

  • Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Land Councils;
  • Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Corporations (Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Corporations can be incorporated under the Corporations (Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander) Act 2006, the Corporations Act 2001, or other states and territory legislation);
  • Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander medical services.

 

Eligibility

 

To be eligible for the position you must be an Australian Citizen.

 

The successful candidate will be required to obtain and maintain a Baseline Vetting (AGSVA) security clearance, and:
 

  • ABF Workers will also be required to obtain and maintain an Employment Suitability Clearance (ESC).
  • Home Affairs Workers will also be required to obtain and maintain an Onboarding Check.
     

In certain circumstances, an Employment Suitability Clearance (ESC) may be required in addition to, or in lieu of, an Onboarding Check, which will be determined by the delegate as necessary.  

 

Diversity and inclusion

 

The Department is committed to workforce diversity and applicants who are Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander, come from a diverse cultural or linguistic background or have a disability are encouraged to apply.

 

RecruitAbility applies to this vacancy. Under the RecruitAbility scheme you will be invited to participate in further assessment activity for the vacancy if you choose to apply under the scheme; declare you have a disability; and meet the minimum requirements for the job. For more information visit: https://www.apsc.gov.au/recruitability

 

Technical assistance

 

For technical enquiries please call or email for assistance:

 

 

Please include any applicable screen captures, a response will be provided during business hours.

 

Notes

 

The Department of Home Affairs offers an attractive remuneration package, including salary, superannuation benefits and flexible working conditions appropriate to the level of the position. The Australian Public Service (APS) Employee Value Proposition (EVP) highlights the top reasons our employees enjoy working in the APS.

 

The Department may provide relocation assistance to eligible APS employees required to relocate. The level of assistance will vary depending on the reason for relocating and your personal circumstances. For further information please enquire with the contact officer listed in the advertisement.

 

Information about employment and advice on how to apply for vacancies can be obtained from the Department’s website at https://www.homeaffairs.gov.au/about-us/careers

 

Candidates should be aware that in roles where vaccination against COVID-19 is required by public health orders/directions or other legislation proof of vaccination will be required. If a candidate is not fully vaccinated or is unwilling to be vaccinated within a reasonable time period, they may not be offered that role.

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