Marine Operations Officer (OPSO) and Team Leader (TL)

Job Req ID

ABF - 131342

Location

ACT; NSW; NT; QLD; SA; VIC; WA 

Classification

APS Level 5 - $80,748.00 and $87,572.00 plus 15.4% super (part time pro-rata)

Employment Type

Ongoing (Permanent), Full-time 

Flexible work

Onsite 

Contact Officer

Shane Nesbitt - Email: SHANE.NESBITT@ABF.GOV.AU 

Applications close on 26/05/2024 at 11:59pm AEST (midnight) - Late applications will not be accepted.

About our opportunity:

This process is being used to fill up to 8 immediate vacancies. A merit pool may be established and used to fill similar vacancies for up to 18 months. 

About our team:

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

About the Australian Border Force:

The Australian Border Force (ABF) is an operationally independent body within the Home Affairs Portfolio. The ABF operates in a rapidly evolving international environment. The ABF must perform to the highest standards, as expected by the Australian community, whilst remaining agile and able to anticipate & respond to emerging threats. The ABF must be able to capitalise on opportunities to partner with other domestic and international border, customs, immigration, intelligence and law enforcement agencies. To deliver the ABFs mission in the face of advancing technology and new threats, it is not enough for the ABF to be reactive; in order to succeed, the ABF must be professional, disciplined and collaborative.

Branch Overview:

Marine Deployments and Support Branch deploys sea-going marine Border Force Officers to Australian Border Force Cutters (ABFC) and Australian Defence Vessel (ADV) Ocean Protector where they undertake a range of border enforcement activities throughout the Australian maritime 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.

ABFC 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.

Position Summary:

The Operations Officer (OPSO) reports to the Deputy Commanding Officer (DCO). Team Leaders (TL) report to the Deputy Enforcement Commander (DEC). OPSOs and TLs are responsible to the Commanding Officer (CO) and Ocean Class Enforcement Commander (EC) for maintaining the mission capability of the Cutter through specialist knowledge, management and coordination of resources. They are the professional law enforcement officers and are to ensure the success and safety of their team and the vessel enforcement operations they undertake.

The OPSO and TL perform all Senior Border Force Officer (APS 5) duties required including leading, instructing, motivating, briefing, mentoring and supervising crew in the performance of their duties.

The OPSO/TL is required to:

• Contribute to the management of vessel operations in heavy sea states
• Contribute to on-board emergency response and communicate effectively within teams
• Contribute to ship husbandry and defect rectification
• Ability to plan, organise and control processes and resources to deliver specific goals or objectives
• Highly motivated and capable of completing tasks within set time frames
• Build and maintain productive working relationships with shore side support staff
• Utilise developed interpersonal skills to facilitate and promote effective interactions with clients, colleagues and stakeholders
• Ability to think logically when fatigued and in a stressful environment
• Present information in a clear, timely and effective manner through oral and written communication
• Ability to provide support to fellow crew and to the CO/EC.

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

Our ideal candidate:

Marine Deployments and Support is seeking applications from professionals 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 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.

The OPSO/TLs must also manage and be responsive to a range of requirements, including: 

• Be able to perform duties in the maritime environment including lengthy deployments on unstable platforms in uncertain and variable weather and sea conditions
• Compatible with sharing facilities, when living within the close constraints of a vessel for an extended period of time
• Be able to deploy for at least 31 days at a time with no opportunity to return to port or home
• 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.

Attributes:

• Flexible, resourceful and solves problems
• Selfless leadership values
• Self-control in critical situations
• Effective critical thinking and decision making
• Clear concise communicator
• Continuous quality improvement
• Self-motivated, innovative and able to implement change
• Culturally aware, particularly with regards to dealing with stakeholders in remote and inshore maritime environments
• Physical fitness.

Knowledge:

• Knowledge of and ability to apply relevant legislation, including:
• Compliance with Vessel Safety Management Systems (SMS)
• Awareness of other cultures and cultural practice, including indigenous communities and neighbouring countries
• Maritime Powers Act 2013
• Privacy Act 1988
• Customs Act 1901
• Australian Border Force Act 2015
• Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999, in particular International Convention for the Prevention of Pollution from Ships (MARPOL)
• Quarantine Act 1908
• Navigation Act 2012
• Migration Act 1958
• AMSA Marine Orders and Marine Notices
• International Convention for the Safety of Life at Sea (SOLAS),
• Certification and Watch keepers (STCW), Maritime Labour Certificate (MLC), Load Line, International Maritime Dangerous Goods (IMDG), Convention on the International Regulations for Preventing Collisions at Sea (COLREGS) and Search and Rescue (SAR)
• Understand and apply the conditions as specified in the Department of Home Affairs Enterprise Agreement 2024-27
• Ability to interpret and apply relevant Departmental policies, standard operating procedures and instructions.

Duties and responsibilities:

• Oversee and conduct boarding and searching of vessels, seizing prohibited goods, handling evidence, apprehending and questioning suspects, obtaining statements and coordinating documents for prosecution briefs.
• Oversee the processing and on board management of persons in custody embarked on ABFCs
• Provide armed support for client personnel as required
• Prepare and present mission briefings and plans to ensure the safe, efficient and effective execution of operations in accordance with all relevant laws/conventions/regulations/orders
• Conduct lookout duties on bridge of ABFC. Control deck mounted weapons as the Principal
• Maintain operational capability through management of vessel logistics, including the submission of Logistics Requests (LOGREQs), vessel supplies, victualling and medical orders
• Contribute to the Group Command functions as directed in accordance with operation command principles
• Maintain direct oversight of the Marine Tactical Officers (MTOs) by providing performance assessments, mentoring and facilitating professional development through training
• Ensure compliance with Work Health and Safety (WHS), Equity and Diversity, Australian Public Service (APS) Values and Code of Conduct Standards in the work place
• All Officers are responsible for creating complete and accurate records in accordance with the Recordkeeping Practice Statement and Instruction and Guidelines.

Highly Desirable Qualifications:

• Certificate of Competency (CoC) Coxswain NC as issued by the Australian Maritime Safety Authority (AMSA) in accordance with Marine Order 505 (Certificates of competency – national law) 2013 (including experience on vessels greater than 35 metres) or ability to obtain
• Master less than 24 metres near coastal
• Standards of Training, Certification and Watchkeeping (STCW) Certificate of Safety Training (CoST) issued by AMSA
• Certificate IV in Training and Assessment.

Mandatory Role Requirements:

Must be able to obtain and maintain the following:

• The International Convention on Standards of Training, Certification and Watch keeping for Seafarers 1978, as amended, (STCW) Certificate of Competency issued by AMSA in the following subjects Certificate of Safety Training (COST)
• Successful completion of the OPSO/ TL task book and/or OPSO /TL endorsement
• AMSA Certificate of Medical Fitness for sea duty in accordance with Marine Orders Part 76 (Health Medical Fitness)
• Successful completion and maintenance of Advanced First Aid Certificate
• Successfully complete Marine Induction Training and/or Promotion Training
• Ability to undertake and successfully complete the Enforcement Standard Medical Examination, Use of Force Functional Fitness Assessment Protocol, initial entry Swim and Fitness Assessment, psychometric testing as well as successfully complete the Use of Force training program and maintain the ABF 'Use of Force' Permit
• Obtain and maintain a security clearance of Negative Vetting 1 (Secret) level and an Employment Suitability Clearance (ESC)
• Obtain and Maintain Custodial Safe Firearms Handling (CFSH) and Authorised Armoury Issuing Officer (AAIO) qualifications
• Swear an oath or make an affirmation
• Actively participate in career management (postings and deployments)
• Be uniformed
• Undertake and pass cutter specific training as required
• Prepared to deploy on board a vessel for up to 36 days
• Ability to obtain and maintain an official passport
• Officers are subject to employment conditions as specified in the Department of Home Affairs Enterprise Agreement 2024-27
• COVID-19 vaccinations (It is a mandatory condition of your employment that, you have been fully vaccinated, and attain full vaccination (including one COVID-19 booster dose to maintain an 'up-to-date' status)
• Working With Children Card (WWCC).

These positions are in child-related employment, requiring compliance with provisions under the following legislation:

• Children's Protection Act 1993 (SA); and
• Working with Children (Risk Management and Screening) Act 2000 (QLD); and
• Working with Children Act 2005 (VIC); and
• Child Protection (Working with Children) Act 2012 (NSW); and
• Working With Children (Criminal Record Checking) Act 2004 (WA); and
• Care and Protection of Children Act 2007 (NT); and
• Working with Vulnerable People (Background Checking) Act 2011 (ACT)

The successful applicant must read and sign the Child Protection Mandatory Behaviours Declaration and undertake to comply with it; complete the Department’s Child Safeguarding eLearning; and hold a:

• Working with Children Check in South Australia; or
• Working with Children Check - Blue Card in Queensland; or
• Working with Children Check in Victoria; or
• Working with Children Check in New South Wales; or
• Working with Children Check in Western Australia; or
• Working with Children Check - Ochre Card in Northern Territory; or
• Working with Vulnerable People Check in Australian Capital Territory.

Other Information:

• is a seagoing position and as such, living space is limited with shared cabins and communal ablutions for crew members in some Marine Unit platforms. There may be limited internet access and phone connectivity due to operational requirements for extended periods of time. The ABF Cutters are routinely deployed to remote Areas of Operation (AOs) and there is limited opportunity to be transferred ashore for the purposes of repatriation during a deployment.

Employment is subject to the ABF Posting Program Principles and is subject to postings consistent with that framework. Whilst employed as a sea-going Officer your conditions of service will be commensurate as specified in the Department of Home Affairs Enterprise Agreement 2024-27.

This is a designated ABF position. You will be a sworn officer subject to the ABF Postings Program Policy and the Uniform and Appearance Standards Procedural Instruction. Officers are subject to employment conditions as specified in the Department of Home Affairs Enterprise Agreement 2024-27.

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 Department of Home Affairs Enterprise Agreement 2024-27.

Benefits:

• Conditions of service can be found here: Enterprise Agreement 2024-27 (homeaffairs.gov.au)

How to apply:

Submit your application and CV through the Home Affairs’ recruitment system (ourPeople) before the closing date on 26/05/2024 at 11:59pm (midnight) AEST  – Late applications will not be accepted.

As part of your application you will be required to prepare and submit a one-page applicant response document in relation to the advertised role, outlining:

• How your skills, knowledge, and experience will be relevant to this role
• Why you are interested in the role and what you can offer us
• Any specific examples or achievements that demonstrate your ability to perform the role.

Applicant response documents must be a minimum 11pt font in MSWord or PDF format, include your full name and the Requisition Number – 131342 in the document footer.

Prior to preparing your response it is recommended you review the Work Level standards relevant to the classification you are applying to. It may also be useful to refer to the Integrated Leadership Systems information relevant to the classification.

Eligibility:

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

The successful candidate will be required to obtain and maintain a Negative Vetting Level 1 (AGSVA) security clearance and an Employment Suitability Clearance (ESC).

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:

• Email: recruitment@homeaffairs.gov.au
• Phone: 1300 793 883 (within Australia) or +61 2 6196 0444 (outside of Australia)

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 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.