Tactical Support Officer

Job Req ID

ABF - 136760

Location

ACT; NSW; QLD; VIC 

 Employment Type

Ongoing (Permanent), Full-time / Part-time 

Classification

APS Level 5 - $84,228.00 and $91,809.00 plus 15.4% super (part time pro-rata)

Contact Officer

Heidi Rainbow - nationaltacticaloperations@abf.gov.au  

Office Arrangements

Flexible; Onsite  - Flexible working arrangements can be negotiated in accordance with our Enterprise Agreement and the operational requirements of the role.
 

Applications close on 17/03/2025 at 11:59pm AEDT (midnight) - Late applications will not be accepted.

*Please note: This job ad will now close on 17/03/2025

About our opportunity

This process is being used to fill 3 immediate positions. 

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; TAS; VIC; WA.
 

About our team

National Operations | Operational Coordination & Planning | Tactical Capability | National Tactical Operations

The Surveillance Coordination Unit (SCU) is primarily concerned with support and coordination of covert, discreet and overt surveillance and monitoring operations and involves assessment of applications for surveillance and monitoring services, coordination of various operational tasks and effects to ensure the section can safely and efficiently observe and report on persons, vehicles, vessels, places or objects of interest. The National Surveillance Unit (NSU) uses Tactical Support Officers (TSO), who use professional and state-of-the-art surveillance methodologies and tools and operate in a highly sensitive, risk based and adaptable work area.

Career Pathway

The NTO is committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive workplace, where unique perspectives and experiences are celebrated. We believe that a diverse team enhances creativity, fosters innovation, and leads to better decision-making. We encourage individuals from all backgrounds to apply, as unique insights can contribute significantly to our mission.

This position serves as an excellent stepping stone for anyone aspiring to enter the operative environment. With opportunities for professional development, hands-on experience, and exposure to advanced techniques, you will gain valuable skills that can propel your career forward.

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

Our ideal candidate

• Strong communication and interpersonal skills - able to effectively collaborate with team members and stakeholders at various levels of the organisation including external Law Enforcement Agencies

• Advanced research skills and technical proficiency - proficient in utilising a variety of research methodologies and information systems to gather and analyse data

• Excellent time management - the ability to manage competing priorities in a high-tempo environment and perform well under pressure

• Adaptable - the ability to remain flexible and adapt to changing surveillance priorities

• Project Management and Reporting - skilled in coordination of cross functional teams to achieve project objectives

• Reporting Capabilities - able to synthase complex data into clear actionable reports.

TSO's are required to be flexible, innovative, self-motivated, and committed. This position works directly with the physical, technical surveillance teams, the monitoring centre and a network of stakeholders to coordinate tasks and objectives in line with the NTO Section workflow and prioritisation framework. This position is responsible for supporting and managing covert/discreet/overt surveillance in support of ABF operations. As a national resource, you will be required to undertake specific training, to support those outputs for surveillance teams nationally.

Duties and responsibilities

Administration:

• Work collaboratively with key internal and external stakeholders to maintain a capability to support NTO as directed

• Proactively engage with broader ABF, stakeholders, industry and Government to clarify data and produce timely reporting

• Work independently or under limited guidance in support of National Tactical Operations teams

• Exercise judgement to make decisions governed by the application of rules, regulations, best practice principles or the agency's operating instructions and procedures, under the support and general direction of a higher classification level

• Brief NTO Executive on all key elements, critical incidents and outstanding tasks

• Analyse, assess and respond to correspondence, completing procedural, clerical, administrative support or operational tasks when required

• Undertake detailed or sensitive projects that impact on strategic, political or operational outcomes for the agency

• Plan and manage resources, develop appropriate controls, monitor achievements against objectives and adjust plans to meet changing demands.

Operational:

• Support NSU and TSU surveillance operational deployments by providing high quality tactical and operational reporting, analysis and monitoring functions

• Process analytical results and presentation of data into formats suitable for operational interpretation

• Monitor multiple intelligence and tactical systems simultaneously, critically analyses live or complex information streams, and provide reliable advice and targeted intelligence for operational outcomes

• Enhance risk assessment and risk management activities through the interrogation of available information and intelligence

• Apply innovative solutions to maximise contributions to the quality and efficiency of services

• Support projects and contract management of technical capability uplifts (radio communications, video streaming and surveillance equipment)

• Oversee operation of specialised electronic equipment in line with legislative requirements and community expectations (rights, privacy & intrusiveness)

• Compile accurate and comprehensive accounts to report surveillance activities

• Prepare evidentiary statements, attend legal proceedings and give evidence as required.

Hours of Work & Environment / Remuneration

This position offers flexibility for part-time opportunities, accommodating the diverse needs of our workforce. However, due to the nature of the operative work and the requirement to maintain effective team operations, only up to 20% of the workforce within the SCU may be permitted to work part-time. This ensures consistently meet operational demands while providing support for team members seeking flexible work arrangements.

This role may attract overtime opportunities as TSU Officers may be required to:

• Work irregular and sometimes extended hours, to support coordinated deployment of section resources nationally at short notice
• Be called upon to respond with operational support within a reasonable time frame
• Attend a variety of work locations including the International Airports. TSO's may be required to assist the NSU, TSU and the teams out in the field with optical solution support.

Additional information

Role Requirements

• Ability to work on-call, different work time as operationally required, and undertake domestic travel
• Maintain mandatory training requirements and demonstrate physical/mental fitness to perform surveillance duties during extended and/or changeable shifts
• Verbal and written communication skills with the ability to work within a small team
• Demonstrate appropriate Work, Health & Safety and Equity & Diversity practices and how these requirements relate to the surveillance work environment.

Mandatory Qualifications

Hold, or ability to obtain the following:

• Australian Government Negative Vetting Level 1 clearance
• Employment Suitability Clearance (ESC)
• Valid State/Territory Drivers license with no restrictions
• New and emerging courses and training that supports the NSU and TSU.

Highly Desirable

• Verbal and written communication skills with the ability to work within a small team confidently communicate at all levels and meet deadlines
• Program and policy management including writing briefs and reporting mechanisms to support governance compilation
• Aptitude and/or practical experience in the provision of surveillance services in support of investigations including operating and interrogating technical and electronic equipment
• Operational knowledge and understanding of contemporary physical surveillance equipment, methodology, communications and surveillance product management processes
• Knowledge of ABF investigative, enforcement and compliance functions
• Understanding of relevant legislation in connection with surveillance activity.

How to apply

Submit your application and CV through the Home Affairs’ recruitment system (ourPeople) before the closing date on 17/03/2025 at 11:59pm (midnight) AEDT  – 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 – 136760 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:
 

• 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:

• 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 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.