Senior Competency Assessment Training Officer (Senior CATO)
Job Details
Job Req ID
Home Affairs - 142206
Location
NSW; VIC
Employment Type
Ongoing (Permanent), Full-time
Classification
APS Level 6 - $99,734.00 and $111,701.00 plus 15.4% super (part time pro-rata)
Contact Officer
Nicholas Daniels, Nicholas.Daniels@homeaffairs.gov.au
Office Arrangements
Onsite - Flexible working arrangements can be negotiated in accordance with our Enterprise Agreement and the operational requirements of the role.
| Applications close on 26/10/2026 at 11:59pm AEST (midnight) - Late applications will not be accepted. |
About our opportunity
This process is being used to fill 2 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; TAS; VIC; WA.
About our team
Technology | Enterprise Technology Services | Operational Capability | Enforcement Technologies and Logistics
The Enforcement Technologies and Logistics (ET&L) section, part of the Operational Capability Branch (OCB) within the Department of Home Affairs, works closely with the Australian Border Force (ABF) and other stakeholders to sustain and support detection technology capabilities across the border environment. ET&L is responsible for:
- Managing transport, logistics and unpack/repack service contracts
- Overseeing departmental radiation safety programs and regulatory compliance requirements
- Managing contracts and assets for operational technologies, including X-ray, trace detection, substance identification, and radiological equipment
- Providing technical advice, capability sustainment, project support, and procurement expertise
- Designing, developing, managing, and delivering operational technology training and subject matter expertise.
The Senior Competency Assessment Training Officer (CATO) delivers and assures detection technology training to support the safe, effective, and compliant use of operational technologies at the border. The role ensures officers maintain required qualifications and certifications to meet legislative, WHS, and departmental policy requirements while supporting border protection activities.
Please visit our website for more information about the Department of Home Affairs or Australian Border Force.
Our ideal candidate
- Is able to work independently with a single team member whilst geographically based away from the rest of the team and section
- Will be a key point of contact to coordinate, manage and deliver training in a range of technologies that are geographically dispersed across the relevant State and region
- Will identify and initiate areas of improvement to deliver technology training more effectively
- Maintains accurate records which includes conducting technology audits and providing reports on the status of the different technology assets, including initiating follow up actions and resolution with stakeholders as required
- Interacts professionally with diverse stakeholders to meet strategic objectives related to detection and identification technologies.
Duties and responsibilities
A Senior CATO is responsible for:
- Organising, scheduling and delivering train the trainer/CATO training for the ABF, to allow ABF CATOs to train frontline staff to use detection technologies for border protection activities
- Performing initial assessments and re-certification assessments on ABF CATOs and Operators
- Managing the training network within the region to ensure ABF CATOs are providing nationally consistent training and they are compliant with legislation and other relevant regulations including WHS and departmental policy
- Reviewing technology training packages for technical content and compliance with the Department's Learning Strategy, Systematic Learning Model and record keeping policy
- Updating detection and identification technology training materials and documentation regularly in response to continuous improvement and business change management.
Additional information
- Occasional intra and/or interstate travel may be required, subject to the operational needs of the role
- Strong written and verbal communication, team cohesion and strong stakeholder engagement skills
- Certificate IV in Training and Assessment, or equivalent
- Knowledge of how to use detection and identification technologies within the ABF or a similar environment
- ABF Certified CATO and/or Certified Operator or similar qualifications in detection and identification technologies such as:
- Various X-ray types
- Radiological detection and identification technologies
- Trace detection technologies
- Substance identification technologies.
- Knowledge and understanding of technical capabilities of operational technologies
- Knowledge and understanding of maintenance requirements for technologies
- Knowledge and understanding of technology use in an operational capacity
- Science or detection technology related background
- Quality Assurance Management systems experience/qualifications.
How to apply
Submit your application and CV through Home Affairs' recruitment system (ourPeople) before the closing data on 26/10/2026 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 are relevant to the role and focusing on the Senior CATO duties and responsibilities
- Why you are interested in the role
- Any specific examples or achievements that demonstrate your ability to deliver quality detection technology training outcomes.
Applicant response documents must be a minimum 11pt font in MSWord or PDF format, include your full name and the Requisition Number - 142206 in the document footer.
Prior to preparing your response it is recommended you review the Work Level Standards relevant to the classifications you are applying to. It may also be useful to the Integrated Leadership System 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 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:
- 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