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Inspector, Digital Device Examination

Job Req ID

ABF - 140670

 

Location

NSW; ACT; QLD; SA; VIC; WA 

 

Employment Type

Ongoing (Permanent), Full-time 

 

Classification

Executive Level 1 - $115,443.00 and $134,865.00 plus 15.4% super (part time pro-rata)

 

Contact Officer

George Petas at george.petes@abf.gov.au  

 

Office Arrangements

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

Applications close on 04/01/2026 at 11:59pm AEDT (midnight) - Late applications will not be accepted.

 

About our opportunity

 

This process is being used to fill 1 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 NSW; ACT; QLD; SA; VIC; WA.
 

About our team

 

Strategy & Capability | ABF Operational Capability | Tactical Support To Operations | Digital Forensic Operations

 

The Digital Device Examination (DDE) Coordination team supports the examination of mobile devices and removable storage media by DDE officers at locations nationally. They help ensure that the ABF meets its mission of border security on the frontline of Australia's border, including providing on water support to Operation Sovereign Borders. DDE is coordinated by a team of DDE Regional Coordinators, one National Coordinator and one Inspector who are overseen by the TSO Branch and Digital Forensics Operations (DFO). The Inspector will drive the capability in line with established operational priorities to ensure the effective delivery of DDE Capabilities. They engage in a diverse range of complex and sensitive issues that require detailed planning, stakeholder engagement, negotiation and influence, as well as making important and informed decisions promptly and transparently, often in stressful or complex situations where there are competing demands and priorities.

 

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

 

Our ideal candidate

 

The Department is seeking high performing applicants to become actively engaged in the rapidly expanding technical sphere of digital forensics to manage and provide governance, control and direction for the ABF's Digital Device Examination capability. The Inspector will be a highly experienced leader who manages the national ABF DDE Coordination team. They will be responsible for driving the ABF's contribution in managing and uplifting the DDE Capability with consideration of ABF Operations (Marine, Regional Offices and all Ports), ABF College, Investigations, Law enforcement and National Security outcomes.

 

Our ideal candidate will:

 

  • be experienced in managing regionally dispersed teams of trained technical specialists and will develop and maintain technical understanding of the digital forensic tools used in the ABF, to respond to emerging technologies and electronic investigation methodologies.
  • have experience building and maintaining strong working relationships with internal and external stakeholders, including those that have co-responsibility for enterprise platform support, service and management.
  • have experience with service delivery or collaborated closely with stakeholders to deliver high-quality services. This might include experience with holistic planning, policy development, legislative change, system development, quality management, risk mitigation and operational practices.
  • have proven experience in delivering high-quality operational outcomes, using latest technical capabilities as well as experience in training management, quality assurance and governance.
  • have experience establishing team performance goals and cultivating a high-performance culture by setting an example for staff to follow, by demonstrating ethical behaviour and integrity to enhance team culture and contribute to a positive workplace as well as, promoting and championing an inclusive and diverse workplace culture and ensure all staff are valued and recognised for their qualities, ideas and perspectives.

 

Duties and responsibilities

 

  • Ensure the DDE National and Regional Coordinators work plans are flexible, meet emerging issues and ABF priorities, anticipate key stakeholder requirements, and address the developmental needs and capacity of the team.
  • Manage projects using contemporary project management methodologies and tools, including but not limited to undertaking procurements, allocating resources, budget, managing finances and scheduling, to enable the DDE capability to deliver outputs and outcomes.
  • Set and manage short and long-term priorities, planning and assigning appropriate timelines, effort and resources to ensure that tasks and outcomes are achieved within the DDE Coordination team and Digital Forensics, as a whole.
  • Represent the business area or the Department at meetings and various other fora to achieve departmental objectives collaboratively whilst managing negotiations and dispute resolutions regarding complex and/or sensitive customer service issues, escalating as required.
  • Lead and apply effective risk management in accordance with the appropriate risk management plan and the Department's risk management framework.

 

Additional information

 

Mandatory Role Requirements and Qualifications

 

  • Oath/affirmation for sworn status.
  • Subject matter expertise in Digital Device Examination and Manual Examination.
  • Experience in budget and procurement processes.
  • An understanding of the governance and accountability requirements (e.g. PGPA, HR delegations etc).
  • Ability to provide technical advice to staff, clients and stakeholders on electronic investigation tools and methodologies.
  • Ability to lead the assessment, evaluation and introduction into service of new digital forensic equipment and tools.

 

Desirable skills

 

  • Knowledge of technologies and operating systems including Windows, macOS, Linux, iOS and Android.
  • Knowledge of cloud computing fundamentals and operational procedures.
  • Proven experience in delivering high quality operational outcomes, utilising latest technical capabilities.
  • A strong understanding of ABF's operational requirements, specifically regarding the Digital Device Examination role and capabilities. 
  • Experience in training management, quality assurance and governance.
  • Manage the procurement and maintenance of specialist equipment used to extract digital evidence from electronic devices. 
  • Understanding of Australian Border Force powers, specifically around Digital and Manual Device Examination including Customs Act 1901, Migration Act 1958 and Maritime Powers Act 2013.
  • Strong awareness of external factors which may influence departmental or whole of government strategic priorities and objectives.
  • Basic understanding of contemporary project management principles and methodologies.
  • Regulation 4A Classification of Objectionable Material training.
  • Experience in Government budget and procurement processes.
  • Problem solving and negotiation skills.
  • Ability to prioritise and multitask.
  • People skills and emotional intelligence.
  • Flexibility to work outside the standard/core working hours.
  • Interstate and regional travel.
  • Driver's licence.

 

How to apply

 

Submit your application and CV through the Home Affairs’ recruitment system (ourPeople) before the closing date on 04/01/2026 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 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

 

Include specific examples or achievements that demonstrate your ability to perform the role. 

 

 

Please consider the following capabilities in providing your response: Strategic Thinking, Achieves Results, Productive Working Relationships, Communicates with Influence, Personal Drive and Integrity, Demonstrates Professional/Technical Expertise

 

Applicant response documents must be a minimum 11pt font in MSWord or PDF format, include your full name and the Requisition Number – 140670 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:

 

 

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

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