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Investigator, Customs Enforcement

Job Req ID

ABF - 140816

 

Location

ACT; NSW; NT; QLD; SA; VIC; WA 

 

Employment Type

Ongoing (Permanent), Full-time 

 

Classification

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

 

Contact Officer

David Gordon on 03 9244 8754 or david.gordon@abf.gov.au  

 

Office Arrangements

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

Applications close on 25/01/2026 at 11:59pm AEDT (midnight) - Late applications will not be accepted.

 

About our opportunity

 

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

About our team

 

National Operations | Customs Compliance Enforce & Target | Customs & Trade Compliance | Customs Enforcement

 

The Australian Border Force (ABF), an operationally independent body within the Department of Home Affairs, is Australia's frontline border security agency and Australia's customs service. The Australian Border Force delivers critical border protection and national security outcomes while facilitating the movement of people and goods across the border. The Australian Border Force's mission is to protect Australia's border and enable legitimate travel and trade.

 

The Investigator job role provides a specialist investigation and enforcement capability within the ABF that identifies, targets, disrupts and deters national security threats and serious or complex crime across the Australian border continuum. Investigators investigate migration, customs and other border related offences, including but not limited to the importation/exportation of border-controlled precursors; illicit firearms and firearm parts; child abuse material; visa and migration fraud; foreign worker exploitation; trade and revenue related fraud.

 

Investigators use a range of methodologies and techniques that comply with the Australian Government Investigation Standards 2022 (AGIS 2022) and departmental policies. They share information, refer cases and conduct operations either independently or jointly with domestic or foreign law enforcement and customs agencies.

 

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

 

Our ideal candidate

 

Are you a confident communicator who can clearly brief colleagues and engage effectively with internal and external stakeholders?

 

Do you thrive in dynamic team environments, collaborating to deliver operational and strategic outcomes?

 

Are you motivated by the challenge of protecting Australia's borders and preventing criminal activity?

 

Are you seeking a diverse and rewarding career where adaptability, critical thinking, and integrity are key to success?

 

Now is the time to join ABF Investigations, part of Customs Compliance and Enforcement within the ABF. This role offers a unique opportunity to contribute to Australia's frontline border security agency in a high-risk, high-reward environment.

 

Our ideal candidate:

 

  • Demonstrates exceptional communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to influence and build strong relationships.
  • Possesses strong analytical and problem-solving capabilities, able to identify, interpret, and critically assess complex information.
  • Shows adaptability and resilience in fast-paced, evolving operational contexts.
  • Upholds the highest standards of integrity and professionalism, ensuring compliance with legal and ethical frameworks.
  • Is proactive in planning and prioritising tasks while working under Command, Control and Coordination principles to support ABF enforcement outcomes.

 

While not essential, experience in government, regulatory compliance, law enforcement, or Defence, along with relevant qualifications, will be highly regarded and provide an opportunity to apply your expertise in a challenging and rewarding environment.

 

Duties and responsibilities

 

APS5 Investigators work under limited direction to investigate breaches of migration, customs and other border related legislation in accordance with the Department's policies.

 

An APS5 ABF Investigator is accountable and responsible for supporting the delivery of a range of activities, including but not limited to:

 

  • Plan and prepare investigations by developing investigation plans, assessing risks, and coordinating with internal and external stakeholders.
  • Conduct end-to-end investigative activities, including executing search warrants, interviewing persons of interest, and gathering intelligence in line with legislation and policy.
  • Obtain, evaluate, and present evidence, preparing briefs of evidence, statements of fact, and presenting evidence in court.
  • Apply legislation, policies, and procedures with an understanding of departmental operating environments, exercising sound judgment and making legally defensible decisions.
  • Contribute to investigation capability and standards by participating in case reviews, suggesting process improvements, and representing the ABF professionally in all interactions.

 

Additional information

 

A position with ABF Investigations requires you to meet strict professional, operational, and integrity standards. You must:

 

  • Obtain and maintain relevant medical, fitness, and psychometric standards to ensure operational readiness.
  • Become a sworn Border Force Officer (BFO) by making an oath or affirmation.
  • Obtain and maintain essential and role-specific qualifications as part of employment, including a minimum Certificate IV in Government Investigations (provided via six week Border Force Investigations Program).
  • Have flexibility to work outside standard hours, including overtime, on-call duties, and attending court as a witness.
  • Undertake travel interstate, intrastate, and overseas, including extended periods for training or short notice operational deployments.
  • Undertake operational training to carry and use a firearm, if required.
  • Hold a current Australian driver's licence.

 

How to apply

 

Submit your application and CV through the Home Affairs’ recruitment system (ourPeople) before the closing date on 25/01/2026 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

 

Applicant response documents must be a minimum 11pt font in MSWord or PDF format, include your full name and the Requisition Number – 140816 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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