Leading Border Force Officer

Job Req ID

ABF - 141136

Location

ACT; NSW; NT; QLD; SA; TAS; VIC; WA 

 Employment Type

Ongoing (Permanent), Full-time 

Classification

APS Level 4 - $79,476.00 and $86,246.00 plus 15.4% super (part time pro-rata)

Contact Officer

Glenn David on 02 8862 6199 or glenn.david@abf.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 12/03/2026 at 11:59pm AEDT (midnight) - Late applications will not be accepted.

About our opportunity

This process is being used to fill 5 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

Immigration | Immigration Compliance Operations | Field Ops & Sponsor Monitoring | Field Operations

Field Operations plays a key role within the Australian Border Force (ABF), primarily focused on post border immigration enforcement activity. Officers conduct a range of enforcement activities including covert observations and executing Migration Act 1958 (Cth) search warrants to locate and detain unlawful non-citizens (UNCs) who present a risk to the safety and good order of the Australian community. The aim of this work is to prevent and deter breaches of migration law and enforce compliance with Australia's visa programs. As part of these activities, officers may also cancel or grant visas, depending on evidence presented by the person and satisfaction of statutory criteria. Officers may also have the power to seize documents and other items.

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

Our ideal candidate

Field Operations is seeking enforcement officers with a strong work ethic and high degree of determination, adaptability and professionalism.
 
Field Operations has responsibility for improving compliance with relevant immigration laws through administrative means and deployment activities. The Leading Border Force Officer is responsible for using appropriate powers and technology to identify and improve compliance by conducting assessments and assisting operations to detect, deter and prevent breaches of immigration law.

Duties and responsibilities

• Conduct investigations and activities to locate, engage and detain unlawful non-citizens (UNCs) who present a risk to the Australian Community, using a variety of legislated powers under the Migration Act 1958 (Cth), including administration and deployments in excess of regular business hours.
• Manage the referral of UNCs located in the prison and remand systems, including the administrative preparations for and deployment to correctional centres and similar locations to engage with the UNC.
• Under the direction of a supervisor, exercise delegations and statutory powers under the Migration Act 1958 (Cth) to detain UNCs and grant, cancel or refuse visas.
• Assess and mitigate risk associated with field deployments utilising a risk matrix and various tools, powers and policy.
• Conduct awareness, education and enforcement activities targeting employers and sectors suspected of exploiting migrant workers in breach of the Migration Act 1958 (Cth).
  
  

Additional information

• Knowledge of, or the ability to gain an understanding of, the Migration Act 1958 (Cth) and associated legislation/regulations.
• Ability to deploy interstate for periods up to one month for the purpose of essential training courses.
• Willingness and ability to obtain and maintain Use of Force status preferred, including meeting rigorous health and fitness standards.
• Flexibility in work hours within the standard hours of duty, and ability to deploy outside standard hours of duty as required is preferred.
• Must be able to obtain working with children/vulnerable people certification.
  
  

How to apply

Submit your application and CV through the Home Affairs’ recruitment system (ourPeople) before the closing date on 12/03/2026 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 Calibri font in MSWord or PDF format, include your full name and the Requisition Number – 141136 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 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

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