Marine Tactical Officer
Job Req ID
ABF - 138301
Location
ACT; NSW; NT; QLD; SA; VIC; WA
Employment Type
Ongoing (Permanent), Full-time
Classification
APS Level 3 - $66,839.00 and $76,792.00 plus 15.4% super (part time pro-rata)
Contact Officer
Astrid Hughes on abfmu.recruitment@abf.gov.au
Office Arrangements
Onsite
Applications close on 22/06/2025 at 11:59pm AEST (midnight) - Late applications will not be accepted.
Benefits
Amongst other allowances, on successful completion of pre-deployment requirements, marine sea-going officers currently attract a commuted sea-going allowance (CMA) 63% of base salary. See section 12 - Enterprise Agreement 2024-27 (Careers and recruitment)
Conditions of service can be found here: Enterprise Agreement 2024-27 (Careers and recruitment)
About our opportunity
This process is being used to fill 60 immediate positions.
Applicants suitable for the role but not offered the position for the current vacancy may be placed in a merit pool to fill similar vacancies for up to 18 months anywhere in ACT; NSW; NT; QLD; SA; VIC; WA.
About the Australian Border Force
The Australian Border Force (ABF) is an operationally independent body under the Home Affairs Portfolio. The ABF operates in a rapidly evolving global environment. We must perform to the highest standards while remaining agile to anticipate and respond to emerging threats, and capitalise on opportunities to partner with domestic and international border, customs, immigration, intelligence and law enforcement agencies. To deliver our mission in the face of advancing technology and new threats, it is not enough to be reactive, we must be professional, disciplined and collaborative.
About our team
National Operations | Maritime Border Command & OSB | Marine Deployments & Support
Marine Deployments and Support Branch (MDSB) deploys sea-going marine Border Force Officers to Australian Border Force Cutters (ABFCs), other associated assets assigned for ABF operations and Australian Defence Vessel (ADV) Ocean Protector who undertake a range of border enforcement activities throughout the Australian Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ).
This includes offshore maritime patrols and response, surveillance and deterrence activities that support civil maritime security operations and response to identified Maritime Security Threats (MSTs):
- Illegal Maritime Arrivals (IMAs)
- Maritime Terrorism
- Piracy, Robbery and Violence at Sea
- Prohibited Imports and Exports
- Exploitation of Natural Resources
- Illegal activity in Protected Areas
- Marine Pollution
- Compromise to Bio-security.
ABF cutter crew perform varied duties, which include boarding operations, bridge and engine room watch keeping, deck and engine room tasks and maintenance, meal preparation and vessel cleaning tasks. Officers maintain a capability to allow for redeployment within the fleet or general duties within ABF.
The Marine Tactical Officer (MTO) role is a physically demanding, specialist role with skills that enable response to known or suspected breaches in Australia's territories and exclusive economic zones. When not conducting or training for enforcement activities, MTOs operate on-board a range of ABF platforms contributing to on-board deck functions that contribute to the safe and efficient operation of the vessel.
Please visit our website for more information about the Department of Home Affairs or Australian Border Force
Our ideal candidate
MDSB are seeking applications from professionals who can respond positively to a challenging and high-pressure environment.
The programme of the Branch is high profile, with added sensitivity due to the armed nature of the workforce, demanding a high level of training and qualifications as well as liaison with other agencies and ABF Commands.
MTOs must also manage and be responsive to a range of requirements, including:
- Ability to work for periods up to 36 days on a Fly In Fly Out roster with no opportunity to return to port or home
- Ability to cope with sea sickness
- Withstand arduous environmental conditions e.g. heat, rain, wind, rough sea conditions
- Compatible with sharing facilities and sleeping quarters, when living within the close constraints of a vessel for an extended period of time
- Ability to cope with limited internet access and phone connectivity for extended periods
- Demonstrate flexibility and initiative in response to allocated work, including assisting in the completion of work outside of assigned responsibilities.
Depending on operational requirements and the circumstances of candidates, the Marine Unit permits domiciling in Brisbane, Sydney, Canberra, Melbourne, Adelaide, Perth and Darwin. With approval Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islanders may be permitted to be domiciled in Thursday Island.
Duties and responsibilities
- Perform specialist marine and enforcement duties, enforcing and assisting in a range of activities responding primarily but not exclusively to the identified maritime risks
- Perform general deck, engine room, line handling and ship's husbandry duties including food preparation and vessel hygiene duties
- Conduct lookout and helmsman watch keeping duties
- Perform marine APS3 duties, including but not limited to boarding and searching vessels, seizing prohibited goods, apprehending and questioning suspects and making statements for prosecution briefs
- Perform transportee management tasks including processing, welfare duties and security watches.
Training
Prior to being posted to a marine sea-going position you are required to successfully complete the Marine Tactical Officer Cadet Program, which is undertaken over a minimum period of 30 weeks.
Successful candidates assigned to a cadet intake will be posted to the ABF College Marine, Maritime and Littoral Faculty for the duration of their training before being posted to MDSB upon successful completion of their training.
This training program includes:
- Border Force Officer Foundations
- Basic Operational Safety Training (BOST) course
- Marine Skills Training Program at a Maritime College
- Visit, boarding, search and seizure training at ABF College
- Sea-going familiarisation patrol aboard an ABF Cutter.
Additional information
Mandatory criteria
Applicants must meet and maintain the following mandatory criteria to apply and be considered for Marine Tactical Officer vacancies. Failure to achieve and maintain the below criteria will affect your ability for an ongoing position in the ABF:
- Completed Year 12 education, Year 10 with a trade certificate or Year 10 with a Certificate IV and/or equivalent or relevant work
- Ability to undertake and successfully complete the Enforcement Standard Medical Examination, Use of Force Functional Fitness Assessment Protocol, initial entry Swim and Fitness Assessment, psychometric testing as well as successfully complete the Use of Force training program and maintain the ABF 'Use of Force' Permit
- Ability to obtain and retain Certificate of Medical Fitness for Sea in accordance with Marine Orders Part 9 (Health Medical Fitness) and having due regard to the guidelines for Medical Inspectors of Seamen as set out by AMSA
- Ability to obtain and maintain Advanced First Aid Certificate
- Ability to successfully complete the Marine Tactical Officer Cadet training program in its entirety.
Highly Desirable
- Hold and Maintain a Certificate of Competency (CoC) Coxswain Grade 1 Near Coastal (NC) as issued by the Australian Maritime Safety Authority (AMSA) in accordance with Marine Order 505 (Certificates of competency - national law) 2013
- Knowledge and understanding of the civil maritime security domains and operating zones
- Knowledge of relevant Commonwealth legislation
- Experience living and working on vessels for several weeks at a time.
All sea-going officers have been determined to be workers in a place with a high infection risk. It is a mandatory condition of your employment that you are fully vaccinated having received a primary course of the Covid-19 vaccine. Most people now only need one first dose of a Covid-19 vaccine as their primary course. However, you may need two doses if you are at high risk of severe illness. Please note there is no scope for medical exemption.
This is a sea-going position and as such, living space is limited with shared cabins and communal ablutions for crew. There may be limited internet access and phone connectivity for extended periods. The ABFC's operate in remote areas and there is limited opportunity to be transferred ashore during deployment.
The work you will undertake entails spending substantial time away from home for periods up to 31 days, with the possibility of extension to 36 days. A tactical extension may increase deployment days restricting a return to port or home. Although every effort will be made to maintain a scheduled roster, operational requirements may require changes to your roster patterns. All deployments and changes are however subject to conditions set out in the Department of Home Affairs Enterprise Agreement 2024-27.
MTO employment is subject to the ABF Postings Principles and is subject to postings consistent with that framework. Whilst employed as a sea-going officer your conditions of service will be commensurate with the Department of Home Affairs Enterprise Agreement 2024-27.
It is recommended that you familiarise yourself with these Conditions of service should your application be successful.
How to apply
Submit your CV through the Home Affairs’ recruitment system (ourPeople) before the closing date on 22/06/2025 at 11:59pm (midnight) AEST – Late applications will not be accepted.
Note: An Applicant Response document is not required, please upload your CV in its place.
Recruitment Process Information
Assessment 1 – Virtual Capability Testing: When applications close, you may be invited to complete an Online Capability Assessment. This will measure Cognitive Aptitude, Personality or, Emotional Intelligence.
It is strongly encouraged that all potential candidates complete the following sample assessments to gain a clear understanding of the requirements:
For more information about Criteria aptitude testing including tips on how to prepare please visit https://www.criteriacorp.com.au/candidates/how-to-prepare.
Assessment 2 – Online Assessment Centre: Candidates who are successful through the Virtual Capability Testing may then be invited to complete a One-way video interview and written work sample scenario response.
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
Internal applicants with technical enquiries can log a ticket through the Support Connect portal, send an email or call us
- Lodge an enquiry through the Support Connect Portal
- 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 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.