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Senior Border Force Officer

Job Req ID

ABF - 140563

 

Location

ACT 

 

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

Shane Cirson at shane.cirson@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 04/12/2025 at 11:59pm AEDT (midnight) - Late applications will not be accepted.

 

About our opportunity

 

This process is being used to fill 3 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

 

National Operations | Customs Compliance Enforce & Target | Aboc | Surge, Crisis Response and Ops ACT

 

The Surge, Crisis Response and Ops ACT section sits within the Australian Border Operations Centre (ABOC) Branch in the Customs Compliance and Enforcement Division (CCED). CCED supports the ABF's ability to respond to border related threats and effectively deliver against operational priorities.

 

The ABOC is a centralised and unified operations centre, responsible for providing a single source of truth on ABF operations and incidents. It is the central point of contact for partner agencies, unifying operational capabilities of the ABF and the Department of Home Affairs into the planning, executing, coordinating and managing national ABF activities and operations.

 

The Surge, Crisis Response and Ops ACT section consists of three distinct functions.

 

Crisis Response

The ABOC, through the Crisis Response Capability (CRC) led by Crisis Response, works closely with Whole of Government (WofG) partners to plan, prepare and rapidly respond to crises at short notice in accordance with the Australian Government Crisis Management Framework (AGCMF). The Crisis Response function provides logistics management, cross-agency collaboration, governance, recruitment and training for the ABF's Crisis Response Team.

The ABF CRC consists of qualified, skilled and prepared members from the APS5 to SES Band 1 levels who are available to rapidly support the ABF's response to crises, both domestically and internationally. The team also supports the Major Incident Room (MIR) functionality, which provides support to significant ABF operations or incidents.

 

Surge

The Surge team provides a rapid stand-up of critical resourcing and the continuity of effort for major incidents that require a higher level of strategic coordination or operational command than can be provided by regular ABF business practices. This is provided through the management and sustainment of the Operational Surge, Capability and Resourcing System (OSCARS) to identify suitable officers across the ABF to surge into high priority operational activities and priorities.

 

Border Clearance ACT

The Border Clearance ACT (BCACT) manages all aviation and cargo operations within the ACT and surrounding region. This includes border clearance activities of scheduled flights through Canberra International Airport (CIA), as well as unscheduled, guest of government, foreign and local dignitary, military, diplomatic and charter flights. In addition, BCACT manage regional office and client service functions. This includes processing import and export declarations, conducting cargo examinations, detained goods management, conducting licenced warehouse compliance checks and national oversight of diplomatic personnel, mail and cargo activities.

 

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

 

Our ideal candidate

We are looking for confident, adaptable candidates who excel in high-tempo operational environments and can quickly learn and apply new skills across all elements of the section.

 

You will bring:

  • Strong work ethic, professional integrity, and high emotional intelligence.
  • Ability to represent the ABF in frontline operational areas, dealing directly with members of the public including foreign travellers.
  • A willingness and commitment to developing your skills and knowledge in all elements of Border Operations.
  • A willingness to contribute across multiple work streams within the Section and Branch.

 

Duties and responsibilities

  • Contribute to the ABF's strategic direction, role and functions and represent the ABF and Australian government in a professional capacity.
  • Build and maintain strong relationships with internal and external stakeholders while effectively managing competing priorities and provide high quality, timely advice to stakeholders.
  • Operate within a dynamic environment, applying high-level interpersonal and collaborative skills in border clearance and broader ABF operational support roles.
  • Prioritise varied workloads in a timely and efficient manner to produce quality individual and team outcomes.
  • Foster a positive and productive workplace culture by providing guidance, supporting team cohesion, and assisting in managing performance and behavioural matters.

 

Additional information

 

Preferred:

  • Well-developed written communication skills and the ability to understand and respond clearly on complex and ambiguous matters.
  • Well-developed critical thinking and problem-solving skills.
  • Work collaboratively within a team with limited supervision, use initiative and apply sound judgement.
  • Effective communication and stakeholder engagement skills.
  • Ability to interpret policy, identify risks, and deliver practical solutions.

 

Mandatory:

  • A minimum of Baseline Security clearance and the ability to obtain a Negative Vet 1 clearance.
  • Employee Suitability Clearance (ESC).
  • These positions are designated ABF positions and successful applicants will be required to meet Border Force Officer essential qualifications as follows:
    • Attain and maintain relevant medical, fitness and psychometric standards
    • Swear an oath or make an affirmation
    • Actively participate in career management (postings and deployments)
    • Be uniformed.

 

Office Arrangements

Onsite - Border Clearance shift positions are 100% work from work (onsite) roles due to the nature of aviation operations work and will be based across both Canberra Airport and ABF HQ at 3 Molonglo Drive, Canberra.

Flexible working arrangements are available for some designated non-shift flex positions. Arrangements will be considered on a case-by-case basis and in line with the requirements of the broader shift team and aviation operational requirements.

 

How to apply

 

Submit your application and CV through the Home Affairs’ recruitment system (ourPeople) before the closing date on 04/12/2025 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 – 140563 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:

 

 

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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