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Senior Border Force Officer - Field Operations

Job Req ID

ABF - 141124

 

Location

ACT; NSW; NT; QLD; SA; TAS; 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

James Martin on 02 6195 6032 or james.martin@abf.gov.au  

 

Office Arrangements

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

Applications close on 24/02/2026 at 11:59pm AEDT (midnight) - Late applications will not be accepted.

 

About our opportunity

 

This process is being used to fill 6 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

 

The Senior Border Force Officer (SBFO) will have primary responsibility for conducting investigations to locate Unlawful Non-Citizens, and for planning and executing search warrant operations. They will be expected to cross-skill and perform any role at the SBFO level within the Field Operations team and be able to work well in an operational environment with flexibility to meet evolving priorities. Due to the nature of enforcement activity, work is regularly conducted outside of standard business hours. Officers interested in this role will need to be available to work outside of standard hours, and travel interstate regularly. This work attracts role-specific salary allowances. All roles are also designated Use of Force positions, and the successful candidate will be required to undertake Basic Operational Safety Training.

 

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

 

Our ideal candidate

 

Field Operations is looking for an enforcement officer with a high degree of determination, adaptability and professionalism. The position of Senior Border Force Officer in Field Operations has responsibility for conducting investigations to locate, engage and detain Unlawful Non-Citizens using a variety of statutory powers under the Migration Act 1958 (Commonwealth).

 

Field Operations is responsible for improving the level of compliance with relevant immigration laws by conducting a range of complex compliance activities. The Senior Border Force Officer is responsible for using appropriate powers and technology to identify and improve the level of compliance. They conduct assessments and operations to prevent, deter and enforce breaches of immigration law.

 

Duties and responsibilities

 

  • Lead search warrant teams in the execution of enforcement activity
  • Under the direction of a supervisor, perform the role of Delegate under the Migration Act 1958 (Commonwealth) in the exercise of statutory powers that enable you and your team to:
  • Detain Unlawful Non-Citizens
  • Grant, cancel and refuse visas
  • Exercise intelligence powers
  • Conduct desktop investigations into non-compliance with the Migration Act
  • Manage a case-load of persons of interest within the community and the prison network
  • Lead and conduct awareness, education and enforcement activity.

 

Additional information

 

The ability to obtain the following training:

 

  • Status Resolution Foundations - Training on the administrative and legal framework under which Field Operations Officers use the Migration Act 1958 (Cth)
  • Field Removals and Foundations and Border Force Field Program - End-to-end training on conducting Field Operations
  • Obtain and maintain Use of Force status
  • Obtain a working with vulnerable people card.

 

Desirable:

 

  • Existing Use of Force Permit
  • Existing Certificate IV in Government Investigations.

 

How to apply

 

Submit your application and CV through the Home Affairs’ recruitment system (ourPeople) before the closing date on 24/02/2026 at 11:59pm (midnight) AEDT  – Late applications will not be accepted.

 

As part of your application you will be required to prepare and submit an applicant response of no more than 800 words in relation to the advertised role, outlining:

 

  • Why you are interested in the role?
  • Any examples that demonstrate your ability to work in a client-facing role.

 

Please ensure you read the instructions carefully, noting failure to address identified requirements may lead to your application being deemed ineligible. 

 

Applicant response documents must be a minimum 11pt font in MSWord or PDF format, include your full name and the Requisition Number – 141124 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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