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Senior Border Force Officer - Technical Surveillance Operative

Job Req ID

ABF - 140344

 

Location

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

Katey Kelly at nationaltacticaloperations@abf.gov.au  

 

Office Arrangements

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

Applications close on 4/12/2025 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 in WA. 

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 WA; ACT; NSW; NT; QLD; SA; TAS; VIC.
 

About our team

 

Strategy & Capability | ABF Operational Capability | Tactical Support To Operations | National Tactical Operations

 

The Technical Surveillance Unit (TSU) delivers specialist technical solutions to enhance ABF surveillance operations. This includes the design, deployment and management of sensitive surveillance methodologies, technologies and tools. Technical Surveillance Operatives utilise advanced platforms including optical, audio and RPAS-based systems to discreetly collect intelligence. TSU also provides technical support to physical surveillance operatives and ensures that technical capabilities remain contemporary, risk-assessed and compliant with legislative frameworks.

 

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

 

Our ideal candidate

  • Experience operating and interrogating technical and electronic equipment including skills in a specialist discipline relevant to Surveillance Operations (IT, Electronics, Communications).
  • Knowledge of commercial electronic technologies including wireless communications, computer operating systems, computer hardware and computer networks.
  • Aptitude and/or practical experience in the provision of surveillance services in support of investigations.
  • Operational knowledge and understanding of contemporary physical surveillance equipment, methodology, communications and surveillance product management processes.
  • Knowledge of ABF investigative, enforcement and compliance functions.
  • Understanding of relevant legislation in connection with surveillance activity.

 

Duties and responsibilities

 

Under the direction of the TSU Supervisor, the Technical Surveillance Operatives will support operations by:

  • Successfully attain and maintain training to operate, deploy and manage technical equipment relevant to Technical Surveillance Operations.
  • Complete work priorities, often in higher risk intervention activities.
  • Contribute to Researching and acquiring new hardware, software, and other technologies to enhance the ABF's technical surveillance capability.
  • Contribute to the development, implementation and continuous improvement of policy, procedures, and systems relating to technical services, in compliance with the ABF's legal obligations;
  • Contribute to the strategic outputs of the Branch, including governance reporting.
  • Support relationships with ABF stakeholders and partner agencies.
  • Provide support to Physical Surveillance Unit teams in the deployment of discreet technical surveillance equipment.
  • Provide technical advice and guidance to ABF and partner agencies on strategies and opportunities for discreet electronic collection of imagery, information and evidence.
  • Provide support and build capability in the team to achieve identified priorities.
  • Travel nationwide to assist in the deployment of discreet technical assets and/or undergo training with partner agencies.

 

Additional information

 

These positions serve as an excellent stepping stone for anyone aspiring to enter the ABF operative environment. With opportunities for professional development, hands-on experience, and exposure to advanced techniques, you will gain valuable skills that can propel your career forward. We encourage anyone who resides outside WA to apply if they are willing to relocate. Please note that in these circumstances, the candidate will need to be prepared to relocate at their own expense.

 

Role Requirements

  • Ability to work on-call, different work time as operationally required, and undertake domestic travel.
  • Maintain mandatory training requirements and demonstrate physical/mental fitness to perform surveillance duties during extended and/or changeable shifts.
  • Verbal and written communication skills with the ability to work within a small team and confidently communicate at all levels.
  • Assist or accept the assistance of other jurisdictions that may become involved in surveillance initiatives, and maintain professional relationships and a spirit of cooperation in such situations as directed.

 

The successful candidate will hold (or ability to obtain) the following: 

  • Australian Government Negative Vetting Level 1 clearance.
  • Employment Suitability Clearance (ESC).
  • Valid State/Territory Drivers licence with no restrictions.
  • ABF Use of Force qualifications including First Aid.
  • Discreet deployment qualifications in line with the ABF College.
  • Remote Pilot's licence.

 

How to apply

 

Submit your application and CV through the Home Affairs’ recruitment system (ourPeople) before the closing date on 4/12/2025 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 – 140344 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

 

Internal applicants with technical enquiries can:

 

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.

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