Senior Border Force Officer

Job Req ID

ABF - 138894

 

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

ABFWARecruitmentEnquiries@abf.gov.au  

 

Office Arrangements

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

Applications close on 24/08/2025 at 11:59pm AEST (midnight) - Late applications will not be accepted.

 

About our opportunity

 

This process is being used to fill multiple immediate positions. 

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.
 

About our team

 

Regional Operations | West | Operations West 

 

Australian Border Force

 

The Australian Border Force (ABF) are Australia's frontline border law enforcement agency and customs service. We are an operationally independent body within the Home Affairs portfolio. 

 

Our mission is to protect Australia's border and enable legitimate travel and trade. Our vision is to be a global leader in border law enforcement and trusted partner that helps build a safe, secure and prosperous Australia. We aim to facilitate the movement of people and goods across the border. We work closely with other agencies to share knowledge, expertise and intelligence in order to detect, deter and prosecute those who attempt to do us harm at the border. The work we do contributes to safeguarding Australia's national security. 

 

Operations West branch overview

 

Operations West branch work areas are overseen by the Regional Commander West (Senior Executive Staff Band 1) being comprised of eight sections, each managed by a Superintendent (Executive Level 2) and Inspector/s (Executive Level 1).

 

Operations West merit pool candidates may be selected to fill future vacancies in WA over the next 18 months.

 

  • Aviation Goods.
  • Aviation Travellers.
  • Border Intelligence.
  • Chief of Staff.
  • Investigations WA.
  • Operations & Planning.
  • Maritime Operations.
  • Maritime Operations District Office.

 

Other sections based in WA include: 

 

  • Field Operations.
  • Sponsor Monitoring Unit.
  • Removal Operations.
  • Detention Operations.
  • Trade Compliance.
  • The ABF College.

 

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

 

Our ideal candidate

 

As a Senior Border Force officer within the Australian Border Force, you will perform an important role, working under the direction of a Supervisor, in managing teams to deliver a range of operational and non-operational outputs. You will manage your teams to ensure business area goals and operational targets are met whilst working in this highly complex, sensitive and at times high-risk environment.

 

All Senior Border Force officers in the ABF are expected to demonstrate a wide range of capabilities such as:

 

  • challenging misaligned behaviours.
  • delivering individual and team results.
  • being accountable for decisions.
  • building collaborative relationships.
  • understanding ABF and government priorities.
  • communicating clearly and transparently.
  • responding to risks.
  • being agile and adaptable.
  • developing professional knowledge and skills.
  • showing resilience and leadership.

 

Duties and responsibilities

 

As a Senior Border Force officer, you will be accountable and responsible for supporting the delivery of a range of activities, which may include but are not limited to:

 

  • interpret and apply legislation and powers.
  • demonstrate law enforcement mindset.
  • communicate effectively including building and maintaining effective relationships/partnerships.
  • lead and conduct searches and examinations.
  • lead and conduct post-detection activities, effective administration and resource management.
  • support and manage risk assessment and mitigation.
  • work safely in an operational and non-operational environment.
  • manage a team.

 

Additional information

 

An APS5 Officer will be required to meet ABF essential qualifications, including:

 

  • being sworn in and uniformed (unless business attire is required).
  • maintaining essential and role-specific qualifications.
  • participating in career management and being prepared to relocate.

 

Additionally, you may need to:

 

  • be deployed at short notice.
  • acquire a Working with Children Check.
  • complete Operational Safety training and use personal defence equipment.
  • work outside of business hours, including weekends.

 

Please note officers are posted to these locations for up to three years:

 

  • Esperance
  • Albany
  • Bunbury
  • Geraldton
  • Dampier
  • Port Hedland
  • Broome
  • Christmas Island.

 

How to apply

 

Submit your application and CV through the Home Affairs’ recruitment system (ourPeople) before the closing date on 24/08/2025 at 11:59pm (midnight) AEST – Late applications will not be accepted.

 

As part of your application, you will be required to prepare a one-page pitch response document (minimum 11pt font in MS Word or PDF format), which you will upload in the next section. Please ensure you read the instructions carefully, noting failure to address identified requirements may lead to your application being deemed ineligible. Please prepare a statement, up to one page, in relation to the advertised role, outlining:

 

  • How your skills, knowledge and experience will be relevant to these highly competitive ABF roles
  • Why you are interested in a role in the ABF and what you can offer us.
  • Any specific examples or achievements that demonstrate your ability to perform these roles with particular focus on:
    • Achieves Results
    • Displays Personal Drive and Integrity.

Applicant response documents must be a minimum 11pt font in MSWord or PDF format, include your full name and the Requisition Number – 138894 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

 

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.