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Senior Competency Assessment Training Officer (CATO)

Job Req ID

Home Affairs - 140151

 

Location

QLD 

 

Employment Type

Ongoing (Permanent), Full-time 

 

Classification

APS Level 6 - $94,563.00 and $107,713.00 plus 15.4% super (part time pro-rata)

 

Contact Officer

Jack Agapiou - Contact no: 0401 714 800  

 

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 27/10/2025 at 11:59pm AEDT (midnight) - Late applications will not be accepted.

 

About our opportunity

 

This process is being used to fill 1 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 QLD; ACT; NSW; NT; SA; TAS; VIC; WA.
 

About our team

 

Chief Operating Officer Group | Enterprise Technology Services | Operational Capability | Enforcement Technologies and Logistics (ET&L)

 

The Enforcement Technologies and Logistics (ET&L) section is part of the Operational Capability Branch (OCB) and is based within the Department of Home Affairs. ET&L works closely with key internal and external stakeholders including the Australian Border Force (ABF), to provide ongoing sustainment and support for detection technology capabilities.

 

This includes:

  • Managing transport, logistical and unpack repack contracts for Container Examination Facilities. 
  • Departmental radiation safety responsibilities to ensure compliance with regulatory requirements.
  • Contract and asset management for operational technologies; X-ray, Trace Detection, Substance Identification, Radiological and other support equipment.
  • Project technical support and procurement of operational technologies.
  • Design, development, management and delivery of operational technology training to the ABF including subject matter expertise.
  • This Senior Competency Assessment Training Officer (CATO) role delivers detection technology training to the ABF to support safe and effective technology use at the border. It ensures the ABF maintain their required training qualifications to meet legislative, WHS and departmental policy requirements.

 

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

 

Our ideal candidate

 

  • Is able to work independently with a single team member whilst based away from the rest of the team and section.
  • Will be A key point of contact to coordinate, manage and deliver training in a range of technologies that are geographically dispersed across Brisbane and QLD.
  • Will identify and initiate areas of improvement to deliver technology training more effectively.
  • Maintains accurate records which includes conducting technology audits and providing reports on the status of the different technology assets, including initiating follow up actions and resolution with stakeholders as required. 
  • Interacts professionally with diverse stakeholders to meet strategic objectives related to detection and identification technologies.

 

 

Duties and responsibilities

 

The QLD Senior CATO will be responsible for:

  • Organising, scheduling and delivering train the trainer/CATO training for the ABF, to allow ABF CATOs to train frontline staff to use detection technologies for border protection activities.
  • Performing initial assessments and re-certification assessments on ABF CATOs and Operators.
  • Managing the training network within the region to ensure ABF CATOs are providing nationally consistent training and they are compliant with legislation and other relevant regulations including work health and safety (WHS).
  • Reviewing technology training packages for technical content and compliance with the Department's Learning Strategy, Systematic Learning Model and record keeping policy.
  • Updating training materials and documentation regularly in response to continuous improvement and business changes.

 

Additional information

 

  • Strong written and verbal communication, team cohesion and strong stakeholder engagement skills.
  • Certificate IV in Training and Assessment, or equivalent. 
  • Knowledge of how to use detection and identification technologies within the ABF or a similar environment.
  • ABF Certified Competency Assessment Training Officer (CATO) and/or Certified Operator or similar qualifications in detection and identification technologies such as:
    • X-ray
    • Radiological
    • Trace detection 
    • Substance identification. Knowledge and understanding of technical capabilities of operational technologies. 
  • Knowledge and understanding of maintenance requirements for technologies.
  • Knowledge and understanding of operational technology use in an operational capacity.
  • Science or detection technology related background.
  • Quality Assurance Management systems experience/qualifications.

 

How to apply

 

Submit your application and CV through the Home Affairs’ recruitment system (ourPeople) before the closing date on 27/10/2025 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 – 140151 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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