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Job Title


Leading Border Force Officer, ABOC


Company : Department of Home Affairs


Location : Townsville, Queensland


Created : 2025-12-11


Job Type : Full Time


Job Description

Job Details Location: ACT Employment Type: Ongoing (Permanent), Full-time Classification: APS Level 4 76,863.0082,906.00 plus 15.4% super (part time prorata) 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 04/01/2026 at 11:59pm AEDT (midnight). Late applications will not be accepted. About our opportunity This process is being used to fill 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. About our team National Operations | Customs Compliance Enforce & Target | Aboc | Surge, Crisis Response and Border Clearance ACT 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 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, crossagency 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 standup 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 licensed warehouse compliance checks and national oversight of diplomatic personnel, mail and cargo activities. Our ideal candidate We are looking for confident, adaptable candidates who excel in hightempo operational environments and are seeking challenging and rewarding work in the Border Clearance ACT team and broader elements of the Surge and Crises Response section. Officers employed in the Airport Operations domain work within international airports to conduct passenger processing and enforce customs and immigration legislation at the border. They facilitate the movement of passengers by conducting immigration clearance, visa and identity checks and responding to national intelligence alerts. They may conduct interviews and undertake search and examination activities, including searching persons, baggage and aircraft. Officers in this domain provide a frontline service to travellers, providing advice and resolving enquiries. They administer the Tourist Refund Scheme and calculate and collect duties. Officers in this domain may conduct surveillance and contribute to airside security. You will bring A 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 Work under general supervision and direction to process incoming and outgoing passengers and enforce immigration and customs legislation at the border. Process documents, including restricted goods permits, export declarations, Australian Defence Force (ADF) goods and equipment, carnets and exported baggage forms. 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 highlevel interpersonal and collaborative skills in border clearance and broader ABF operational support roles. Foster a positive and productive workplace culture by providing guidance, supporting team cohesion, and assisting in managing performance and behavioural matters. Additional information Preferred skills and experience: Welldeveloped written communication skills and the ability to understand and respond clearly on complex and ambiguous matters. 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. 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); and Be uniformed. How to apply Submit your application and CV through the Home Affairs recruitment system (ourPeople) before the closing date on 04/01/2026 at 11:59pm (midnight) AEDT Late applications will not be accepted. As part of your application you will be required to prepare and submit a onepage 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 140754 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: Technical assistance For technical enquiries please call or email for assistance: Email: [email protected] Phone: 1300 793 883 (within Australia) or +61 2 6196 0444 (outside of Australia) 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 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 Departments website at #J-18808-Ljbffr