Enforcement Communications Maintenance Officer (JR 142246) in Canberra

Location: ACT

Employment Type: Ongoing (Permanent), Full-time / Part-time

Classification: APS Level 4 - $79,476.00 and $86,246.00 plus 15.4% super (part time pro-rata)

Contact Officer: Carolyn Engstrom on 0477 710 752 or CAROLYN.ENGSTROM@HOMEAFFAIRS.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 20/11/2026 at 11:59pm AEST (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 ACT; NSW; NT; QLD; SA; TAS; VIC; WA.

About our team: The Operational Capability Branch (OCB) enables operational capability through the provision, support and sustainment of technology to operational areas responsible for Australian Border Force (ABF) frontline activities. The Enforcement Communication Section (EC) contributes to the preservation of Australia's border integrity, delivering, maintaining and enhancing ABF operational enforcement communications networks and equipment.

The EC team is responsible for the design, installation, support, maintenance and upgrades to operational Enforcement Communications equipment, including Ultra High Frequency (UHF) systems at airports and seaports, networks in regional centres including the Torres Strait where there is an operational ABF presence. The team is also responsible for deployable tactical satellite communications systems and the delivery of projects funded under the Capital Investment Program.

Duties and responsibilities:

• Deploy, set up, tune and calibrate radio frequency elements following maintenance schedules using appropriate tools and test equipment.
• Identify and resolve network problems following agreed procedures, using UHF network management software and tools to collect agreed performance statistics.
• Contribute to logistical support, including but not limited to asset management database, encryption key uploads, upgrade of equipment, equipment shipping/tracking, management of storage and equipment, including disposal planning.
• Maintain UHF related records including shipment of assets and equipment stored in the UHF Lab in accordance with Departmental record keeping requirements.
• Support management of the Enforcement Communications Lab and warehouse and ensure compliance with work, health and safety regulations, including housekeeping.

Role requirements/qualifications:

• Ability to communicate effectively with a wide range of audiences.
• Accountable for organising workflow, completion of allocated tasks, and working under general direction.
• Undertake some research and analysis activities.
• Build and sustain a high performance culture, including inclusiveness, to contribute to broader Section, Branch and Department objectives.
• Exercise good judgment and seek relevant information to resolve or refer issues and make logical and balanced decisions.

Skills:

• Sound oral and written communication skills.
• Sound organisational, administrative and planning skills.
• Sound teamwork and interpersonal skills.
• Sound ability to contribute to contract management.
• Experience with computer networking technologies and procedures desirable for UHF and Radio Over IP (ROIP) installation/troubleshooting.

Knowledge:

• Ability to, or be willing to quickly acquire, technical expertise in the enforcement communications capabilities that are managed by the Section.
• Specifically UHF, VHF radio and other communications equipment to be used in remote areas, such as satellite communication and 4G.

Qualifications:

• Maintain a security clearance at a minimum of Baseline.
• Standard Australian Driver Licence.
• Australia wide Aviation and Maritime Security Identifications Cards (ASIC/MSIC).

How to apply: Submit your application and CV through Home Affairs' recruitment system (ourPeople) before the closing date on 20/11/2026 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 two-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, including specific examples or achievements that demonstrate your ability to perform well in the role.

Applicant response documents must be a minimum 12pt font in MSWord or PDF format, include your full name and the Requisition Number - 142246 in the document footer.

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.

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.

Technical assistance: For technical enquiries please call or email for assistance: Phone: 1300 793 883 (within Australia) or +61 2 6196 0444 (outside of Australia).

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.