At a Glance
- Tasks: Support and maintain critical communications systems for Australia's border security.
- Company: Join the Department of Home Affairs, committed to diversity and inclusion.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, flexible working arrangements, and relocation assistance available.
- Other info: Opportunity for career growth and learning from industry experts.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on national security while developing technical skills.
- Qualifications: Interest in communications technology and teamwork skills required.
The predicted salary is between 54450 - 66550 $ per year.
Classification: APS Level 5 - $88,834.00 and $96,829.00 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.
The Candidate will have the ability to, or be willing to quickly acquire, technical expertise in the enforcement communications capabilities that are managed by the Section. Specifically, UHF, Very High Frequency (VHF) radio and other communications equipment to be used in remote areas, such as satellite communication and 4G.
The candidate will have an interest in and or experience with computer networking technologies and procedures desirable for UHF and Radio Over IP (ROIP) installation/troubleshooting.
The Enforcement Communications Officer will work directly to the Enforcement Communications Technical Officer and with other members of the team and external service providers for Enforcement Communications support and maintenance. The role will also be required to contribute to contract management through logistical support and fault and asset management. The position holder will also assist with management of the Enforcement Communications Lab.
Duties and responsibilities:
- Address issues with regards to EC systems, infrastructure and reporting of faults to third level service providers.
- Assist with management of a substantial number of EC assets recorded in the Asset Management database within the Connected Services Portal.
- Facilitate Deployment, set up, tune and calibrate radio frequency elements following maintenance schedules using appropriate tools and test equipment.
- Provide logistical support, including but not limited to: Encryption key uploads, Upgrade of equipment, Equipment shipping/tracking, Management of storage and equipment, including disposal planning.
- Coordinate management of the Enforcement Communications Lab and warehouse and ensure compliance with work, health and safety regulations, including housekeeping.
Additional information:
Role Requirements:
- Ability to communicate effectively with a wide range of audiences.
- Ability to organise workflow, completion of allocated tasks, and work under general direction.
- Ability to provide technical and administrative support that is informed and directed by sound knowledge in specific areas.
- Ability to identify, mitigate and escalate risks that will impact on own and team work outcomes.
- Capacity to 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.
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. The Department may provide relocation assistance to eligible APS employees required to relocate.
The Department of Home Affairs acknowledges the Traditional Custodians of Country throughout Australia and their continuing connection to land, sea and community. We pay our respects to all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, their cultures and to their elders past, present and emerging.
Enforcement Communications Officer in Canberra employer: Home Affairs
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