Enforcement Communications Officer

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, in line with the ABF Service Delivery Framework and Capability Lifecycle Management Model.

The Enforcement Communication Section (EC) within the Operational Capability Branch, Enterprise Technology Services Division, contributes to the preservation of Australia's border integrity, delivering, maintaining and enhancing Australian Border Force (ABF) operational enforcement communications networks and equipment. Enforcement communications capabilities are critical to ABF operational effectiveness, security and officer/safety. 

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.

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

Our ideal candidate

• 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
• The candidate will have the opportunity to align and work with subject matter experts for Enforcement Communications within the Section to assist with maintenance and logistical asset support across Australia.

• 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.

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.  

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 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.

AI tools may be used to support parts of this recruitment process. The selection panel will disclose where and how AI is used.

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.