Who we are

Biosecurity Operations Division (BOD) delivers nationally integrated biosecurity and imported food regulatory activities to ensure goods, conveyances and travellers meet Australia's import requirements. Division operations include policy and regulatory control setting across imported food and biosecurity risk pathways, as well as the delivery of assessment, inspection, community engagement and contact centre services. The division also partners with industry to improve the delivery of regulatory functions. The division spans a range of regulatory activities that plays a critical role in reducing risk and shaping our nation to become one of the few countries in the world to remain free from the world’s most severe pests and diseases. The division is made up of a number of pathways including:

Travellers Operations delivers regulatory screening and inspections of travellers and their goods, at the border to verify compliance with Australia's biosecurity requirements. Travellers Operations works with policy and risk owners within the department to influence and inform operational policy and deliver regulatory functions in accordance with legislative requirements, national standards, and a risk-based operating model. The operations group has a national footprint with a presence at international airports and seaports in all capital cities.

Please note that for Travellers Operations, the ability to perform shift work is a requirement when applying for this position(s).

The Job

Biosecurity Officers protect Country by inspecting international passengers and goods as they arrive into Australia. Our work is crucial in keeping Australia free from unwanted global pests and diseases that could harm our environment and adversely disrupt our way of life.

As a Biosecurity Officer, you will screen people’s baggage and commercial cargo using x-ray technology to find risk material before it enters Country. You will interact with the public, asking questions and inspecting items to identify hazards. You will assess documents to ensure they comply with regulations. You will apply legislation and make decisions based on evidence. You will use the department’s systems and technology to capture data and report findings.

There are Full-time and Part-time Ongoing positions on offer. Some positions will involve shift work with shift loading paid in addition to base salary. We are recruiting to build a workforce for Western Sydney International Airport which will open in mid-2026 and operate 24/7.

Undergoing training and commencing work as a Biosecurity Officer will require you to be located at our Mascot office or Kingsford Smith International Airport.

Click here to see what being a Biosecurity Officer in DAFF is like.

Please note The merit pool established through this selection process, which is valid for a period of eighteen months from the date the vacancy was advertised in the Gazette, may also be used to fill future ongoing vacancies in the division where the duties are of a similar nature.

Positions may be full-time or part-time depending on business needs and requirements. You will be required to attend full time for an initial training period if you are offered a part time position.

Who we are looking for

Our ideal candidate will:

• Be honest, follow rules and display integrity.
• Notice details, be curious and apply regulations to make decisions.
• Work well with colleagues and the public and communicate clearly when writing and speaking.
• Learn department systems and technology and become conversant with and apply legislation
• Be able to work in a fast-paced environment and act independently.
• Bring authenticity, demonstrate a positive attitude and a willingness to learn, be self-motivated and drive to achieve their goals

The Australian community requires the highest integrity of DAFF staff. Our people act with integrity, make ethical decisions and embody the APS Values and Code of Conduct.

Why Join Us

Your contribution as a First Nations Biosecurity Officer is crucial to our mission. By bringing your cultural knowledge and experience, you will be an integral member of the team addressing biosecurity challenges with greater sensitivity and effectiveness. Join us to make a meaningful impact in protecting Country. Apply now and become a vital part of our dedicated team working to keep Australia safe from biosecurity threats.

Click here to learn more about First Nations employment in DAFF and hear what our employees are saying.

Click here to learn more about First Nations environmental biosecurity - DAFF

We offer:

• training and support to get you ready for the job
• an inclusive workplace
• competitive salaries with shift loading
• generous leave entitlements
• cultural, ceremonial and NAIDOC leave

o one day of paid leave per calendar year to take part in NAIDOC week activities

o access up to 6 days of paid leave over 2 calendar years to take part in significant activities associated with your culture or to fulfil ceremonial obligations

• this role can offer multiple career pathways within the department, allowing you to grow and advance.

How to apply

Applicants are required to submit a current CV/resume, outlining personal attributes, experience, skills and capabilities to be considered for this role. Applicants will be assessed via a multi-stage selection process which could include individual and group assessment activities, yarn and obtaining referee reports.

The Australian Public Service Commission (APSC) has produced an informative guide to applying for jobs in the Australian Public Service. You can access this information at APSCs Cracking the Code.

Who can apply

This vacancy is only available to Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait islander people under affirmative measures of the Racial Discrimination Act 1975.

Working in this role requires a candidate to obtain Baseline Clearance, MSIC & ASIC cards. A pre-employment check will include a National Police Check and Medical Assessment to ensure you can physically do the job.

This position requires a valid Australian motor vehicle drivers’ licence. Biosecurity Officers are required to wear a uniform, wear personal protective clothing, as determined by the type of work, and complete training to qualify in the role.

This position requires you to complete The Biosecurity Foundation Program (BFP) (the program). The program is a six-month national induction program for new starters (trainees), in the Biosecurity Operations Division (BOD). The program aligns to the department's Corporate Plan and articulates the department’s vision for a future ready workforce. It ensures our workforce is equipped with comprehensive skills and knowledge and can meet the department’s changing priorities and demands. Trainees are required to complete all aspects of the program, which focuses on the development of a range of skills, capabilities and values that are required for working in BOD and the department.

The program is delivered by the BOD Technical Training team, together with Probation Onboarding Teams, in a flexible manner in the classroom or face to screen on Microsoft Teams.