About our opportunity

This process is being used to fill several positions.
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.

Please note this opportunity is available to current Australian Public Service employees and all eligible members of the community.

Non-ongoing or temporary employment opportunities may be offered on a full-time, part-time or intermittent/irregular (casual) basis depending on business needs and requirements.

Non-ongoing employment for a specified term may be offered for an initial period of up to 12 months, with the possibility to extend for a further 6 months, for a total maximum period of 18 months.

About our team

Regional Operations | Ac East | Travel East/Trade East | Variou

East Command has responsibility for the operational delivery of the ABF's mission to protect Australia's border through enabling legitimate trade and travel, as well as through enforcement activities in NSW.

The ABF is currently looking for flexible, adaptable and reliable people to undertake work on a casual basis at the APS 2 classification. You will receive appropriate training in order to undertake requisite functions, such as passenger clearances. Training is currently around three (3) weeks in duration and is undertaken on a full-time basis.

Please note: Successful completion of training is a condition of employment.

At the Australian Border Force (ABF), we are dedicated to fostering a workplace environment that is safe, inclusive, and respectful for all employees. It is expected that all officers make a commitment to personally model the behaviours that build the culture, trust and confidence we all need.

What you’ll do

In the ABF, we are looking for Assistant Border Force Officers who are:

Team players

Committed to our values and behaviours, maintaining a high level of integrity and professionalism

Possess good communication skills

Represent the ABF in frontline operational areas, dealing directly with members of the public including foreign travellers

Perform duties in a fast-paced, high volume operating environment

Professional and respectful

Committed to developing their skills and knowledge

Exercise lawful authority efficiently and appropriately

Flexible and adaptable.

Skills and capability we need

Assistant Border Force officers (ABFOs) undertake a range of general administrative and operational support duties such as processing passengers through the international airport/seaports, generating seizure notices and dealing with client and stakeholder enquiries.

We are looking for individuals who are committed to upholding the APS Values, Code of Conduct and Employment Principles when performing the duties at the APS2 classification. You must possess good judgement and attention to details to ensure that tasks are completed within set timeframes and compliant with departmental policies.

At this level, officers must be flexible and adaptable during high tempo situations, whilst also building positive working relationships with your team and external stakeholders. This role provides a unique opportunity for you to develop operational and administrative skills to confidently contribute to the overall objective of the department.

Additional Information

In NSW, ABFOs often work in public facing roles at Sydney International Airport to assist frontline operational teams to meet peaks associated with the movement of people and goods across the border.

Additionally, there are a small number of roles available at the following locations:

Container Examination Facility and Detained Goods Warehouse (Port Botany)

International Mail Centre (Clyde)

Aviation Goods and Cargo Clearance team (Airport precinct)

Newcastle International Airport.

If you are interested in working at Newcastle International Airport, please make it aware during the Interview.

Work is often undertaken outside of standard business hours.

How to apply

Submit your application and CV through the Home Affairs’ recruitment system (ourPeople) before the closing date on 31/05/2026 at 11:59pm (midnight) AEST – Late applications will not be accepted.

As part of your application you will be required to prepare and submit an applicant response document in relation to the advertised role.

Please tell us in 200 words, why you would like to work as an APS 2 Assistant Border Force Officer. (Words beyond the 200 limit will not be assessed).

Applicant response documents must be a minimum 11pt font in MSWord or PDF format, include your full name and the Requisition Number – 138128 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 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.

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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: https://www.apsc.gov.au/recruitability

Technical assistance

Internal applicants with technical enquiries can log a ticket through the Support Connect portal, send an email or call us

Lodge an enquiry through the Support Connect Portal

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.