Why YOU are important to us and what impact will you have on the People, Property and Security Division and the departments’ goal.

The People, Property and Security Division works in partnership to deliver strategic and operational workforce services that enable and enhance organisational capability. The division provides stewardship, support and services across integrity; conduct; property; fraud and corruption; security; performance management; rehabilitation management; recruitment; learning and development; inclusion and diversity; workforce planning and analytics; workplace relations; people support; culture and health, safety and wellbeing.

The Security, Integrity and Assurance Branch is responsible for the delivery of the department’s integrated protective security and integrity frameworks. We prevent, detect, and respond to security incidents, suspected misconduct, fraud and corruption, and develop unique insights to proactively identify and mitigate risks to the department and its operations. Responsible for the provision of independent, objective and risk-based internal audit, assurance and advisory services, we also provide independent support to the Inspector-General of Biosecurity and Inspector-General of Animal Welfare and Live Animal Exports.

These multifaceted roles include security governance, personnel, and physical security responsibilities, which support the department’s protective security objectives. You’ll lead initiatives aligned with the Protected Security Policy Framework (PSPF) and Information Security Manual (ISM), manage suitability assessments and technical controls, and contribute to enterprise risk mitigation. Working across teams and sites, you’ll deliver expert advice, shape policy, and strengthen compliance. Your work will directly support a secure, trusted workforce and resilient operations through collaboration, innovation, and continuous improvement in both strategic and operational security domains.

This is where you play an important role.

Physical Security Officer

The Physical Security Advisor role you are responsible for developing and delivering capabilities and projects associated with the security of the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry, including implementation and management of strategic and operational security outcomes in accordance with the PSPF and ISM. You will also be required to contribute to the achievement of outcomes in accordance with the regulatory framework and the APS Code of Conduct.

It is expected that the successful applicant will deliver on the core responsibilities and meet any requirements of the position as outlined.

Key responsibilities include:

• Providing advice and developing standards associated with Security Zones and technical controls that mitigate security risk, including site plans, zone certification, standard operating procedures, and secure facility inspections.
• Managing key aspects of physical security systems, including CCTV, analytic technology, alarm systems (including duress), and other security control systems.
• Bringing an engaging and energetic attitude to work and contributing innovation to the team.

Personnel Security Officer

As a Personnel Security Officer, you will support the department’s protective security goals by managing personnel security processes that ensure compliance with the PSPF. You’ll assess individual suitability for employment, coordinate security clearance workflows, and collaborate with internal and external stakeholders. Your work contributes to a trusted, secure workforce through effective case management, continuous improvement, and strong stakeholder engagement. This role is vital to maintaining integrity, confidentiality, and resilience across the department’s people and operations.

You will contribute to a high-performing team that ensures the department’s workforce meets protective security standards. You will play a key role in maintaining compliance with the Protective Security Policy Framework (PSPF) and supporting a secure, trusted operating environment. Your day-to-day responsibilities will include:

• Managing a caseload of personnel security assessments, including conducting interviews, analysing information, and preparing recommendations regarding an individual’s suitability for employment.
• Coordinating and monitoring security clearance workflows in collaboration with the Australian Government Security Vetting Agency (AGSVA) and other stakeholders.
• Undertaking a range of administrative tasks to support the team and broader section, including record management, reporting, and correspondence.
• Engaging with internal stakeholders to resolve personnel security issues and provide guidance on PSPF-aligned practices.
• Supporting the development and implementation of personnel security policies, procedures, and frameworks owned by the Security, Integrity and Assurance Branch.
• Contributing to the continuous improvement of personnel security practices, including identifying opportunities to streamline processes and enhance compliance.
• Maintaining accurate and confidential records in accordance with legislative and policy requirements.
• Assisting with reporting and assurance activities to monitor compliance and identify risks or gaps in personnel security arrangements.
• Participating in team planning and contributing to strategic initiatives that strengthen the department’s personnel security posture.
• Applying sound judgement, attention to detail, and strong communication skills to deliver high-quality outcomes in a fast-paced environment.

This role is essential to ensuring the department recruits and retains personnel who meet the highest standards of integrity and security.

Senior Security Advisor – Security Governance

As a Senior Security Advisor – Security Governance, you will lead protective security initiatives that strengthen compliance, manage enterprise risks, and enhance governance across the department. Your work directly supports the section’s goal of safeguarding people, information, and assets through strategic advice, risk mitigation, and collaboration with internal and external stakeholders. Your key responsibilities will include:

• Lead and support protective security initiatives that align with the Protective Security Policy Framework (PSPF) and other relevant standards.
• Provide strategic and operational advice to ensure departmental compliance with protective security obligations.
• Plan and deliver protective security activities, including compliance reviews, reporting, and input into broader strategic goals.
• Identify, assess, and manage enterprise-level risks to protect people, information, and assets across departmental sites.
• Contribute to the development and implementation of protective security frameworks, policies, and guidelines that support secure operations.
• Support daily operations, including managing security systems, ServiceNow workflows, training coordination, and the annual works program.
• Engage and collaborate with internal and external stakeholders to promote best practices, drive cooperation, and achieve security outcomes.
• Make informed decisions using sound judgement, contextual awareness, and a strong understanding of protective security principles.
• Identify and implement opportunities to improve business practices, processes, and security governance across the department.
• Provide leadership and mentorship, sharing knowledge and supporting team capability development where required.

Your work will contribute directly to the section’s goal of strengthening security governance and resilience across the department. You will play a critical role in ensuring the department meets its protective security obligations while fostering a culture of continuous improvement and collaboration.

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 Public Service Gazette, may also be used to fill future ongoing vacancies in the branch where the duties are of a similar nature.

Our ideal candidate will have:

Physical Security Officer

• Demonstrated experience in the design, implementation, and management of physical security controls in accordance with PSPF, T4 Technical Notes and ISM.
• Experience developing support documentation aligned with accreditation frameworks for Australian
• Government agencies, including site plans, zone certification, standard operating procedures, and secure facility inspections.
• Experience performing complex assessments, audits, and analytic activities.
• Experience conducting assurance reviews and identifying non-compliance with standards.
• Understanding of risk management principles, assessment methods, and physical security controls.
• Strong subject matter expertise across Government physical security discipline.
• Contract management expertise, including the ability to engage and manage third-party organisations providing services to the department.
• Experience in project management and meeting critical deadlines.
• Strong policy and legal competence, with the ability to monitor and understand changes in legislation and author policies and procedures used by the department and its suppliers.

Personnel Security Officer & Senior Security Advisor – Security Governance

• Demonstrated experience working in a protective security environment within the Australian Public Service (APS).
• Strong understanding and practical application of the Protective Security Policy Framework (PSPF), or experience delivering outcomes aligned with Australian Government policy.
• Proven ability to draft policies, guidelines, standard operating procedures, and reports in an APS context.
• Experience conducting complex assessments, audits, and analytical activities.
• Managing a caseload of personnel security assessments, including conducting interviews, analysing information, and preparing recommendations regarding an individual’s suitability for employment.
• Coordinating and monitoring security clearance workflows in collaboration with the Australian Government Security Vetting Agency (AGSVA) and other stakeholders.
• Sound understanding of risk management principles, assessment methodologies, and protective security controls.
• Familiarity with risk management and analytical tools, systems, and software, or the ability to quickly acquire relevant skills.
• Experience using reporting tools such as Microsoft Excel to support decision-making and compliance activities.