Intelligence Officer
Canberra
Ongoing - Permanent
$97,122 - $120,947
09-Mar-2026
The Organisation
The Australian Security Intelligence Organisation (ASIO) protects Australia and Australians from threats to their security – that is our purpose. In a complex, challenging and changing security environment, our success is built on the imagination and intelligence of our team. ASIO's people are ordinary Australians but they do extraordinary things – they are our most important asset. To be successful in our mission, we need talented people who are highly capable, dedicated, adaptable and resilient.
We seek to reflect the community we protect. ASIO is committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive environment, where all staff are valued and respected. We welcome applications from all eligible candidates, irrespective of gender, sexual orientation, ethnicity, religious affiliation, age or disability. Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples are encouraged to apply. We are secretive about what we do, not what we value.
ASIO officers' identities are protected by law. Under section 92 of the ASIO Act, the only declared ASIO officers are the Director-General and Deputy Directors-General. Due to the need to protect our people's identities, ASIO holds all employment applications in the strictest of confidence. It is essential that you do the same. Please do not discuss your application with others as doing so may adversely affect your potential employment.
The opportunity
As an open-source intelligence professional, you will specialise in the collection, research and analysis of large volumes of open-source information in service of ASIO's security intelligence priorities. You will embrace the complexity within the security environment and contribute to investigative outcomes that impact the real world.
In this role, you will confront challenges, help identify capability gaps and develop operational tradecraft to resolve them. You will also collaborate with key stakeholders across the intelligence community to maintain safe and secure tradecraft and ensure that intelligence products and services meet their requirements.
ASIO is seeking applications for multiple Open-Source Intelligence positions. Successful applicants will work at the SECRET (Negative Vetting 1) level.
A merit pool may be created to fill future vacancies which have the same or similar requirements to this position. This merit pool will be valid for up to 18 months.
Role responsibilities
AE5 Open-Source Intelligence Practitioner
At the AE5 level you will:
- Design collection, risk management and mitigation plans for open-source research requests, engaging with stakeholders where required.
- Conduct open-source research and produce high quality written open-source products that support delivery of enterprise priorities.
- Maintain understanding of modern and developing technologies and open-source tradecraft.
- Monitor and evaluate the effectiveness of open-source tools, techniques or systems.
- Collaborate with both internal and external stakeholders to maximise intelligence collection efficiency and increase the impact of open-source reporting.
AE6 Open-Source Intelligence Team Leader
At the AE6 level you will:
- Lead and contribute to a high performing team designing and implementing collection, risk management and mitigation plans for open-source requests.
- Plan for and analyse open-source research, and ensure high-quality written open-source products meet objectives that support delivery of enterprise priorities.
- Monitor industry and partner agency developments in open-source research capabilities and techniques, assess suitability for use within the Organisation and implement continuous improvements based on industry best practice.
- Contribute to open-source capability, standards, training and tradecraft development.
- Coach and mentor staff to build and support a cadre of open-source specialists.
- Manage strong collaborative working relationships with ASIO stakeholders, Australian Government and international partners to achieve
outcomes.
What you will bring
We are seeking candidates with the following attributes:
- As an AE6 - a demonstrated understanding or contemporary experience of open-source tradecraft and analysis.
- As an AE5 - an understanding or contemporary experience of open-source tradecraft and analysis, or willingness and the ability to develop it.
- The ability to be agile and adaptive to technological change.
- Well-developed written and verbal communication skills.
- Strong client-focused interpersonal and liaison skills and the ability to develop and maintain productive working relationships across ASIO and with partners.
- Highly effective work prioritisation skills, including the ability to coordinate multiple tasks, including with shifting and competing priorities and timeframes
What we offer you
ASIO provides a number of benefits to its staff including:
- A competitive salary, including a 7.5% allowance for maintaining a Negative Vetting Level 1 Access security clearance.
- Employer superannuation contributions of 15.4%.
- A variety of leave options, in addition to the standard 4 weeks annual leave to ensure your work-life balance.
- Flexible working arrangements. Please note due to our unique working environment, work from home options are not available.
- Study assistance, including financial support and study leave for tertiary education.
- Access to an Employee Assistance Program (EAP).
Eligibility
To be eligible for the role, you must:
- Be an Australian citizen.
- Be assessed as suitable to hold and maintain a Negative Vetting Level 1 Access (SECRET) security clearance.
- Within 3 years from commencement, submit an application to obtain a TOP SECRET-Privileged Access security clearance.
- If granted a TOP SECRET-Privileged Access security clearance, have the ability to hold and maintain a clearance at this level.
Reasonable adjustments
Please let us know if you require any additional assistance or reasonable adjustments during any stage of the recruitment process in order to fully participate in the recruitment process or the workplace. This may include reasonable adjustments to assessment methodologies to enable full participation.
Location
As Australia's security service, we advertise positions nationally to seek candidates from across the country.
These Open-Source Intelligence positions are located in Canberra and applicants living elsewhere must be willing to relocate. Assistance is provided to successful applicants where ASIO requires you to relocate.
How to apply
Click on ‘Apply online' to commence your application. Your application must be complete and include the following:
- A written pitch of up to 500 words that addresses the required capabilities for the role. Use examples to demonstrate how your skills and experiences meet the capabilities.
- A current CV, no more than 2 pages in length, outlining your employment history, the dates and a brief description of your role, as well as any academic qualifications or relevant training you may have undertaken.
- Details of 2 referees, which must include a current supervisor.
Before applying read the ASIO People Capability Framework and Core Capability Guide, both available on the ASIO website. To increase your chances of success, tailor your application responses to align with the relevant capabilities and levels outlined in these frameworks.
Use of AI in recruitment processes
ASIO does not use any form of artificial intelligence at any point in the recruitment process. All applications are reviewed by a selection panel.
We acknowledge some candidates may wish to use AI tools to support drafting their applications or to assist in preparing for interviews. If you choose to use AI tools, you should consider the following:
- Ensure your application is accurate and a true representation of your skills and experience.
- Ensure your application reflects your genuine voice. Review and personalise it.
- Consider the privacy and data security implications of using any AI tool. Read and understand their privacy policies and data use terms.
- ASIO requires applicants to not disclose their application status and requires officers to be discrete about their employment. Consider how any information you enter into an AI tool may link you to potential employment with ASIO or impact future employment.
Closing date and time
Monday 9 March 2026, 11:59pm AEDST
No extensions will be granted and late applications will not be accepted.
Employment conditions
Employment is under the Australian Security Intelligence Organisation Act 1979. Conditions of service are similar to those applying in the Australian Public Service. We recognise entitlements accrued under the Public Service Act 1999 and provide for continuation of superannuation under the Commonwealth schemes. Salary packaging arrangements are also available.
Australian Workplace Equality Index
ASIO has achieved the Australian Workplace Equality Index (AWEI) Gold Standard in 2024 and 2025, recognising ASIO's inclusion work and positive culture. ASIO was the first Australian intelligence agency to achieve this status.
Enquiries
If you require further information after reading the selection documentation, please or phone 7***.
More information
For more information about ASIO, please visit: