About our opportunity
This process is being used to fill immediate position/s. 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; VIC; WA.
Location ACT; NSW; NT; QLD; SA; VIC; WA
Employment Type Ongoing (Permanent), Full-time
Classification APS Level 4- 76,863.00 and 82,906.00 plus 15.4% super (part time pro-rata)
Office Arrangements Onsite
Applications close 26/10/2025 at 11:59pm AEDT (midnight) - Late applications will not be accepted.
Our ideal candidate
MDSB are seeking applications from professionals who can respond positively to a challenging and high-pressure environment. The programme of the Branch is high profile, with added sensitivity due to the armed nature of the workforce, demanding a high level of training and qualifications as well as liaison with other agencies and ABF Commands.
The work you will undertake entails spending substantial time away from home for extended periods usually for 28 days (Cape Class) on a Fly In Fly Out roster. A tactical extension may increase deployment days restricting a return to port or home.
Duties and responsibilities
Specific Duties/Responsibilities
- Work within the Marine Technical Regulatory System (MTRS) as a Suitably Qualified and Experienced Person (SQEP)
- Assist the CO in the safe and productive operation and maintenance of the vessel's electronic and communication systems
- Provide the CO with assistance through the conduct of on-board analysis, maintenance and administration of marine technical matters relating to the MCTO position
- Manage, implement and input the electronic and communications elements and maintenance requirements into the vessel's deck and engineering maintenance plans
- Manage the ships communication, navigation, electronic sensors and information systems
- Perform daily system operational tests of all on-board communications, navigation and sensor systems, including pre and post sailing checks
- Operate electro optical surveillance system during boarding evolutions and as directed
- Manage the operational capability of the tenders' electronic and communication systems
- Liaise with shore-based MTS Officers to aid in fault diagnostic for communications, navigation, electronic sensors and information systems
- Take an active role in the familiarisation of other crew in relation to on-board communications, navigation, electronic sensors and information systems
- Work closely with the MDSB to assist the development of new I&Gs;, Standard Operating Procedures and Emergency Procedures
- Interpret and apply Work Health and Safety and other relevant maritime industry legislation
- Carry out duties during emergencies and drills
- Assist in providing on-site support, when required, to assist in the coordination of maintenance, warranty and survey tasks
- Provide marine technical advice to ABF Marine Unit and clients, as required
- Assist with general deck, engine room and ship's husbandry duties including food preparation and domestic hygiene duties
- Be responsible for creating complete and accurate records in accordance with the Recordkeeping Practice Statement and Instruction and Guidelines
- Provide advice and/or assistance to Central Office, as required
- Contribute to the management of vessel operations in heavy sea states
- Contribute to on-board emergency response and communicate effectively within teams
- Plan, organise and control processes and resources to deliver specific goals or objectives
- Build and maintain productive working relationships with shore side support staff
- Plan, organise and control systems, processes and resources to deliver specific goals or objectives
- Coordinate multiple work areas to complete tasks within set time frames
Knowledge
Knowledge of and ability to apply relevant legislation, including Maritime Powers Act 2013, Privacy Act 1988, Customs Act 1901, Australian Border Force Act 2015, Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999 (MARPOL), Quarantine Act 1908, Navigation Act 2012, Migration Act 1958, AMSA Marine Orders and Marine Notices, International Maritime Organisation Conventions (SOLAS, MARPOL, STCW, MLC, Load Line, IMDG, COLREGS, SAR) and related policies. Ability to interpret and apply departmental policies, standard operating procedures, instructions and guidelines (I&Gs;) and compliance with Vessel Safety Management Systems (SMS).
Mandatory Qualifications
- Certificate II in Electronics; equivalent or higher (must be able to provide evidence)
Highly Desirable
Possess or have the ability to obtain:
- Certificate III in Electronics; equivalent or higher
Mandatory Role Requirements
Must be able to obtain and maintain:
- Ability to undertake and successfully complete ABF Operational Readiness Assessment (ORA) including Basic Fitness Assessment and AMSA Medical Fitness for sea duty
- Undertake and pass Non Use of Force psychometric testing
- Obtain and maintain Employment Suitability Screening ESC and Australian Government Vetting Agency (AGSVA) Security Clearance of Negative Vetting 1
- Certificate of Safety Training STCW components including Elementary First Aid, Fire Prevention and Fire Fighting, Personal Safety and Social Responsibilities, Personal Survival Techniques, Security Awareness Training
- Marine Navigation systems, Marine Communications, Satellite
- HF/VHF/secure communications, Radar, AIS and EOSS
- Local Area and Wide Area Network
- Possess or have the ability to obtain Certificate III in Electronics
- Server and enterprise environments and CMMS
- Apply relevant legislation, policy and guidelines
- Ability to be awarded a Technical Authority under MTRS as a SQEP
- GMDSS, ECDIS Maintainer
- Restricted Electrical Licences
- Advanced Fire Fighting Training
- Basic First Aid and CPR certifications
- Official Passport
- Swear oath or affirmation
- Career management participation
- Be uniformed; willing to deploy on board up to 36 days
- Child Protection declarations and training
- COVID-19 vaccinations as required
- Certificate of Proficiency of Survival Craft and Rescue Boats
- Provide AMSA Medical First Aid On-board training
- Short Range and Long Range Radio Operator Licences
Additional Information
Seagoing positions involve limited living space with shared cabins and communal facilities. Internet and phone connectivity may be limited during extended deployments. This is a designated ABF position with sworn officer status and potential roster variations under the Enterprise Agreement.
This role has been assessed under the APS Role Evaluation Framework. See Work Level Standards, Integrated Leadership Systems, Home Affairs Professional Standards, APS requirements and values.
How to apply
Submit your CV and complete screening questions through the home affairs recruitment system by the closing date 26/10/2025 at 11:59pm AEDT. Late applications will not be accepted.
The first assessment stage includes CV review, qualifications and online scenario questions. The second stage involves a panel interview via digital platform.
Eligibility
Australian citizenship is required. Successful candidate will need Negative Vetting Level 1 (AGSVA) security clearance and may require an Employment Suitability Clearance (ESC) and onboarding checks.
Diversity and inclusion
The Department is committed to workforce diversity and encourages applications from Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander people, those from diverse cultural or linguistic backgrounds, and people with disabilities. RecruitAbility applies; see RecruitAbility page for details.
Technical assistance
For technical enquiries contact or call (within Australia) or +61 (outside Australia).
Notes
Remuneration includes salary, superannuation and flexible working conditions. relocation assistance may be available. For more information visit the Department’s careers page. COVID-19 vaccination policies may apply where required by law.
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📌 Marine Communications and Technical Officer (Cape Class)
🏢 Department of Home Affairs
📍 Townsville