Senior Technical Specialist - Covert & Technical Operations

Job Details

EMPLOYMENT TYPE - Ongoing Full time

LOCATION - ACT

AFP BAND & SALARY - Band 07 ($123,420.00 - $132,185.00)

JOB REFERENCE NUMBER - 15800

This advertisement is to create a merit list for future ongoing or non-ongoing vacancies arising over the next 12 months.

Did you know?

The mission of the Australian Federal Police is to provide dynamic and effective law enforcement to the people of Australia. It provides policing throughout Australia in relation to the prevention and detection of crimes against the Commonwealth, its laws and integrity, and community police services to the Community of the ACT.

Working for the AFP provides you with a diverse and rewarding career. Whether you immerse yourself in a position on the frontline, or provide critical operational or professional support, the work you do makes a big impact on the people of Australia. 

We’re committed to looking after you, with some of the best benefits and conditions in the industry – including (but not limited to):

• Six weeks (30 days) of paid annual leave per year


• 4 extra days of mandatory rest leave per year


• 18 days of paid personal leave per year


• Generous superannuation of 15.4%


• 18 weeks paid Parental Leave for Primary Caregiver (and 14 weeks for Secondary Caregiver) + additional unpaid leave entitlements for up until 24 months from the child’s date of birth or placement


• Generous salaries and incremental salary progression governed by the AFP Enterprise Agreement 


• Flexible and hybrid working arrangements that support work-life balance


• Health & wellbeing services – with a focus on early intervention, education and prevention


• Access to ongoing training and professional development opportunities

What is the role?

Applications are sought from suitably qualified applicants wishing to be considered for the role of Senior Technical Specialist (AFP Band 7) in Covert & Technical Operations (CTO). CTO Technical Specialists contribute to and lead the development of technical capabilities which support operational outcomes.  

CTO develop, manage and maintain technology, methodology and training in bespoke technology solutions to support Police Technical Teams and CTO operations. CTO is seeking Senior Technical Specialists to research, develop and maintain technologies to overcome technical barriers to CTO outcomes. 

This role requires in-depth knowledge and experience with one or (ideally) more of the following:

• Expertise in a specialist discipline relevant to CTO outcomes:
  
  
  
  • Information Technology and Network security
  
  
  • Electronics and Communications
  
  
  • Allied Trades (locksmith, alarm installer, vehicle electrician etc.);
  
  
  
  


• Significant knowledge of commercial and/or vehicle security systems;


• In depth knowledge of emerging and disruptive technologies;


• Design and Fabrication skills

As a Team Member in the AFP you will also be required to contribute to the achievement of outcomes in accordance with the regulatory framework, the AFP Code of Conduct and the AFP Governance Instruments. It is expected that the successful applicant will deliver on the core responsibilities and meet any requirements of the position as outlined below. 

What will you do?

The CTO Senior Technical Specialist will:

• Provide high level technical support in support of the AFP’s mission;


• Maintain currency and subject matter expertise in specialist disciplines;


• Drive CTO capability to enhance AFP and CTO outcomes;


• Lead projects, coordinating specialist resources across teams, regions and organisations;


• Undertake a range of operational, project or research work to support AFP needs;


• Develop team members and fulfill a guiding, mentoring and advisory role;


• Utilise AFP Information Systems to interrogate, input, collate and retrieve data for operational support; and


• Prepare and maintain technical documents and knowledge articles.

Essential Requirements

• You must be an Australian Citizen at the time of application.


• A Negative Vetting 2 security clearance or the ability to obtain one;


• Tertiary, or trade, qualifications or equivalent industry experience in any of the fields of:
  
  
  
  • Engineering / Electronics
  
  
  • Information Technology / Computer Science
  
  
  • Security Systems / Security Installation;
  
  
  
  


• Practical industry, or government, experience in the above qualifications and skills;


• Knowledge and experience in project management;


• Ability to work on-call, shifts (as operationally required), and undertake domestic and international travel;


• Current driver’s licence.

Desirable Requirements

The following skills and/or experience would be highly regarded:

• Contemporary knowledge and experience relevant to the role;


• A combination of policing/defence experience would be viewed very favourably;


• Relevant programming skills would be viewed favourably


• A TSPV Security Clearance or the ability to obtain one. 

Additional Information

• This role attracts a composite allowance in recognition of expanded working hours, normal patterns of attendance and shift patterns (such as afternoon shifts, weekends and Designated Public Holidays) that are required under the Operations working pattern. In accordance with the AFP Enterprise Agreement, an employee who is required to work in accordance with the Operations working pattern will receive a Core Composite of 22% in addition to their base salary, which will count as salary for superannuation. The Commissioner has the authority to remove a composite from a role.


• This role is located in Canberra and applicants are expected to be based in Canberra.

Selection Criteria

• Achieve results


• Communicates with influence


• Contributes to strategic thinking


• Cultivates productive working relationships


• Shows personal drive and integrity


• Technical knowledge and skills

Application

Please submit the following documents via our Jobs portal prior to the closing date and time:

• Resume/CV - This will form the basis for determining your suitability against the position requirements and give the panel a clear outline of your current knowledge and qualifications along with previous experiences. Please include your work history, responsibilities and achievements.


• Applicant pitch (maximum two pages). Ensure your pitch tells us why you are the best fit for the role, with examples that demonstrate your capabilities addressing the selection criteria, role requirements and work level standards for the role.


• Referees - Please include the contact details of at least two (2) professional references in your CV.

Only complete applications will be considered. Please review and ensure the uploaded documents are correct for this application after submitting your application.

Employment Suitability

Should you successfully progress from the application stage all applicants must:

• Complete an Employment Suitability Questionnaire (ESQ) and provide a traffic history check and proof of Australian citizenship. This aids in the assessment of your character and your ability to comply with the AFP's professional standards both in an official and private capacity. Please review our AFP Character Standards to ensure that you meet our requirements before you submit your application. Applicants will not receive feedback if they are unsuccessful at this gateway.


• Have your fingerprints taken if an offer of employment is made.


• Undertake mandatory drug testing for illicit drugs. This sample could include; urine, saliva or hair.


• Satisfactorily undertake a security clearance to the level specified for the position.

Recruitment Process

Applicants who have demonstrated their suitability for employment through their resume and application, may be asked to complete additional assessments or activities to determine suitability for the role. This may also include a formal interview. Using the relevant AFP work level standards as a guide, you may be asked a range of questions to demonstrate your skills and abilities. These could include behavioural based scenario questions. Read our guides for applicants to find out how to prepare for your interview.

Commitment to Diversity & Inclusion

We’re all individuals and we love that. At the AFP we value the different perspectives, approaches and lived experiences of our people, and recognise that our collective intelligence and diversity is what makes us stronger. As such, we encourage applications from people from all walks of life, including people from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds, First Nations people, women, the LGBTQIA+ community and people with disability.

Contacts and Closing Information

Contact Officer: Phillip

Contact Officer Phone: . ​

Contact Officer Email: [email protected]

Applications Close: 11:59pm (AEST) 19/06/2026

To view our other employment opportunities, please visit our career site.

www.afp.gov.au