The Organisation

The Australian Security Intelligence Organisation (ASIO) protects Australia and Australians from threats to their security. ASIO’s people are ordinary Australians but they do extraordinary things – they are our most important asset. To succeed in our mission, we need talented people who are highly capable, dedicated, adaptable and resilient.

We strive 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.

At a time when Australia’s security environment is dynamic, diverse and degrading, our work is more important than ever. Join the mission and make a difference every day.

The opportunity

Are you seeking a career where your contribution directly impacts the security of Australia?

The role of a surveillance officer is not an ordinary job. It is both a professional calling and a lifestyle commitment. In a complex, challenging and changing security environment, our success relies on the imagination, discretion and intelligence of our team.

Surveillance officers come from all walks of life. We represent the diversity of Australian society. We are introverts, extroverts, and diverse-thinkers; we are tradies, corporate professionals, teachers, nurses and second- or third-generation Australians. We are your neighbours; the only difference is that we don’t tell you where we work.

Surveillance Officers are highly competent specialists who are capable of adapting to, and blending in with their surroundings to covertly gather intelligence.

The key duties of the position include:
Training and progression

Successful applicants will undertake a 6-month full-time Surveillance Officer Training Program (SOTP). This program is predominantly based in Sydney; however, some components are delivered in other geographic locations necessitating occasional domestic travel.

Upon successful completion of this training program, participants will progress to AE5, salary range $100,425 - $107,794 including service allowance plus a composite payment calculated as a percentage of their annual base salary (excluding Service Allowance).

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.

Working environment
Surveillance work involves a shift-based roster and extended periods in both indoor and outdoor settings. To be successful, you must be able to:

· Maintain vigilance: Sustain high levels of observation during both peak activity and extended periods of inactivity.

· Remain agile: Respond to tasking at short notice, including extended hours and immediate interstate travel.

· Endure static environments: Operate comfortably from a vehicle for long durations across all seasonal weather extremes.

· Prioritise physical readiness: Maintain a level of fitness that allows for extended periods of walking, running and standing.

Please see the physical and psychosocial demands attachment for more information.

Operational security
The application of strict operational security is fundamental to protecting yourself, your team, and the integrity of ASIO’s mission. As a surveillance officer, you will be required to adhere to operational security measures throughout your career; this includes maintaining confidentiality regarding the nature of your daily work. Adjustments to personal habits and routines may be necessary during working hours.
Roster and routine
While we utilise a forward roster, operational requirements may necessitate short-notice changes to your schedule. You will be required to work shifts across a 24-hour cycle, including late nights and early mornings.
Due to the nature of this work, sleep patterns may be disrupted, and your ability to attend planned personal, social, or family commitments may be impacted. While ASIO is committed to supporting a sustainable work-life balance,



there will be periods where operational requirements must take priority.
Operational tempo
You will experience a fluctuating operational pace, ranging from high-tempo activity to extended periods of inactivity. You must be capable of transitioning between these states at short notice. During quieter periods, you should be comfortable working independently and in your own company, as physical contact with team members may be limited for the duration of a shift.
Eligibility
WHS requirements

This role is a field work position, with work often performed with limited ergonomic supports. Trainees are required to have a basic level of fitness and physical mobility, including the ability to maintain:

· Colour perception

· Reasonable fitness levels

· Prolonged sitting and standing postures

· Walking for a period longer than 30 minutes

· Running a distance of 200m

· Trainees are also required to be able to carry a 12kg backpack, and occasionally lift and move 32kg. Please see attachment for the full Job Demands Overview.

Successful candidates may be required to undergo a medical assessment (arranged and funded by ASIO) to ensure they can meet the physical demands of the role.
What you will bring

We are seeking candidates with the following attributes:

· Situational awareness: A heightened awareness of your surroundings and the broader operational context.

· Attention to detail: An exacting focus on accuracy and precision in all tasks.

· Decisiveness: The confidence to make firm, effective decisions under pressure with limited deliberation.

· Adaptability: The agility to operate confidently within unpredictable or uncertain environments.

· Resilience: The mental and emotional fortitude to remain effective during challenging circumstances.

· Collaborative mindset: A strong commitment to teamwork and achieving collective goals.

· Coachability: An openness to growth, a curiosity to embrace technological developments and a drive to meet elite professional standards.

· Diverse perspective: Unique life experiences that enable you to blend into a wide variety of social and qualified settings.

· Accountability: The integrity to take ownership of your work and learn from mistakes.

Eligibility

To be eligible for the role, you must be:

- An Australian citizen.
- Assessed as suitable to hold and maintain a TOP SECRET-Privileged Access security clearance.

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.

Notes
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 TOP SECRET-Privileged Access security clearance.

· Employer superannuation contributions of 15.4%.

· A variety of leave options in addition to the standard 4 weeks annual leave, including stand down between Christmas and New Year.

· 5 additional days of annual leave for staff working under an ongoing shift work arrangement (this applies to surveillance officers following successful completion of the training program).

· 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 7 staff-led diversity and inclusion networks.

· Access to an Employee Assistance Program (EAP).

· Mentoring opportunities.

Location

The training program is predominantly based in Sydney. However, upon successful completion of the training program, positions may be located in Sydney,



Canberra, Melbourne or Perth.

We advertise positions nationally to reach the broadest audience. Please refer to the above location before applying

How to apply

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.

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 detailing what you will bring to the role, using examples to demonstrate how your skills and experience meet the requirements.

· 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.

· If you have completed higher education, a copy of your academic transcript. If you have not yet graduated, please provide your most up-to-date transcript. This can be an unofficial copy as long as it is issued by your tertiary provider.

· Details of 2 referees, which must include a current or previous supervisor. ASIO will not contact your referees without advising you prior to doing so.

Read the ASIO People Capability Framework and Core Capability Guide, available on ASIO’s website. Ensure your responses address the relevant capabilities and levels outlined in these frameworks.

Use of artificial intelligence in recruitment processes

ASIO does not use any form of artificial intelligence (AI) at any point in the recruitment process.

All applications are reviewed by a selection panel. We recognise some applicants may use AI technologies to draft applications or prepare for interviews. If you wish to use AI, we recommend doing this only for initial drafts and ensure that your application is personalised and accurately reflects your skills, experience and qualifications.

Additionally, be aware of the privacy policies of any AI tool you use. Be mindful of the information you are entering into AI tools (personal details, work history, etc) and how using it may link you to potential ASIO employment, noting that you are expected to be discrete and maintain confidentiality with your application.

If you are invited to attend interview, the use of AI tools and recording devices during interview is strictly prohibited. Should AI tools or recording services be detected, your application, and any future applications may be discontinued.

The recruitment selection process - timeframes

Our selection process is rigorous and extensive. All employment decisions and selection processes at ASIO are based on merit principles and candidates must be prepared to undergo various selection stages. The stages may include application assessment, eligibility checks, online testing, skills-based assessment and interview.

We ask all applicants for their patience throughout the process.

Candidates can expect the following timeframes for the recruitment selection process:

- Program advertised early October 2026
- Assessment centres will likely run in February 2027
- Successful candidates commence training program early 2028.

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.

For more information about ASIO, please visit: www.asio.gov.au.

📌 Surveillance Officer Training Program (Sydney)
🏢 Australian Security Intelligence Organisation
📍 Sydney