About our team The Enforcement Technologies and Logistics (ET&L;) section, part of the Operational Capability Branch (OCB) within the Department of Home Affairs, works closely with the Australian Border Force (ABF) and other stakeholders to sustain and support detection technology capabilities across the border environment. ET&L; is responsible for:

- Managing transport, logistics and unpack/repack service contracts
- Overseeing departmental radiation safety programs and regulatory compliance requirements
- Managing contracts and assets for operational technologies, including X-ray, trace detection, substance identification, and radiological equipment
- Providing technical advice, capability sustainment, project support, and procurement expertise
- Designing, developing, managing, and delivering operational technology training and subject matter expertise.

The Senior Competency Assessment Training Officer (CATO) delivers and assures detection technology training to support the safe, effective, and compliant use of operational technologies at the border. The role ensures officers maintain required qualifications and certifications to meet legislative, WHS, and departmental policy requirements while supporting border protection activities.

Please visit our website for more information about the Department of Home Affairs or Australian Border Force.

Our ideal candidate

- Is able to work independently with a single team member whilst geographically based away from the rest of the team and section
- Will be a key point of contact to coordinate, manage and deliver training in a range of technologies that are geographically dispersed across the relevant State and region
- Will identify and initiate areas of improvement to deliver technology training more effectively
- Maintains accurate records which includes conducting technology audits and providing reports on the status of the different technology assets, including initiating follow up actions and resolution with stakeholders as required




- Interacts professionally with diverse stakeholders to meet strategic objectives related to detection and identification technologies.

Duties and responsibilities A Senior CATO is responsible for:

- Organising, scheduling and delivering train the trainer/CATO training for the ABF, to allow ABF CATOs to train frontline staff to use detection technologies for border protection activities
- Performing initial assessments and re-certification assessments on ABF CATOs and Operators
- Managing the training network within the region to ensure ABF CATOs are providing nationally consistent training and they are compliant with legislation and other relevant regulations including WHS and departmental policy
- Reviewing technology training packages for technical content and compliance with the Department's Learning Strategy, Systematic Learning Model and record keeping policy
- Updating detection and identification technology training materials and documentation regularly in response to continuous improvement and business change management.

Additional information

- Occasional intra and/or interstate travel may be required, subject to the operational needs of the role
- Strong written and verbal communication, team cohesion and strong stakeholder engagement skills
- Certificate IV in Training and Assessment, or equivalent
- Knowledge of how to use detection and identification technologies within the ABF or a similar workplace
- ABF Certified CATO and/or Certified Operator or similar qualifications in detection and identification technologies such as:
- Various X-ray types
- Radiological detection and identification technologies




- Trace detection technologies
- Substance identification technologies.

- Knowledge and understanding of technical capabilities of operational technologies
- Knowledge and understanding of maintenance requirements for technologies
- Knowledge and understanding of technology use in an operational capacity
- Science or detection technology related background
- Quality Assurance Management systems experience/qualifications.

To be eligible for the position you must be an Australian Citizen.

​The successful candidate will be required to obtain and maintain a Baseline Vetting (AGSVA) security clearance, and:

- ABF Workers will also be required to obtain and maintain an Employment Suitability Clearance (ESC).
- Home Affairs Workers will also be required to obtain and maintain an Onboarding Check.

In certain circumstances, an Employment Suitability Clearance (ESC) may be required in addition to, or in lieu of, an Onboarding Check, which will be determined by the delegate as necessary.

The Department of Home Affairs offers an attractive remuneration package, including salary, superannuation benefits and flexible working conditions appropriate to the level of the position, to read more click here. The Australian Public Service (APS) Employee Value Proposition (EVP) highlights the top reasons our employees enjoy working in the APS.

The Department may provide relocation assistance to eligible APS employees required to relocate. The level of assistance will vary depending on the reason for relocating and your personal circumstances. For further information please enquire with the contact officer listed in the advertisement.

AI tools may be used to support parts of this recruitment process. The selection panel will disclose where and how AI is used.

Information about employment and advice on how to apply for vacancies can be obtained from the Department’s website at https://www.homeaffairs.gov.au/about-us/careers.

📌 Senior Competency Assessment Training Officer (Senior CATO) (New South Wales)
🏢 Department of Home Affairs
📍 New South Wales