- APS Level 6 ($104,113 - $115,131)
- International Compliance Operations | Fisheries Operations Branch
- Canberra | Ongoing

APS Level 6 (10148)
Fisheries Operation Branch
Canberra

About AFMA

The Australian Fisheries Management Authority (AFMA) aims to provide ecologically sustainable and economically efficient Commonwealth fisheries, through understanding and monitoring Australia’s marine living resources and regulating and monitoring commercial fishing, including domestic licensing and deterrence of illegal foreign fishing.

About the branch

The Fisheries Operations Branch provides high level deterrence for illegal, unreported & unregulated fishing activities. It does so by providing leadership, contract & project management & policy development.

About the section

The Compliance Operations Sections play a key role in delivering AFMA’s National Compliance and Enforcement Program and International Compliance and Engagement Program, helping to protect Australia’s fisheries and support sustainable fisheries management both domestically and internationally.

Nationally, the section develops and implements strategies to prevent, detect and deter illegal foreign fishing activities in waters under Australian jurisdiction. The team manages complex apprehension and prosecution processes under the Fisheries Management Act 1991, Maritime Powers Act 2013 and Torres Strait Fisheries Act 1984. This includes investigating suspected breaches of fisheries legislation, coordinating the seizure, maintenance and disposal of foreign fishing vessels, and working with domestic and international partners to strengthen compliance outcomes. The section also undertakes international outreach activities, delivering education and capacity-building initiatives that support improved fishing practices and foster regional cooperation.

Internationally, the team supports the effective management of Commonwealth fisheries by providing specialist Monitoring, Control and Surveillance (MCS) expertise across land, air and maritime operations. Through participation in international compliance and enforcement activities, the team contributes to regional efforts to combat illegal, unreported and unregulated (IUU) fishing. The section also designs and delivers capacity-building programs for foreign governments and agencies, providing fisheries management, compliance and enforcement training as part of AFMA’s International Compliance and Engagement Program.

What you will do

The Senior Monitoring Officer contributes to the delivery of fisheries compliance and enforcement outcomes by:

- providing specialist fisheries monitoring, compliance and operational advice to Maritime Border Command (MBC)



on suspected unlawful foreign fishing activities in Australian waters;
- monitoring, analysing and assessing a range of surveillance and fisheries data sources to identify and verify compliance with Australian fisheries legislation by domestic and foreign fishing operators in the Australian Fishing Zone (AFZ) and areas of strategic interest;
- coordinating operational responses and contributing to monitoring, control and surveillance (MCS) strategies that mitigate risks to Commonwealth fisheries resources; and
- collaborating with domestic and international partners to share information, coordinate operations and strengthen regional efforts to detect, deter and disrupt illegal, unreported and unregulated (IUU) fishing.

In addition to meeting the work level standards of the position classification, as an APS Level 6 Senior Monitoring Officer, you will:

- build and maintain effective working relationships with MBC, the Royal Australian Navy, State and Territory agencies, and other Commonwealth stakeholders to support fisheries compliance operations;
- provide advice on operational procedures and legislative requirements relating to the apprehension of illegal foreign fishing vessels, including vessel seizure, forfeiture and disposal processes;
- exercise sound judgement in recommending and coordinating tactical responses to support operational deployments and enforcement activities, while escalating significant incidents and emerging risks to senior management;
- analyse surveillance, intelligence and monitoring information to identify, assess and refer suspected illegal fishing activity within the AFZ and other areas where Australia has fisheries interests;
- collate evidentiary material, statements and briefs to support investigations, prosecutions and compliance outcomes;
- develop referral packages for suspected illegal foreign fishing activities to flag States and Regional Fisheries Management Organisations (RFMOs);
- contribute to the development of intelligence and operational products that support compliance, enforcement and strategic decision-making;
- engage with stakeholders to plan, coordinate and MCS activities;
- undertake operational planning and coordination activities to ensure AFMA meets its domestic legislative obligations and international monitoring commitments; and




- work collaboratively with other sections and teams across AFMA to deliver on branch and agency priorities.

Capabilities & experience

Our ideal candidate will:

- demonstrate experience in fisheries, compliance, enforcement, intelligence, monitoring, regulatory or related operational environments;
- possess robust analytical and problem-solving skills, with the ability to assess information, exercise sound judgement and support operational decision-making;
- communicate effectively and build productive relationships with a diverse range of stakeholders, including domestic and international partners;
- demonstrate the ability to interpret and apply legislation, policies and procedures to support compliance and enforcement outcomes;
- work independently and collaboratively to manage competing priorities and deliver quality outcomes in a dynamic operational setting; and
- prepare clear, accurate and timely reports, briefs and other operational documentation to support investigations, prosecutions and compliance activities.

Role Requirements

In this role, you will be required to participate in a four-week rotating schedule which will include attend at the MBC Watchfloor as the AFMA Canberra Duty Officer (Monday to Friday from 0900-1700). When you are not assigned as the Duty Officer, you will attend AFMA’s Canberra Office and either:

- be scheduled for regular duties only; or
- in addition to regular duties, you may be scheduled for out-of-hours response (restriction and overtime payments applicable in accordance with the AFMA Enterprise Agreement) from 1700 on Monday to 0900 on Thursday, or from Friday 1700 through the weekend until Monday 0900.

When not assigned as the Duty Officer, flexible work such as working from home is available.

Due to the requirement to attend the MBC Watchfloor, this role is not able to be conducted remotely and is based in Canberra. Successful applicants that are located outside of Canberra would be required to relocate at their own expense to perform this role.

Desirable

- possess or be willing to attain a Certificate IV of Government (Investigation).

Eligibility requirements

To be eligible for this role applicants must:

- be an Australian citizen;
- have the ability to obtain, and maintain, a Negative Vetting 1 security clearance;
- satisfy the requirements of an Australian Federal Police Check.

Applications for this role close at 11:59pm (AEST), Sunday 15 November 2026.

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📌 Senior Monitoring Officer (Duty Officer) (Canberra)
🏢 Australian Fisheries Management Authority
📍 Canberra