The role

As a Governance and Security Officer, you will work predominelty in a Personnel Security role, supporting the development and implementation of governance and security frameworks, policies and processes within the Security Section. This role requires someone who can take the initiative to achieve work requirements, communicate in a clear, concise and articulate manner, and liaise with internal and external stakeholders on policy and operational issues. At times, your work may overlap with cyber security functions.

This position contributes to compliance monitoring, process improvement, and staff security awareness activities, working collaboratively with colleagues and stakeholders to achieve positive organisational outcomes. 

The officer works under general direction, exercising initiative and sound judgement to manage day-to-day responsibilities and adapting to changing priorities within the work environment.

In this role you will:

• Coordinate pre-employment screening for new starters and support ongoing suitability checks for all personnel in accordance with the Protective Security Policy Framework (PSPF).
• Assist with the processing of security clearance requests and sponsorships through the Australian Government Security Vetting Agency (AGSVA), including follow-up on non-compliance matters where required.
• Maintain awareness of the security environment relevant to Geoscience Australia’s function and contribute to materials and activities that promote a positive security culture, including security and travel briefs.
• Undertake research and analysis using various information sources, including using open-source research, to support timely and accurate assessments that inform security outcomes.
• Support the preparation of documentation for Geoscience Australia committees and working groups.
• Assist with minor personnel security investigations, referring complex matters as required.
• Contribute to the development and maintenance of procedures and guidance materials for security and governance functions.
• Liaise with internal and external stakeholders to support collaboration and compliance.
• Participate in various working groups and represent the Security section in external meetings as required.

These activities collectively support the safe and secure management of Geoscience Australia’s people, information and assets.

The role does not have formal staff management responsibility but contributes to the continuous improvement of team processes and outcomes. 

To be successful in the role you will:

• Understand how your and the work of the security section contributes to Geoscience Australia’s strategic objectives, including maintaining awareness of relevant changes in the broader security environment.
• Maintain high standards of records management, ensuring compliance with the Privacy Act 1988 and organisational policy.
• Demonstrate knowledge of the PSPF and its application in an Australian Public Service context.
• Collaborate effectively across the Security section, Division and wider organisation.
• Apply protective security and risk management principles in daily activities.
• Communicate clearly and respectfully when providing information or contributing to advice.
• Exercise sound judgement and apply problem-solving skills to deliver effective outcomes.

Required skills, knowledge, experience and/or qualifications

• Experience in or an interest in security vetting would be advantageous, but not necessary for this position.

To Apply

Please visit the careers page of our website to submit your application via our e-Recruit system. Your application should include:

• Your resume (no more than 3 pages)
• A brief statement (no more than 700 words) outlining your transferable skills, experience and capabilities related to the role and the value you would bring to Geoscience Australia.

If you have any questions regarding the role, please contact Scott Whitton on (02) 6249 5852 or email [email protected]. 

To learn more about applying for roles within the Australian Public Services please review, ‘Applying for an APS job: cracking the code’.

Use of AI in Recruitment 

Geoscience Australia may use Microsoft Copilot to support limited administrative and preparatory aspects of the recruitment process. Artificial Intelligence is not used to assess or select candidates, and all decisions are human-led and based on merit. 

Candidates must ensure their application reflects their own skills, experience and capabilities. Any use of AI must be responsible, transparent where required, and must not misrepresent their suitability for the role.  

Candidates will be asked to disclose their use of AI when submitting an application and may also be asked to do so at various stages throughout the recruitment process. 

Applicants are encouraged to familiarise themselves with the Principles for candidate use of AI in recruitment, as well as the Principles for agency use of AI in recruitment which outline expectations for the responsible, ethical and transparent use of AI when applying for APS roles. 

Job description

Geoscience Australia values the lands, water and sky as we work to deepen a shared understanding of Country and Earth. We respect First Nations peoples and their enduring connection, contribution and obligations to Country. Reflecting on our shared history, we are committed to listen and learn.

About us

Geoscience Australia brings together science, data and technology to provide geoscience insights that inform decision-making by government and industry, support innovation, and contribute to Australia's safety, resilience and prosperity. 

Our work spans the Australian continent, marine jurisdiction and Antarctic territory, from space to the Earth’s core. We deliver national-scale data, services and infrastructure and work with partners to deepen understanding of Australia and respond to the opportunities and challenges facing our nation.

Our culture

Our strength lies in our people, including our diversity in backgrounds, skills and experiences, and the way we work together to respond to the emerging needs of our work. We value diversity in gender, backgrounds, culture, and experiences of our employees and are committed to providing an inclusive workplace culture that ensures everyone has equal opportunity to contribute, participate and progress. Applications from people who reflect this diversity are encouraged.

Our workplace is committed to the health, safety and wellbeing of our employees and offers a variety of flexible working arrangements to enhance flexibility, including remote working arrangements.

What we can offer you

At Geoscience Australia, you’ll have the opportunity to contribute to nationally significant science, data and technology that makes a difference to Australia. You’ll work alongside people with diverse expertise and experience, with opportunities to learn, develop and contribute to work with real-world impact. 

We offer competitive employment conditions, flexible working arrangements and a range of benefits that support the wellbeing and development of our people. Click here to find out more.

Our team

The Security Section provides guidance, coordination and assurance on governance, integrity and all security matters across the organisation.

The Security Section includes both Personnel and Cyber Security functions and supports the development and implementation of frameworks that strengthen good governance, compliance and protective security, ensuring Geoscience Australia meets its legislative, policy and protective obligations.

Eligibility requirements

To be eligible to apply for this position you must meet the below eligibility criteria.

• Be an Australian Citizen at the closing date of application.
• The successful applicant must be able to obtain, hold and maintain a Negative Vetting 2 security clearance.
• Commencement of employment is subject to the successful applicant undergoing and satisfying pre- employment screening, which includes a police history check.

Are you unsure about applying?

Did you know that a Hewlett Packard internal report found that men apply for jobs when they meet an average of 60 per cent of the job requirements? Women and other people from diverse backgrounds tend to only apply when they check every box. If you think you have what it takes, but don’t necessarily meet every single point on what we are looking for, please still apply or get in touch with the contact officer to learn more about the role.

About the agency

Geoscience Australia is an Australian Government listed entity within the Industry, Innovation and Science portfolio. Geoscience Australia is Australia's pre-eminent public sector geoscience organisation. We are the nation's trusted advisor on the geology and geography of Australia. We apply science and technology to describe and understand the Earth for the benefit of Australia. We apply our diverse professional expertise, our deep and trusted knowledge, our national-scale Earth observation infrastructure and our strong partnerships, to the opportunities and challenges that face our nation. We value diversity in gender, backgrounds, culture, and experiences of our employees and are committed to providing an inclusive workplace culture that ensures everyone has equal opportunity to contribute, participate and progress. Applications from people who reflect this diversity are encouraged. We are committed to the health, safety and wellbeing of our employees and offer a flexible and diverse workplace.

Notes

Technical Assistance

If you require technical assistance, call our Recruitment team on (02) 6249 9777 or email [email protected]

A merit list/pool may be created from this process. If you are successful for the merit pool, your details may be shared with other Australian Public Service agencies unless you choose not to have your details disclosed.