Vacancy - Radio Operator and Call Taker - ACT Policing Communications
Canberra, ACT, AU
Job Details
EMPLOYMENT TYPE - Ongoing Full time
LOCATION - ACT
AFP BAND & SALARY - Band 03 ($72,339.00 - $84,458.00)
JOB REFERENCE NUMBER - 14322
This advertisement is to fill current vacancies and 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 recognise your contribution to our workforce and offer generous remuneration and conditions including:
- Six weeks (30 days) of paid annual leave per year + additional paid Christmas stand down
- 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 11 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 arrangement that provides 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 Vacancy - Radio Operator and Call Taker - ACT Policing Communications. ACT Policing Communications is ACT Policing's 24/7 communications and operations centre providing support to ACT Police Officers and the community, centralising telephone and radio communications and monitoring public safety CCTV systems.
Our Operators are responsible for the coordination and management of the ACT Policing response to incidents using the AFP Police Radio Network and the Computer Aided Dispatch (CAD) system. The role also involves the answering, assessment and recording of emergency 000 and non-emergency 131444 calls from the Canberra community to ensure the necessary policing response. All shortlisted applicants will be required to undergo specific Psychometric testing by an external agency with the costs borne by The AFP.
The results of this testing may exclude applicants from this selection process. Anticipated commencement with the AFP will be October 2025, pending successful completion of external gateways.
A merit pool of suitable applicants will be established as a result of the selection process. The pool will remain valid for a period of 12 months and may be used to fill future vacancies. 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 role of a Radio Operator/ Call Taker in ACT Policing Communications is challenging, high-pressure and rewarding. We, like ACT Policing more broadly, work 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year. Radio Operator/ Call Takers are responsible for coordinating the necessary ACT Policing response to calls for assistance and attendance in accordance with the priority response system.
This includes the operation of the AFP's radio communications network and Computer Aided Dispatch (CAD) system to dispatch, coordinate and support ACT Policing officers. Radio Operator/ Call Takers respond to emergency and non-emergency calls for assistance and general enquiries from members of the Canberra public, government agencies, businesses and other AFP business areas.
The role will record, monitor and report on operational activities using AFP ICT systems. The role requires 24/7 shift work including night and weekend hours and is subject to the appropriate conditions of the 'Rostered Operations Working Pattern' (including payment of the Rostered Operations Core Composite of 22% of the Base Salary) as detailed in the AFP Enterprise Agreement. Applicants are strongly encouraged to familiarise themselves with these conditions and requirements.
During the initial training phase, you will be learning full-time (40 hours per week) Monday to Friday in business hours. You will then undertake a placement in ACT Policing Communications where you will be trained, guided and monitored by trainers on day and afternoon shifts. Upon successful completion of training, you will be placed on a team in ACT Communications and rostered 12 hour shifts on a 5-week roster averaging 40 hours per week. You will be initially engaged in a probation period of 6 months where you must satisfy work standards to retain employment in the AFP.
The Successful Applicants Will Possess
- The capacity to work flexibly and multi-task in an organised, calm and focused manner to achieve outcomes with a high level of professionalism and attention to detail.
- Excellent customer service, communication and interpersonal skills.
- The ability to apply practical, technical skills in the use of computer applications including the ability to touch type.
Essential Requirements
- You must be an Australian Citizen at the time of application.
- A Negative Vetting 1 (Secret) security clearance or the ability to obtain one.
- Please note this role is located in Canberra, ACT. Successful applicants will need to ensure they are in Canberra for an October 2025 start.
Selection Criteria
- Organising your work, making sound decisions and achieving outcomes
- Communicating and working effectively with other people
- Applying technical knowledge, expertise and skills
With reference to the above list of attributes of the successful applicants, you must respond to specific questions in a 1-2-page pitch by describing how your knowledge, abilities, and experience are applicable to the position.
Questions:
1. As an Operator in ACT Policing Communications, you will directly interact with the broad Canberra community including people who may be in distress or perhaps those who are seeking counselling on an issue. How will you manage these conversations?
2. You will also face times of pressure where multitasking, prioritisation of responsibilities, collaboration with others and the use of technology will be essential to meet objectives. How will your knowledge, abilities and experience enable you to perform well in this context?
3. You will be part of a larger team who work purposefully and collaboratively together to achieve outcomes. How do you respond in high pressure situations or, when you are in disagreement with those around you?
Application
As part of your application you are required to submit the following documents via the AFPs Recruitment System (MyCareer) 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 answers the above questions whilst addressing the selection criteria, role requirements and work level standards for the role.
Good luck with your application!
Employment Suitability Questionnaire (ESQ)
All external applicants must complete an Employment Suitability Questionnaire should you successfully progress from the application stage. 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. We encourage you to review our employment suitability standards to ensure that you meet the requirements before you submit your application.
The AFP Recruitment Team will be in touch to let you know if you'll need to provide the following additional information:
A completed Employment Suitability Questionnaire (ESQ);
- Traffic history for the last 10 years;
- and Proof of Australian citizenship.
- Applicants will not receive feedback at this gateway.
Interview
Applicants who have demonstrated their suitability for employment through their resume, application and ESQ, may be invited to 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.
You can prepare for the interview by: reviewing your responses to the selection criteria, picking a few additional examples to use in the interview participating in a mock interview using the selection criteria to think of possible questions.
Finger Printer
AFP employees are required to have their finger prints taken. This requirement will be undertaken at the time an offer of employment is made.
Commitment to Diversity & Inclusion
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 LGBTQI community and people with disability.
Contacts and Closing Information
Contact Officer: Jane Mackenzie,
Contact Officer Phone: 51261359 // 0436446218,
Contact Officer Email: janee.mackenzie@afp.gov.au
Applications Close: 11:59pm (AEST) 07/05/2025
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