Protective Service Officer

Role overview

The Australian Federal Police is growing its presence in Canberra and is seeking Protective Service Officers who want a career that goes beyond routine work. In this role, you will help safeguard Australian sites, people and the diplomatic community while acting as a first responder to national security risks.

What the role involves

Protective Service Officers are responsible for maintaining safety and responding to threats such as terrorism, violent demonstrations and other violence-related incidents. The work includes visible uniformed security, close protection duties, witness protection and security support for significant government, diplomatic and public events.

You may be deployed to well-known Canberra locations including Australian Parliament House, Government House and Canberra Airport.

Training and qualification

No lengthy university study or HECS debt is required. Successful applicants are paid while completing a 15-week training program, which includes accommodation and meals. On completion, you will receive a Certificate IV in Protective Services.

After graduating from the AFP College, the starting salary is $82,499.88 per year. This figure includes base pay, a 22% composite allowance and a Use of Force allowance, plus overtime and penalty rates. Officers also receive 15.4% superannuation, which continues during all periods of maternity leave.

The annual Use of Force allowance is only payable while the required certification is held and maintained.

Eligibility criteria

Applicants must meet the minimum entry standards at the time they submit their application. To be considered, you must be an Australian citizen, be at least 18 years old, hold a minimum Year 10 Certificate or equivalent/higher, have a valid Australian driver’s licence (including P Plates), and provide proof that you can swim 100 metres freestyle. Current First Aid and CPR certifications are also required.

Benefits and working conditions

Working with the AFP offers a varied and meaningful career, along with strong pay and conditions. Benefits include 6 weeks of paid annual leave each year, 4 mandatory rest days annually, 18 days of paid personal leave, and 15.4% superannuation.

Other benefits include 18 weeks of paid maternity leave, plus an additional 36 weeks of unpaid maternity leave, and 11 weeks of paid parental leave for partners, increasing to 18 weeks in 2027. Flexible working arrangements may be available, including part-time work, job sharing and changes to hours, patterns or locations.

During the 15-week training course at the AFP College, you will be paid a base salary of $64,754 and receive accommodation and meals. The role also offers incremental salary progression under the AFP Enterprise Agreement, a standard 40-hour working week with rosters provided in advance, health and wellbeing services focused on early intervention, education and prevention, and access to ongoing training and professional development.

Diversity and inclusion

The AFP welcomes applicants from a broad range of backgrounds and encourages people from culturally and linguistically diverse communities, First Nations peoples, women, LGBTQIA+ candidates and people with disability to apply.

Contact

Sworn Recruitment Team

Email: AFPRecruitment@afp.gov.au