Customs and Border Protection Officer
Summary
Customs and Border Protection officers manage the security and integrity of Australia's borders. They work for the Australian Customs and Border Protection Service, mainly at international airports, seaports or outposts along the Australian coastline.
Customs and Border Protection officers check passengers and crew before clearing them for entry into Australia. They check luggage and other cargo of ships and aircraft to prevent the illegal entry into Australia of prohibited, quarantined or dutiable goods.
Duties & Tasks
Customs and Border Protection officers may perform the following tasks:
- process and assess risk levels of all passengers, crew, aircraft, ships' cargo and mail entering or leaving Australia
- board ships and aircraft to check compliance with regulations and search for undocumented cargo, prohibited goods or people
- check documents, examine luggage and clear goods for import or export
- seize and destroy prohibited imports
- respond to public and industry enquiries
- collect tariffs and duty, and refund GST to tourists
- monitor security in Customs and Border Protection controlled areas (including wharves and airport tarmac areas)
- perform administrative work as required.
Working Conditions
Customs and Border Protection officers are multi-skilled. Some work areas involve shiftwork and overtime. Most officers work closely with the public and related industry personnel.
Customs and Border Protection officers usually work as part of a team or under general supervision. During initial training and in the early stages of their careers, they can expect to be moved through a number of different areas. This may include periods of transfer to Customs and Border Protection locations around Australia.
Personal Requirements
- good communication and interpersonal skills
- flexible and resourceful
- good organisational and planning skills
- able to work as part of a team
- courteous and efficient with high ethical standards
- able to deal with increasingly sophisticated technologies
- pass a medical examination
- satisfy security requirements
- at least 18 years of age
- must be an Australian citizen.
