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Surveillance Officer
Candidate Information Guide
May 2018
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Purpose
The purpose of this information guide is to provide candidates who are considering a career as a
Surveillance Officer with the Australian Security Intelligence Organisation (ASIO) information on the role
and requirements. It is very important that candidates read through this information guide and carefully
consider whether this role is right for them.

The Role and Requirements

ASIO's mission is to identify and investigate threats to security and provide advice to protect Australia,
its people and its interests.
Physical surveillance is an essential ASIO collection capability. It supports the wider ASIO mission
through the provision of time sensitive intelligence.
The role of a Surveillance Officer is not an ordinary job. It is both a profession and a lifestyle
commitment. ASIO operates in a complex and ever changing environment and success in this
environment demands talented people who are highly capable, dedicated, adaptable and resilient.
Surveillance Officers are highly competent specialists who are capable of adapting to their surroundings
in order to covertly undertake their role. This involves:
• Operating within a high tempo and challenging security environment;
• Operating both on foot and with a range of supporting vehicles as part of a cohesive operational
team;
• Using specialist equipment designed to meet the challenges of the covert operating environment
including high-tech photographic, technical and IT systems.
Australia has a highly diverse population so it is vital that ASIO has a diverse range of individuals who can
operate and blend into a wide range of operating environments.
We need people who:
• can maintain operational security;
• have a high level of situational awareness and individual resilience;
• are highly adaptive and can confidently operate within an environment of uncertainty;
• have a particularly strong attention to detail; and
• can confidently make a decision, given limited time for deliberation.

ASIO is seeking a diverse range of women and men who are committed ‘team players’ and have the
individual attributes that will enable them to be trained and mentored to achieve the necessary ASIO
standard. We welcome applications from a broad range of backgrounds – we are not seeking individuals
with a specific career background, education standard, specific age group or an existing suite of
experience.

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Working Environment
Surveillance Officers undertake “shift work” and operate for extended periods both indoors and
outdoors.
By way of example, you will be expected to:
• Maintain operational security. You will not be able to discuss your everyday work with others.
• Sustain vigilant observation during periods of heighted activity and during periods of extended
inactivity.
• Respond to operational tasking at very short notice, which may include the necessity to work
extended periods and to travel interstate at short notice.
• Be capable of spending extended periods within a static vehicle, during both the peaks of summer and
in winter.
• Maintain your health and fitness to a standard that ensures you can operate ‘on foot’ (walking,
running and standing) for extended periods, in various weather conditions.

Operational Security
The application of operational security measures by Surveillance Officers is essential to protect
themselves, their team and the wider nature of ASIO work. You will be expected to adhere to these
measures throughout your career as a Surveillance Officer and in doing so you will not be able to discuss
the nature of your every day work with others.

Roster and Routine

Whilst there is an allocated forward roster your working requirements may be changed at short notice in
order to respond to operational requirements.
You will be required to work shifts anytime over a 24 hour period and it is not uncommon to work late
into the night/morning if operational activity requires it. Sleep patterns will likely be disturbed on
occasions and your ability to maintain future planned commitments to family events, sporting clubs,
social engagements, etc may suffer from time to time.
To be a professional Surveillance Officer you will need to be capable of consistently prioritising your ‘job
requirements’ above those of your ‘personal needs’.

Shift Activity
Periods of ‘high tempo activity’ will occur, however there will also be extended periods of ‘inactivity’ or
‘no activity’. You must be capable of operating within these different paced environments and moving
between them at short notice.
During periods of inactivity you have to be comfortable in your own company, as you will often not have
physical contact with other members of your team throughout the full duration of a shift.
By way of example, only 10 - 20% of a shift period may be active, in which you must be capable of
collecting the necessary intelligence. For the remaining period you must be capable of sustaining a
vigilant watch to confirm ‘nothing’ has occurred. Periods of inactivity will regularly occur during shift
periods or multiple shifts over a weekly or monthly period.

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Time and Location Management

You will not necessarily start work at the same time and in the same location each day. You will
therefore be expected to ensure you are capable of starting work at the allocated location, on time each
day.

Teamwork
Surveillance Officers operate as part of a cohesive operational team. As a result trust, loyalty and
respect between team members are essential.
You will be expected to evaluate the situation, recommend solutions, and implement the final decision.
Your individual actions will not only contribute to the effectiveness of the team but will ultimately assist
the Organisation to achieve its mission.

Is this job for me?

Given the commitment that is expected and the effect the role may have on your personal life, it is very
important that you carefully consider whether this role is right for you.

Selection and Recruitment Process

The selection period is lengthy and candidates must be prepared to undergo various selection stages
over an extended period of time and in a variety of capital cities.
The assessment process will include a criminal history check. If you have a criminal history or have
received a significant number of traffic infringements, you will not be considered for the role.
The duties of the appointment require a national security clearance. Preferred candidates must be
assessed as suitable to hold a Positive Vetting (PV) security clearance and will be required to undergo
psychological assessment and intrusive security and personal checking/assessment. ASIO employees are
also required to undergo mandatory drug testing during their career with the Organisation.
Successful candidates may be required to undergo a medical assessment which will be arranged and paid
for by the Organisation. This assessment will include assessment of:
• colour perception;
• any mobility issues;
• an ability to maintain reasonable fitness;
• prolonged sitting, standing, walking;
• ability to carry a 12kg backpack;
• occasionally lift and move 32kg; and
• be capable of running a distance of 200m and your suitability to perform surveillance duties.

To apply for this position you will need to provide a response to the following question. In order to submit
your response please follow the advice provided below in respect of submitting an application.

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In 800 to 1000 words please make your statement of claim outlining why you are interested in the
Surveillance Officer role, what you can offer us, and how your skills, knowledge and experience are
relevant to the values and job specific capabilities required for the Surveillance Officer role. We
would like you to highlight any specific examples or achievements that demonstrate your suitability
to be trained to undertake the Surveillance Officer role. In a nutshell – why should we hire you?

Submitting your application

Applications for ASIO jobs can be submitted using the ‘apply now’ link on our website.
Prior to commencing your application, we recommend that you use the ‘print preview application’ so
that you can read through the questions and relevant requirements.
We also recommend drafting your responses to the selection criteria in a word document prior to starting
your online application. This is due to an inability to navigate between pages of the application form or
save and return at a later time once you have commenced entering information.
In addition to responding to the selection criteria you are required to upload a single scanned document
containing the following:
• Curriculum Vitae (including details of two referees and reference to citizenship/residence in Australia
for the past 10 years)
• A current photo – the photo needs to capture upper body and face, preferably in a short sleeved shirt
and taken in good lighting.
A checklist to assist with submitting your application is provided on the last page of this information
guide.
Please note that in submitting your application you are acknowledging you have read and are aware of
the job role and requirements.

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Timeframes
Candidates are required to be in Australia and available for specific appointments during the selection,
assessment and vetting processes in order for your application to progress.
The selection and assessment timeline is as below (note this is subject to change) and will be held in
Sydney.

Online testing May/June 2018

Psychometric testing August 2018

Preliminary phone interviews August 2018

Assessment centres (2 day activity) October to November 2018

Surveillance Officer Training Program Commencing April 2019 and will run for 24
weeks

Training

Successful applicants will undertake a six month full-time Surveillance Officer Training Program. This
program is predominantly based in Sydney, however some training elements are delivered in other
geographic locations. Individuals will be required to travel domestically and be capable of spending some
short periods of time away from Sydney.

The Surveillance Training Program timeframe is as below (note this is subject to change and should only
be used as a guide).

Week Training component Location

Week one to three Induction and initial training Sydney

6 Month Period
(24 weeks)

Week four to Various locations

Recruit training course
twelve throughout Australia

Week thirteen to Work place posting and

Sydney
twenty-four mentoring

The training is competency based with four major modules:

1. A three-month Recruit Training Course conducted in various locations throughout Australia;
2. A defensive driving training course;
3. A four to six-week mentor program; and

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4. A period of on-the-job training where you will work as a solo operator within a surveillance group.
You will be provided opportunities to meet and further develop the required surveillance
competencies. This period is expected to last for 12 weeks but may vary depending upon your
progress.
This is a competency based Program with modules 1 and 2 being pass/fail modules. You will need to
demonstrate a satisfactory standard of performance to complete each section. If you are unable to
successfully complete the pass/fail modules, your training will cease.
In addition to the training component, ASIO has a six month probationary period for all new
employees.
We want all our Surveillance Officers to succeed and will provide as much support as possible to help
you succeed. If despite our assistance, you’re unable to meet the required standards during or by the
end of the program, you may;
1. Be offered an alternative position in another area of the Organisation. This will be subject to approval,
current organisational priorities and vacancies available at the time; or
2. Separate from the Organisation.

Graduation

Upon successful completion of this training program, participants will progress to ASIO Employee Grade
5 (AE5), salary range $82,281 - $88,333* plus superannuation. In addition, they will also be eligible for an
additional composite payment allowance of ~ 30% of their annual base salary when undertaking physical
surveillance duties.

Salary
The Surveillance Training Program is at the ASIO Employee Grade 4 for which the salary range is $74,981
to $80,464 plus 15.4% superannuation. Upon successful completion of the Surveillance Training
Program, candidates progress to the ASIO Employee Grade 5 with a salary range of $82,281 to $88,333
plus 15.4% superannuation.
Successful applicants undertaking physical surveillance duties will also be eligible for an additional
allowance of 30% of their annual base salary (composite payment).

Surveillance Officer - Eligibility

To be eligible to apply, you must be:
• In Australia and available at all stages of the selection, assessment and vetting processes;
• An Australian Citizen with a checkable background who has resided in Australia for at least the last 10
years. We cannot progress your application if you are awaiting citizenship;
• Willing to undergo a medical assessment clearance;
• Willing to undergo an extensive security clearance process including drug testing;
• Willing to relocate to Sydney for up to six months for initial training and thereafter, be able to relocate
to a geographic location at the Organisation’s request, noting you may not be based where you
currently reside (postings will most likely be Sydney – with potential future positions in Melbourne
and Canberra).

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• Able to frequently travel interstate, often at short notice.

You must also:
• Hold a current ‘Open and unrestricted’ drivers licence (for at least 3 years) and be eligible to qualify for
a driver’s licence in any state or territory of Australia;
• Have normal colour perception that enables clear delineation between red and green and no issues
with “night blindness”;
• Have a basic level of fitness and physical mobility including the ability to maintain reasonable fitness,
prolonged sitting, standing, walking, ability to carry a 12kg backpack, occasionally lift and move
32kgand capable of running a distance of 200m;
The assessment process will include a criminal history check. If you have a criminal history and or have
received a significant number of traffic infringements, you will not be considered for the role.

Relocation assistance may be provided to successful candidates if, upon completion of the Surveillance
Training Program, the Organisation requests that you relocate. Further information on relocation
assistance will be provided to successful candidates.

ASIO is committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive environment, where all staff are valued and
respected, in order to build a highly capable, innovative and adaptive workforce to achieve our purpose.
We welcome and value applications from all eligible candidates irrespective of gender, sexual
orientation, ethnicity, religious affiliation, age or disability.

Please advise us if you require any additional assistance in order to fully participate in the recruitment
process or the workplace. This information will be held in strict confidence.

Should I Apply
Previous surveillance experience is not necessary, as extensive training is provided. However, it's
important that candidates can demonstrate the following attributes:
• Excellent observation skills, with a first-rate memory for details and events;
• Work well in a team;
• An ability to remain alert and attentive during periods of inactivity or boredom and be ready to jump
into action;
• Display consistent good judgement;
• An ability to think on your feet;
• Flexibility and ability to cope with frequent disruptions to your social life; and
• Be willing to relocate to other locations as required.

Frequently Asked Questions

For frequently asked questions, in the first instance please visit the Surveillance officer website page at
www.asio.gov.au
If you have any further questions regarding the role or the application process, please contact
recruitment (02) 6257 4916 during business hours.

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Surveillance Officer Candidate checklist

Eligibility requirements as set out in the Candidate Information Guide:

In Australia and available at all stages of the selection, assessment and vetting processes;
An Australian Citizen with a checkable background who has resided in Australia for at least the last
10 years. We cannot progress your application if you are awaiting citizenship;
Willing to undergo a medical assessment clearance;
Willing to undergo an extensive security clearance process including drug testing;
Willing to undertake six months of initial training in various capital cities in Australia,
Able to work fulltime for the period of the Surveillance Training Program;
Willing to relocate to Sydney at the successful completion of the initial 12 week training program;
Able to frequently travel interstate often at short notice.
You must also:
Hold a current ‘Open and unrestricted’ drivers licence (for at least 3 years) and be eligible to qualify
for a driver’s licence in any state or territory of Australia;
Have normal colour perception that enables clear delineation between red and green and no issues
with “night blindness”;
Have a basic level of fitness and physical mobility including the ability to maintain reasonable
fitness, prolonged sitting, standing, walking, ability to carry a 12kg backpack, occasionally lift and
move 32kg and capable of running a distance of 200m;
Application

Provided responses to all of the required selection criteria.

Scanned single attachment containing ALL of the following application requirements:

Resume, including details of two current referees;

Signed acknowledgment of the physical and psychological disclosure form;
A current photo – the photo needs to capture upper body and face, facing towards the camera,
preferably in a short sleeved shirt and taken in good lighting.

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Surveillance Officer Training Program

Physical and Psychological Capabilities Disclosure Form
There are fundamental physical and psychological capabilities an ASIO Surveillance Officer (SO) must
possess in order to undertake the role safely and effectively. These include the ability to maintain high
levels of attention, concentration and memory when under pressure, to effectively communicate verbally
with a wide variety of persons, to walk without significant discomfort for several kilometres, drive a motor
vehicle confidently and competently for extended periods of time in various traffic environments, and to
sit without significant discomfort for extended periods of time in various environments, including public
locations.

The Surveillance Officer training program is intensive and highly demanding in order to prepare trainees to
perform the SO role, and requires both physical and mental stamina and resilience. To undertake the
Surveillance Officer Development Program (SOTP) it is important that candidates are aware of the
physical and psychological capability requirements and can confirm that they are capable of meeting these
requirements.

ASIO will consider your ability to meet the required physical and psychological capabilities both during the
selection process for the traineeship and during the SOTP itself. In doing so, ASIO may seek the opinion of
a qualified medical practitioner.

ASIO will also consider whether there are reasonable and appropriate adjustments which could be made to
the training program to accommodate any physical or psychological health conditions suffered by a
trainee. An inability to meet the physical or psychological capability requirements may ultimately mean
you are unsuitable for the SOTP. Please answer the following questions carefully. You may at any time
provide any medical reports which you consider relevant to ASIO’s understanding of any medical condition
you report. Please note that if ASIO is concerned about your ability to meet the physical or psychological
demands of the SOTP, you may be asked to undergo an examination by an independent medical
practitioner.

1. Do you have any existing or recurring condition or injury that would prevent you from:
a. Standing or walking for prolonged periods?
No
Yes
If yes, please provide further information.

b. Running a distance of at least 200m?

No
Yes
If yes, please provide further information.

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c. Sitting for prolonged periods in various environments (e.g. at a desk, a car, or in an

outdoor public place)?
No
Yes
If yes, please provide further information.

d. Carrying a 12kg backpack for a short period?

No
Yes
If yes, please provide further information.

e. Occasionally lifting and moving weights of up to 32kg?

No
Yes
If Yes, please provide further information.

f. Working while subject to climate extremes and varied urban or rural terrain?
No
Yes
If yes, please provide further information.

g. Working for extended periods with reduced freedom of movement including reduced
access to toilets, refreshment facilities or regular meal breaks?
No
Yes
If yes, please provide further information.

h. Maintaining sustained cognitive and thinking capability (such as attention, concentration

and memory) for prolonged periods?
No
Yes
If yes, please provide further information.

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2. Do you have any existing condition or injury or other limit on driving capability that would prevent
you from safely driving a motor vehicle for extended periods of time while under pressure?
No
Yes
If yes, please provide further information.

3. Do you use or require access to any prescription medication or medical aids?

No
Yes
If yes, please provide further information.

4. Do you suffer from colour blindness or night blindness?

No
Yes
If yes, please provide further information.

I, .........................................................(print name) confirm that the above information is complete, true and
correct. I understand that the Organisation may ask me to attend a medical examination prior to offering
me a place on the SOTP.

Signature: Date:

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