Divisional Security Officer

The Role

Are you a passionate and high-performing security professional looking to make a real impact? The Security Operations Team is inviting motivated individuals to join our dynamic and supportive environment in the exciting role of Divisional Security Officer.

This is a unique opportunity to contribute to protective security within a purpose-driven research organisation, where your expertise will help shape innovative solutions and foster a strong security culture across Defence Science and Technology Group (DSTG).

As an APS 5 Divisional Security Officer, you will play a vital role in engaging directly with the workforce, building strong relationships across DSTG's divisions, and promoting a positive security culture. This is a customer-facing, fast paced role where your ability to communicate, collaborate, and provide tailored security advice is key to success.

While the Research Security Service Desk is a valuable tool for managing and coordinating our work, this role goes far beyond a traditional help desk function. You will be actively involved in delivering consistent, risk-based security advice, providing accurate and timely support, and mentoring and guiding customers to achieve positive security outcomes. Your contribution will help shape a secure and innovative research environment through meaningful engagement and professional expertise.

This role offers the chance to work on complex personnel and protective security matters, monitor divisional performance, and promote a proactive, risk-based approach to security in a cutting-edge research environment.

If you are ready to expand your skills in critical thinking, risk assessment, and strategic advice—particularly in support of DSTG staff, industry partners and academia—we would love to hear from you.

Key Responsibilities:

The responsibilities of the role include but are not limited to:

• Provide clear, concise advice on complex security enquiries using sound judgement and interpretation of Defence and whole-of-government policy.
• Collaborate with internal stakeholders to identify vulnerabilities and enhance security measures aligned with policy.
• Guide and support the development of Security Risk Assessments (SRAs), and where appropriate, complete and deliver SRAs along with implementing effective mitigation strategies for DSTG activities, facilities, and events.
• Proactively identify and address potential security risks, and respond to incidents in accordance with policy to uphold research security integrity.
• Achieve and maintain physical security certification and accreditation for DSTG facilities.
• Establish and nurture strong professional relationships with internal and external security and science partners to support collaborative outcomes.

Why Join Us?

You will be part of a team that is passionate about what we do -committed to supporting Defence Science and Technology by creating a more secure, stable, and advanced research environment for Australia. We value collaboration, innovation, and continuous learning, and we are looking for individuals who share that vision.

About our Team

Research Technology and Operations Division (RTO) delivers specialist capabilities to Defence Innovation Science and Technology (IS&T). RTO comprises a professional workforce of engineers, technicians, computational scientists and other staff who provide a wide range of highly specialised and unique research capability and innovative solutions delivering advanced research platforms for Defence, national security and the wider IS&T ecosystem.

RTO capabilities accelerate and protect Defence's science and technology advances and promote a collaborative, compliant, safe and healthy workplace. Research Operations Branch is building a strong and professional workforce of highly qualified, trusted advisors who work with our research scientists in the provision of leading edge, safe and secure research infrastructure and business advice.

We engage with broader Defence stakeholders to ensure DSTG's, IS&T enabling capability requirements are well planned and appropriately prioritised with a strategic mindset. Research Operations also has stewardship of the delivery of DSTG's Trials planning, coordination and support.

Our Ideal Candidate

We are seeking security professionals with experience in physical security and security risk management, and an understanding of Australia's strategic, Defence, and national security priorities.

You will thrive in this role if you:

• Have experience or quickly develop expertise in Australian Government and Defence security principles, policies, and controls, with an understanding of their role in mitigating high-level risks and contributing to the continual improvement of security practices.
• Are confident in interpreting policy, solving complex security challenges, and providing clear, actionable advice.
• Communicate effectively—both in writing and verbally—with a strong ability to deliver accurate and timely policy guidance.
• Enjoy building productive relationships with internal and external stakeholders and engaging proactively with the workforce.
• Apply critical thinking to deliver practical, risk-based outcomes that support DSTG and Defence objectives to promote a strong security culture.
• Apply critical thinking and demonstrate initiative to deliver practical, risk-based outcomes that support DSTG and Defence objectives, including the ongoing improvement of security processes.
• Stay informed on evolving security threats, risks, and policy changes, and be open to occasional interstate travel.

Security Clearance:

Successful applicants will need to obtain a Negative Vetting Level 1 (NV1) clearance prior to starting. As you grow in the role, opportunities may arise to take on more complex work requiring a higher clearance - DSTG supports staff in pursuing these challenges where appropriate, as part of their professional development.

Application Closing Date: Monday 01 December 2025

For further information please review the job information pack, reference
DSTG/08904/25
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