Applications are now open for those who want a rewarding and exciting career as an AFP Protective Service Officer (PSO) at one of Australia's most unique locations: Pine Gap in the Northern Territory.
Pine Gap is one of the AFP's most critical protection sites, located just outside of Alice Springs. PSOs located in Pine Gap are trained to detect, deter and disrupt criminal activity at the dedicated Defence facility.
The role of a PSO is open to anyone, from those finishing high school and just starting their career, to those looking for a career change who meet the eligibility requirements.
Responsibilities include foot, bike and vehicle patrols of the Joint Defence Facility Pine Gap, providing static protection services, acting as first responders in matters of national security and reporting on data for operational purposes.
Successful applicants will get paid to train and receive a starting salary of over $116,000 per year, plus overtime and penalties. This includes a remote Defence capability payment of $30,000 per year and a remote localities allowance of $10,970 per year.
AFP Detective Acting Superintendent Scott Growden said those interested in becoming a PSO based in Pine Gap could expect a rewarding career where every day was an adventure.
"There's no chance of being caught behind a desk in this role - our PSOs in Pine Gap are our boots on the ground, working to protect a critical Australian establishment," Detective Acting Superintendent Growden said.
"Successful applicants will have the opportunity to work in a tight-knit vibrant community, with beautiful desert landscapes and easy access to world-famous national parks, including Uluru.
"You will thrive as a PSO if you enjoy working with people, hold strong values and respect the law, adapt and work well under pressure, show initiative, are attentive to your surroundings, resilient, and enjoy working outside and performing routine tasks.
"This is a great job for those who have finished their studies and are deciding what career path is best for them, or those looking for a career change. Consider spending a gap year as an AFP PSO based in Pine Gap and discover a job that is challenging and rewarding, where the day-to-day work you do will make a difference."
New recruits will join the hundreds of AFP PSOs who play a key frontline role in protecting the community and Commonwealth infrastructure.
PSOs provide an armed first-response capability at locations across the country, including Parliament House in Canberra, major Australian airports, Defence locations and other places of critical infrastructure.
AFP PSO Michael Erickson said those based at Pine Gap were always on the move adapting to the world around them.
"There's always something to learn while on the job whether it's drones, bikes, rapid appraisal, short-barrel rifles being rolled out, four-wheel driving - there are plenty of unique experiences," PSO Erickson said.
"Our rosters really work for us where we work a few shifts and then have a big block of days off. Being a dad, the work-life balance is really important to me. Having the block of days off helps me be there for the small moments, which really makes a difference in my kids' life and mine."
To be eligible to become a PSO, an applicant must be over the age of 18, an Australian citizen, hold a minimum education level of at least a Year 10 Certificate with further work experience or vocational education qualifications. Applicants must also hold current first aid and CPR certifications and be able to swim 100m freestyle.
Apply now to join as a PSO recruit in 2025, with multiple courses scheduled at the AFP College. To learn more, visit the AFP website.
