Defence Security Officer

Defence Security Officer, UNSW Canberra

Employment type: Fixed-term contract, full-time, 35 hours per week

Duration: 2 years

Remuneration: Broadband 6/7, Level 6 from $103,866/Level 7 from $113,926 plus 17% superannuation

Location: UNSW Canberra, ADFA Campus

About UNSW Canberra

University of New South Wales (UNSW) in Canberra has multiple locations in the Nation’s Capital.
UNSW Canberra distinguishes itself from other institutions by its commitment to being thoughtful, practical, and purposeful in all endeavours. This combined approach is integral to the university's impact and contributes to its recognition as one of the top 20 universities globally, as well as a proud member of Australia's esteemed Group of Eight. Choosing a career at UNSW means embracing an environment where thriving, facing challenges, and engaging in meaningful work are not just encouraged but integral to the university experience. If you seek a career where you can excel and contribute meaningfully, you've found the right place.

At UNSW, we pride ourselves on being a workplace where the best people come to do their best work.

Why Your Role Matters

Under the direction of the Defence Security Manager, the Security Officer supports all UNSW business areas in implementing UNSW security system processes in alignment with the requirements of Defence Industry Security Program (DISP).

This role will develop and manage the security operations and emergency management arrangements across UNSW Canberra sites and support UNSW security assurance activities to government.

This position requires project management and analytical skills to develop, implement and maintain DISP Security Policies and Plans (SPPs) and standard operating procedures, risk assessments, planning for events and incident responses tailored for UNSW’s unique security environment and consistent with a whole-University approach.

A highly collaborative approach is essential to engage user groups, technical teams, leadership teams and other stakeholders. This position is liaising with all levels of staff, and with staff from the Department of Defence.

The Security Officer must be an Australian citizen to be able to meet AGSVA eligibility requirements for a Baseline security clearance.

Who You Are (skills and experience):

• Relevant tertiary qualifications in a discipline such as Defence, security, project management or risk management, or equivalent skills gained through any combination of education, training and experience.
• Sound stakeholder management skills, with the ability to liaise effectively with a range of people.
• Highly advanced interpersonal, written and verbal communication skills.
• Experience working with a range of computer systems and applications including word processing, spreadsheets, presentations and demonstrated ability to learn new applications.
• Excellent time management skills, with a demonstrated ability to respond to changing priorities, manage multiple tasks and meet competing deadlines by using judgement and initiative
• Ability to prepare written reports and display data in an engaging manner.

Benefits and Culture:

UNSW is committed to helping staff balance work-life responsibilities, by providing access to high-quality services, facilities, and flexible work and leave arrangements.

• Flexible working options (work from home, flexible hours etc)
• Additional three days leave during December festive period
• Career development opportunities
• Up to 50% discount on UNSW courses
• Flexible 17% superannuation contributions, additional leave-loading payments and salary sacrifice
• Free gym access
• UNSW-wide strategy to focus on Healthy Body, Healthy Mind, Healthy Places and Healthy Culture.

Eligibility:

The successful candidate will be required to undertake pre-employment checks prior to commencement in this role. The checks that will be undertaken are listed in the Position Description. You will not be required to provide any further documentation or information regarding the checks until directly requested by UNSW.

To be successful you must be an Australian citizen to be able to meet AGSVA eligibility requirements for a Baseline security clearance.

The University reserves the right not to proceed with any appointment.

Pre-Employment Checks

Aligned with UNSW’s focus on cultivating a workplace defined by safety, ethical conduct, and strong integrity preferred candidates will be required to participate in a combination of pre-employment checks relevant to the role they have applied for.
These pre-employment checks may include a combination of some of the following checks:-
• National and International Criminal history checks
• Entitlement to work and ID checks
• Working With Children Checks
• Completion of a Gender-Based Violence Prevention Declaration
• Verification of relevant qualifications
• Verification of relevant professional membership
• Employment history and reference checks
• Financial responsibility assessments/checks
• Medical Checks and Assessments

Compliance with the necessary combination of these checks is a condition of employment at UNSW.

How to apply:

Make each day matter with a meaningful career at UNSW. Please apply via our online recruitment system.
In your application, please include:

• your CV
• a 2-page cover letter addressing the skills and experience outlined in the Position Description.

In order to view the position description, please ensure that you allow pop-ups for https://www.jobs.unsw.edu.au

Applications close: Tuesday 28 April 2026 at 11.30pm AEST

Get in Touch

Queries regarding the role - please contact: r.martens@unsw.edu.au

Queries regarding applications - please contact: h.whale@unsw.edu.au

(for job related queries only – applications will not be accepted if sent to the contact listed)

Position Description

*UNSW is committed to equity diversity and inclusion. Applications from women, people of culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds, those living with disabilities, members of the LGBTIQ+ community; and people of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander descent, are encouraged. UNSW provides workplace adjustments for people with disability, and access to flexible work options for eligible staff.*