Customs Officer

Customs officers work for the Australian Customs Service, mainly at major airports, seaports or outposts along the Australian coastline. Customs 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.

Customs officers may perform the following tasks:

assess risk levels of all passengers, crew, aircraft, ships' cargo and mail entering or leaving Australia
board ships and aircraft to detect illegal activity such as undocumented cargo, prohibited goods or stowaways
check documents, examine luggage and clear goods for import or export
write reports
collect tariffs and duty, and refund GST to tourists
patrol the coastline to detect illegal entry of people, drugs, firearms, and other goods and vessels
make arrests, assist with prosecution and give evidence in court
monitor security in customs-controlled areas.

Much of the work undertaken by Customs Trainees and Level 1 officers involves contact with the public, use of computers and clerical duties. Most positions involve shift work.

Customs officers usually work as part of a team or under general supervision. During initial training and the early stages of their careers, they can expect to be moved through a number of different areas, some of which may involve shift work and overtime. This may include periods of transfer to Customs centres around Australia. A Customs uniform is usually worn.

Personal Requirements:

good communication and interpersonal skills
flexible and resourceful
good organisation and planning skills
able to work as part of a team
courteous and efficient with high ethical standards
pass a medical examination
satisfy Customs security requirements
at least 18 years of age
must be an Australian citizen.

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