Pine Gap

Join us as a protective service officer in Alice Springs. An adventure in one of Australia's most unique places.

Become a Protective Service Officer in Alice Springs

The Joint Defence Facility Pine Gap is one of the Australian Federal Police’s (AFP) most unique and critical protection sites. It's located just outside of Alice Springs in the Northern Territory.

Our protective service officers (PSOs) in Pine Gap train to detect, deter and disrupt criminal activity at the Joint Defence Facility.  

Protective Service Officer leaning against AFP Four wheel drive with Australian outback behind him

What you'll do

As a PSO in Pine Gap, you'll:

  • patrol the facility by foot, bike or vehicle
  • protect critical Defence installations
  • act as a first responder in matters of national security
  • report on data for operational purposes.

Pine Gap PSOs work in small teams, so you'll get a wider range of work experiences than in a capital city role. You'll also get unique and specialised opportunities like short-barrelled rifle training. Because you'll gain skills and experience not always available to city-based PSOs, starting at Pine Gap can fast-track your career.

Protective service officer 

Key benefits

Get paid to train

Earn while you learn during 15 weeks of paid training.

Salary

Over $119,000 after graduation, plus overtime, allowances and penalties.

Superannuation

15.4% even during parental leave.

Basic eligibility

18 + Australian citizen, fit and active, driver’s licence, good character.

Michael's story

 

'There’s always something to learn while on the job, whether it’s drones, bikes, rapid appraisal, short-barrel rifles being rolled out, 4-wheel driving – there are plenty of unique experiences.'

Michael

Protective service officer, Pine Gap

Living in Alice Springs

If you're adventurous and looking for a unique experience, you'll love Alice Springs and the challenges of true outback living.

Home to a population of 33,000 people, Alice Springs is the third-largest town in the Northern Territory. Stunning landscapes, lots of sunshine and the world's oldest living culture make this part of central Australia a rewarding place to set up home.

With an average roster of 5 days on and 5 days off, and 6 weeks annual leave, you'll have time to explore, hike or camp in the iconic deserts, ranges and national parks of Australia's Red Centre:

It's the perfect destination for outdoor enthusiasts.

Learn more about moving to and living in Alice Springs

Ann's story

When you're on night shift, you can see the milky way so clearly. And you're getting paid to experience this.

Ann

Protective Service Officer, Pine Gap

An image of a Protective Service Officer

Meet us online

Learn more about being a PSO.

Want to know more?

Free information session coming up. Hear from a panel of PSOs and our Recruitment team.

Selection process

Gather what you need to apply.

Find out how you can selected as an AFP recruit  your pathway to being a PSO in Exmouth.

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Ready to apply?

Start your application today

Being a protective service officer with the AFP really takes you places.

Get in touch

AFP Recruitment

Email us anytime.

Or call us Monday to Friday 8:30 am to 
4 pm Canberra time.