Job Details

Other Ranks (Non Technical)

The role of the Communications and Information System Controller (CISCON) is to provide Information and Communications Technology (ICT) support to enhance the capability of deployed forces, local commanders, higher commands and national authorities. CISCONs are responsible for providing both secure and non-secure; voice, data, video, message services and information technology to the Australian Defence Organisation utilising a variety of communication medium.

CISCONs are employed in a range of tasks including management and operation of ICT systems, including Local Area Networks (LANs), Wide Area Networks (WANs), Web publishing and database management, Communications Security (COMSEC), strategic and field communications and ground to air communications.

Training is initially provided in basic or core CISCON areas of employment with further training to enhance skills for employment in specialised areas. During their career, CISCONs can expect to be employed within some (or all) of the following specialist areas with the percentage of personnel employed in each area indicated:

• Information and Communication Technology Support - involving planning, co-ordinating, providing software and computer networks support (40%);
• Tactical Communications - involving the operation of communications facilities in a deployed or field environment (30%);
• Strategic Communications Support - involving the processing of messages and the provision of other secure communications services (10%);
• Custodial duties - involving the safe keeping and management of classified matter (10%); and
• Trade Training - experienced Sergeants and above are involved in the delivery of training to other CISCONs (10%).

CISCONs generally work in air-conditioned workplaces and may be employed in a tri-service, APS or contractor environment. During field exercises and deployments CISCONs may be required to live under field conditions.

Shift work is also a requirement for the majority of positions.

Most CISCONs have face to face contact with their customers and many positions require consultation and interaction with other Service and civilian organisations. CISCONs frequently interact with military and civilian technical and non-technical personnel. Some CISCONs perform tasks in isolation with minimal supervision or interaction with others.