ASIO eyes tradies in recruitment drive

WHEN you think of espionage, a certain well-tailored ladies man may spring to mind. But Australia’s spy agency has another kind of operative in mind.

OUR national spy agency is calling for tradies to down their tools and take up a new careers as covert operatives.

An ASIO advertising campaign invites “problem-solvers with a wealth of life experience” to “trade your tools for a role protecting our ­nation”,the Daily Telegraph reports.

But while blocked drains, asbestos-laden building sites and tangled wires will no longer be on the workday agenda, it’s far from a glamorous gig.

A far cry from the action-packed scenes of a James Bond film, recruits are likely to spend long hours on mind-numbing tasks necessary to our national security, conducting stake-outs using the latest hi-tech gadgets.

An ASIO spokeswoman said the agency was “targeting a range of applicants including men (and women) who may never have contemplated a career within ASIO”.

While people with “varied career backgrounds, education standards and ages”, certain attributes were a must.

Only “committed team players” who are teachable, dedicated and adaptable need apply.

Would-be spies must possess “a high level of situational awareness and individual resilience” and “a particularly strong attention to detail”.

They must also have “normal colour perception that enables clear delineation between red and green and no issues with ‘night blindness’, and meet a basic level of fitness”.

“ASIO is not only seeking individuals with tradesperson skills, rather we are seeking individuals who have the necessary attributes (i.e. problem solvers) and are seeking a new career challenge,” the spokeswoman said.

“Physical surveillance is an essential ASIO collection capability. It supports the wider ASIO mission through the provision of time sensitive intelligence.

“The role of surveillance officer is not an ordinary job. It is both a profession and a lifestyle commitment.”

Recruits will undergo a six month training program to learn the tricks of the trade.

Of course, a high-level security clearance is required.

Salaries start at $70,628 for the gig.

Originally published as ASIO eyes tradies in recruitment drive