We are Australia's national agency for geoscience research and geospatial information. We operate within the Australian Government Department of Resources, Energy and Tourism.

By producing first-class geoscientific information and knowledge, we assist the Australian Government and the community to make informed decisions about the use of resources, management of the environment and the safety and wellbeing of its citizens.

In this dynamic environment you can contribute to:

• First class geoscientific research and geospatial research
• exploration of Australia's energy and mineral resources
• providing spatial information of Australia and jurisdictional boundaries for environmental, economic and social purposes
• management of natural hazards and the environment
• safety of Australia's communities.

What we are looking for?

We are seeking highly motivated and talented individuals with proven experience in geoscience or related field, with an ongoing interest in assisting with the achievement of the organisation’s objectives, including:

• Enhancement of global attractiveness of Australia’s offshore and onshore exploration investment opportunities
• the availability and efficient use and protection of energy, water and other resources
• climate change initiatives
• mitigation of growth in global greenhouse gases
• creation of safer communities and transportation.

Special Requirements

Must have a degree (or be completing a degree in 2012) with Honours, Masters or PhD in one or more of the following disciplines: geophysics, geology, geochemistry, geomatics, geoinformatics, surveying or other Earth science-related discipline. Candidates must also have a keen interest in the economic, social, and environmental outcomes of geoscientific research and information. Field work and some travel is a requirement of the Graduate Program.

Choose your own projects

During the first 12 months you will be required to undertake three or four rotations, working in key priority areas across the organisation. Each rotation usually lasts around three months and we let you choose from a selection of critical projects aimed at meeting the organisation's projected outcomes! Opportunity also exists to undertake a rotation with a related organisation - we would support this and, where appropriate, we would facilitate such rotations. Most rotations will involve some fieldwork.

Mentoring

We assign a mentor to each graduate. The mentor is usually a senior level manager within Geoscience Australia. Their role is to assist you to set up and structure rotations, mediate issues in situations where you feel uncomfortable, as well as guide you in your career choices with the organisation. Mentors are selected on the basis of their exceptional people management skills and genuine interest in supporting the development of younger staff.

Ongoing learning and development

Off-the-job learning and development is just as important as any on-the-job learning experience. As part of our program, you will undertake a range of workshops and seminars. Some of these will be under the auspices of the Australian Public Service Commission (APSC) while others will be organised directly by Geoscience Australia and will include: financial management; presentation skills; project management; strategic thinking; science writing skills, and other relevant technical courses such as ArcView/GIS run by the Victorian Institute of Earth and Planetary Sciences. Attendance at relevant conferences and participation in field work also is encouraged.

Employment opportunities

Upon successful completion of your rotations and off-the-job learning and development, you will be encouraged to apply for on-going vacancies within Geoscience Australia. A competitive merit selection process, including open advertisement on the APSjobs website, will apply to these vacancies.

Our retention rate is impressive, with around nine out of ten graduates each year choosing to stay on and extend their careers.