About Graduate Program

Geoscience Australia

At Geoscience Australia, we harness the power of applied geoscience to shape Australia’s future. As the Australian Government’s trusted national source in geoscience insights, we deliver authoritative data, analysis and advice that underpin better decisions for government, industry and communities. Our work spans the full breadth of Australia’s land, marine and Antarctic environments - from space based observations to the Earth’s core.

Our Graduate Program offers you the opportunity to engage in a diverse environment. Applying the skills cultivated during your studies to make a positive contribution that directly impacts the community and the nation.

We offer a highly customisable Graduate Program that is specific to your learning needs and aligned to your skills and career aspirations. You will start the program in your home placement area, building lasting professional relationships with your team and stakeholders. You will then undertake various rotations in science areas to expand your skills and experience for a successful career in the Australian Public Service (APS).

At Geoscience Australia, your graduate year isn’t just a job – it’s the launchpad for a career that shape’s Australia’s future. You will join a community of curious thinkers, problem solvers, and innovators working on projects that genuinely matter, from natural hazard resilience to cutting-edge digital capability.

You’ll collaborate with specialist across, science, data, digital and human resources, contributing to work that supports government, industry and the Australian community. Every project you touch helps build a safer, more informed, and resilient nation.

We offer a competitive salary and ongoing employment upon successful completion of our Graduate Program:

• Commence your journey with a starting salary of $79,125, as an APS4 graduate, plus 15.4% superannuation.
• Progress to an ongoing APS5 position upon the successful completion of the graduate program, with an annual salary of $88,834, plus 15.4% superannuation.

Be part of our progressive and inclusive culture:

• An award-winning organisational culture dedicated to fostering diversity, equity and belonging.
• Progressive flexible working arrangements and generous leave entitlements.

Gain access to industry-leading development opportunities:

• A structured 12-month program featuring rotations in various areas across the organisation or with our external partners.
• Ongoing support for your studies and professional growth, including an attractive study assistance and scholarship program.
• A comprehensive learning and development approach providing targeted on the job learning, mentorship, buddies, online learning and regular workshops with our Chief Scientist.
• Home to world class resources and facilities, including the National Mineral and Fossil Collection.

Enjoy working in a vibrant cultural hub:

• Located in Canberra, the Nation’s Capital, where government, industry and academia meet. Canberra is home to many National Cultural institutions, surrounded by urban hubs such as Braddon, New Acton or the Kingston Foreshore, all amidst the backdrop of the national parks and conveniently close to remarkable destinations just a short drive away.
• Enjoy the free onsite parking and gym facilities.

If you are passionate about solving meaningful problems, working with propose, and building a career that makes a different, Geoscience Australia is the place to start.

We are looking for applicants with graduate or postgraduate qualifications in Science, Technology, Engineering or Mathematics (STEM), Digital, Data or HR. We strongly encourage applicants who have completed study in one or more of the following areas:

STEM

• Geophysics, seismology and/or hazard modelling
• Geology, and its relationship to environmental science and/or economics
• Geodesy
• Spatial analysis

Data / Digital

• Software engineering
• Cloud computing
• Relevant ICT related fields

Human Resources

• Human Resource management
• Business (with a major or specialisation in HR)
• Psychology or organisational psychology
• Employment relations or industrial relations

In addition to tertiary qualifications, we’re looking for people with:

• curious minds to pursue excellence in science and innovation
• communication skills that can tell the story to their stakeholders
• resilience to adapt and see things through to the end
• enthusiasm to make an impact as part of the APS
• respect and integrity to contribute to our inclusive culture
• data and digital literacy

Do you think you could add value to Geoscience Australia but don’t meet all our desirable skills and attributes? We still want to hear from you!

We know our work has the greatest impact when it is informed by diverse experiences and perspectives, so we strongly encourage you to apply if you are a woman with a STEM qualification, are gender diverse, have a disability or are part of the Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander community. We are committed to cultivating an inclusive workplace where everyone has equal opportunity to thrive.

Eligibility

To be eligible for our Graduate Program you must:

• be an Australian citizen at the closing date of applications
• be able to obtain and maintain a Baseline security clearance (or hold a current clearance at the appropriate level)
• satisfy a police history check prior to commencement
• live and work in Canberra (Geoscience Australia will support relocation costs where required)
• hold, or be completing, an AQF Level 7 Bachelor degree or higher

Additional stream‑specific requirements apply:

STEM Stream

• Bachelor degree (or higher) completed within the past three years, with degree completion no later than the end of 2027
• Relevant disciplines include STEM related fields

Digital Stream

• Bachelor degree (or higher) in a digital or technical discipline
• Qualification completed within the past five years

Data Stream

• Bachelor degree (or higher) in a technical, mathematical, analytical, or quantitative discipline
• Qualification completed within the past five years

HR Stream

• Bachelor degree (or higher) in Human Resources or a related discipline
• Qualification completed within the past three years

To apply

• Further information and application: visit the APS Jobs Graduate Portal here.
• For information about the position, please contact recruitment@ga.gov.au
• Hearing or speech impaired applicants are invited to use the National Relay Service by contacting 133 677 and requesting to be connected with Recruitment on in order to obtain selection documentation.