Geoscience Australia's Graduate Recruitment Program

Steven's Story

I joined Geoscience Australia in 2006, as part of its annual intake of new university graduates. Reflecting upon my first year here, I find myself still amazed at the broad scope of first-class geoscientific research, information and advice produced. Encompassing numerous multi-disciplinary projects, the work undertaken here ranges from helping to secure Australia's long-term energy demands, to assisting communities affected by geo-related hazards and disasters. I love coming here each day because of the opportunity to discover something new and exciting about the work which goes on, and the chance to contribute my scientific skills and knowledge for the benefit of all Australians.

One of the many great aspects of Geoscience Australia's graduate program is the opportunity to work on several diverse and interesting projects. We also get the chance to really challenge ourselves by tackling topics which are far removed from what we're usually accustomed to. For example, having completed my PhD on oceanic hydrothermal systems, my first involved working with the Risk Assessment Methods Project. Here I got the chance to use my analytical and interpretive skills to assist in developing economic models to assess the impact of natural hazards on the Australian community - quite different to anything I had ever previously attempted! During this rotation I was also part of a quick-response field-team sent to Innisfail in the wake of the Cyclone Larry disaster, where we gathered important information about the effects of the cyclone on local agricultural industries.

During my other job rotations this year I have worked on creating new geological maps of Australia's subantarctic islands, which involved the integration of multiple geological data-sets plus new interpretations of aerial photographs and satellite images. I have also been part of a team involved in understanding the petroleum prospectivity and potential of the frontier Mentelle Basin, off-shore of southern Western Australia. This project involved analysis of sub-bottom profile and 2-D seismic data, as well as the integration of key seismic and satellite imagery within a GIS framework. These projects presented their own challenges and were extremely thought-provoking, but by the end of each rotation I certainly felt as though I had made a substantial contribution to their progress, and helped each team with their overall objectives.

Importantly, there is fantastic energy at Geosceince Australia which makes it a fun and vibrant place to be. The emphasis on well-coordinated teamwork across the organisation helps to foster a strong workplace culture, which greatly assists us in building our careers. Flexibility and adaptability in our job placements are encouraged, and there are plenty of opportunities for professional training and workplace development throughout the year. As well as the three or four main projects which we individually work on, each graduate group also collaborates on a project which they develop, plan and implement. Our graduate project gave us the chance to promote geological tourism in western Tasmania; a highlight of this project was the chance to experience stunning wilderness and awesome geology while undertaking our field-based research.

In summing up, I have to say that Geoscience Australia is truly a fantastic place to work, and I feel proud and privileged to be part of it.