About our Graduate Program

In this dynamic environment you can contribute to:

• First class geoscientific research and geospatial research
• Exploration of Australia's energy and mineral resources
• Spatially enabling Australia
• Management of natural hazards and the environment
• Safety of Australia's communities

If you are successful in gaining a place on our program, you will commence work with us in January/February.

• Choose your own projects During the first 12 months you will be required to undertake three or four on-the-job rotations in different projects within the organisation. Each rotation usually lasts around three months. Unlike other organisations, we let YOU choose which projects you want to work on! There also may be the opportunity to undertake a rotation with an external organisation - we certainly encourage this, and do our best to facilitate such rotations. Most rotations entail fieldwork, and there is a Graduate field trip organised by the Graduates in conjunction with Graduate Coordinators.
• Mentoring We assign each graduate a mentor who is a senior manager within Geoscience Australia. Their role is to assist you set up and structure your 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 under the auspices of the Australian Public Service Commission (APSC). These include Legislation and APS decision making, project management, financial management, policy formulation and advice, influencing skills, strategic thinking and career directions. In addition you will be given the opportunity to undertake other courses such as presentation skills, ArcView/GIS, short courses run by the Victorian Institute of Earth and Planetary Sciences, Microsoft Outlook/e-mail management, and electronic records management. 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 vacancies within Geoscience Australia. A competitive merit selection process, including open advertisement in the Australian Public Service Gazette, will apply to these vacancies.

We have a proud record of retaining graduates at the completion of the graduate year.