Frequently asked questions
1. How many Graduates is the Department taking?
The Department is planning to recruit up to 60 graduates in 2011 - all located in Canberra.
2. What will my salary be?
All our graduates are paid at the same level and advance through the graduate year. Your salary on commencement will be $50,891. You are advanced during the year after successful completion of the training and first and second rotations. Your finishing salary will be $61,405.
3. What is an Enterprise Agreement?
An Enterprise Agreement (EA) provides the terms and conditions of employment for staff. The terms and conditions are negotiated between managers, staff and Unions on a three year cycle. Staff vote on the package and if it is approved we then work under the conditions that have been agreed. You can find the EA at http://www.environment.gov.au/about/publications/ca/index.html
4. What if I haven't finished my degree in time for the graduate year?
If you have not completed an undergraduate degree by January 2011, you will not be eligible for entry into the Department of the Environment, Water, Heritage and the Arts 2011 Graduate Program. Perhaps you could reconsider our Program after your study is complete.
5. What if I am overseas at the time of the interview?
We can arrange a phone interview for you if you are studying or working overseas. It would be preferable if you had access to a computer and internet.
6. What kind of help would I get to move to Canberra?
The Department provides up to $10,000 to cover all reasonable relocation costs and assists with arrangements for those moving to Canberra from anywhere in Australia. Relocation for overseas applicants is considered on a case by case basis.
7. Can I get assistance with study during the Graduate year?
The Department does not provide study leave to graduates during the Graduate Program. The Graduate year is very intensive and our preference is for you to focus exclusively on the development Program during your first year. After the Graduate year you can apply for study leave for courses that are relevant to your work area.
8. I'm a mature age student. Can I still apply for the Graduate Program?
Yes you can. The Department is equally interested in those who have prior life and work experiences as those straight out of university.
9. Do I have to move to Canberra, or are there opportunities to work in other areas?
Yes you do have to move to Canberra. You may get the opportunity to spend your second or third rotation in our Hobart or Darwin offices or in one of the National Parks - Kakadu, Uluru or Booderee. It is important to remember though that most of the Department is located in Canberra which means there are many more opportunities for growth, development and progression in Canberra.
10. What are work rotations?
During the development year, our graduates work in three different Divisions in the Department. Each work rotation runs for three and a half months, and the diversity of experience puts our graduates in a good position when they are later seeking positions anywhere in the Department.
11. Do I get to choose where I'll do my work rotations?
Your first rotation is decided for you, and you will receive information about this rotation during the induction week. You will also have a chance to meet your supervisor and see where you will be working. You are able to submit Expressions of Interest in regard to the second and third rotations during the year, and you will have the opportunity to seek rotations in areas that may be of particular interest to you. We are interested in making the work rotations as beneficial as possible for our graduates and are continually looking at ways to enhance our work rotation program.
12. What training is available?
The graduate year consists of a structured development program that includes on and off the job learning in diverse areas to provide graduates with the skills they will need for a career with the Department. There may be opportunities for additional learning through your particular rotation.
13. What do the different Divisions do?
Working for the Department of the Environment, Water, Heritage and the Arts, you will have the opportunity to work on a diverse range of issues. For more information on what each Division does visit the main Department of the Environment, Water, Heritage and the Arts web site at http://www.environment.gov.au/about/index.html
14. What did previous graduates do and where are they now?
Our graduates from 2008 and 2009 are spread across different Divisions. We have also included profiles from graduates from earlier years to help you understand the career progression opportunities that exist within the Department.
15. What sort of place is the Department of the Environment, Water, Heritage and the Arts like to work in?
Most staff in the Department of the Environment, Water, Heritage and the Arts have tertiary qualifications so you can expect interesting debates on almost any topic. Our people come from diverse backgrounds and bring an interesting mix to the workplace. Much of the work is done in a team-based approach and the friendly, relaxed atmosphere pleasantly surprises new graduates.
16. Where are the Department of the Environment, Water, Heritage and Arts offices located in Canberra?
We have five buildings across Canberra. The John Gorton Building - King Edward Terrace - Parkes, The Burns Centre - National Circuit, Farrell Place - Civic, Allara Street - Civic, and Lovett Tower - Woden.
17. What happens after completing the Graduate Program?
If you complete the development program successfully you will be confirmed as an ongoing employee and advanced to a higher classification as specified in our Enterprise Agreement. You can also apply for and compete on merit for any Public Service advertised vacancy at the completion of your program.
20. What prospects do I have at the completion of the graduate year?
Most graduates find that their wide experience throughout the Department, combined with their development year, make them highly sought after. Divisions offer permanent placements for the graduates at the end of the year. For these final placements graduates may indicate their preferences or negotiate a placement directly.
