Graduate employment and development program

The Graduate Employment and Development Program (GEDP) was introduced as part of our strategy to ensure we have access to the skills we require to meet the objectives set out in our corporate plan. The GEDP prepares graduates for a career as a future leader within AFMA by exposing you to a broad range of AFMA’s activities and a targeted training program.

2009 Graduate employment and development program

Who are we looking for?

AFMA is currently recruiting for graduates with a genuine interest in establishing a career in natural resource management from the following academic disciplines:

• natural resource management,
• marine science,
• fisheries management,
• environmental science,
• maritime and environmental law
• natural resource economics.

Before you apply, please ensure that you meet the minimum requirements for graduate employment. You MUST be an Australian citizen or receive Australian citizenship status by January 2009 AND you MUST have completed an undergraduate degree (minimum) by no later than January 2009.

In addition to your academic qualifications (reflecting strong academic achievement), we are seeking candidates with the following:

1. A basic understanding of issues regarding either natural resource management, natural resource science, natural resource law and/or natural resource economics.
2. Sound written and oral communication skills including the ability to communicate effectively with a wide range of people.
3. Good analytical and problem solving skills.
4. Good administrative skills, including the ability to plan, manage tasks, set priorities and meet deadlines.
5. Ability to work as a member of a busy team.
6. A positive attitude and approach to work, including initiative and drive and the motivation to progress issues through to completion.
7. Maturity gained through work and/or life experience.

Where will you be located?

Graduate positions are based in our Canberra office (PDF, 68kb) although there may be the opportunity for rotational placements to AFMA’s Thursday Island or Darwin offices and interstate agencies. There may also be the opportunities for interstate travel.

What work will you do?

You will become part of a diverse and busy workplace which makes and implements decisions that are consistent with our functions, legislative objectives and Government policies for the efficient management and sustainable use of Commonwealth fish resources on behalf of the Australian community.

During your employment you will undertake 2 placements (6 month program) or 4 placements (12 month program) of at least 2 months duration per placement.  Graduates employed under the 12 month program will have the opportunity to complete one of the rotations with an external agency.

How much will you be paid?

AFMA graduates are paid in accordance with the AFMA Remuneration Policy (PDF, 132kb) and the Graduate Employment & Development Policy (PDF, 77kb).  AFMA salary rates are currently being reviewed and are expected to increase by 31 December 2008.

Graduate Employment Development Program 2009 Commencement Salary Scale

12 month program

6 month program

*        Subject to satisfactory performance
**       Rates effective 1 July 2008.  AFMA is currently negotiating a new collective agreement.  The rates quoted are expected to increase.

When will you start?

It is expected that successful applicants will commence in the GEDP on 5 January 2009.

Learning and Development Program

You will participate in a comprehensive learning and development program which may include but are not limited to the following courses:

• Conflict resolution
• Giving and receiving feedback
• Writing skills
• Interview skills
• Survival at sea
• Negotiation
• House of Representatives training
• Fisheries Stock Assessment
• IT applications e.g. Word, Excel and PowerPoint
• Cultural awareness
• Ethics training
• Project Management
• Risk Management

Benefits

The Graduate Program offers you a range of benefits:

• The unique opportunity of either a 6 or 12 month developmental employment with guaranteed employment upon successful completion of the program
• Skill development and valuable work experience in a number of areas of AFMA
• Training in specific administrative and professional disciplines
• Mentoring by senior staff
• Competitive salary and conditions of employment
• Relocation assistance where applicable
• A great working environment.

How do you apply

Details on how to apply for AFMA’s Graduate Program can be found in the Application Guidelines (PDF, 67kb).  Applications close 12 September 2008.

Further information

If you would like information regarding our graduate program, or would like to speak with one of our previous graduates, please contact the Graduate Coordinator:

Evelyn Walkden
Australian Fisheries Management Authority
Telephone:  (02) 6225 5457
Facsimile:  (02) 6225 5445
email: recruitment@afma.gov.au

Page last updated 27 August, 2008