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Graduate opportunities
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The Australian Fisheries Management Authority's Graduate Development Program prepares graduates for a career as a future leader within AFMA by exposing you to a broad range of activities and a targeted training program.
What to expect
Throughout the Graduate Development Program you will:
build on your degree
become part of a workplace where we make and implement decisions for the efficient and sustainable management of Commonwealth fish resources
make a real difference in the management of Australian fisheries
complete an industry tour where you will meet with key industry stakeholders
complete a specialist training program designed to prepare you for a career in the public service
attend various training
be mentored by senior staff
receive competitive remuneration, flexible working arrangements and conditions of employment.
The program runs for 12 months and consists of three diverse work rotations to equip you with the skills and knowledge required for a rewarding career in the agency and the Australian Public Service, including the opportunity to undertake one rotation within the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry. On completion of the program, graduates can access ongoing training, development and career opportunities.
Graduates will commence the program as full-time employees at the pay point APS 4.1 level ($78,711). After six months' service, graduates who have received a satisfactory rating in performance appraisals will progress to APS 4.2. On successful completion of the program, graduates will be assessed for advancement to APS 5 (pay point 5.1) if:
the employee's performance is satisfactory
there is sufficient work available at the higher classification, and
the employee has the necessary skills and proficiencies to perform that work.
The 12-month graduate program commences February each calendar year in Canberra, ACT.
Career Streams
Natural Resource Management stream
We are looking for graduates with a genuine interest in a career in natural resource management from the following academic disciplines (but not limited to) natural resource management, marine science, fisheries management, environmental science, maritime and environmental law and natural resource economics.
Generalist, STEM, Data and Digital Streams
Indigenous Graduate Pathway
The Australian Government offers graduates job opportunities across multiple disciplines.
How to apply
AFMA will be recruiting for graduates through the Australian Government Graduate Program（https://www.apsjobs.gov.au/s/graduate-portal） and the Indigenous Graduate Pathway（https://www.indigenouscareers.gov.au/recruitment-pathways/indigenous-graduate-pathway）. AFMA is looking for graduates from the Generalist, STEM, Data and Digital streams（https://graduatedevelopment-apsc.prosple.com/search-jobs）. Applying for one of these streams means you only have to go through the application and selection process once to be considered for a range of Australian Government agencies.
Wherever you start your public service career as a graduate, you will do meaningful work from day one, be asked to contribute, be recognised for your perspective, and see the impact you can make in the Australian community we serve.
Apply now or find out more（https://content.apsjobs.gov.au/career-pathways/graduate-programs） on APS Jobs.
Australian Government Graduate Program
Deep diving into managing one of our greatest resources - read 2022 Graduate Phebe's story
What drew you to apply for the program?
I studied a Bachelor of Science (Honours) with a major in marine biology at the University of Queensland. Some of my favourite lecturers worked in fisheries and consistently advocated fisheries management as a great career avenue for marine science graduates. I applied for AFMA’s graduate program because it seemed like a great start to a career in fisheries, and because it seemed like a unique opportunity to diversify my experience and apply the skills I have developed throughout my degree in novel and creative ways.
Could you please tell us a bit of your background? What happened to draw you to study in the marine area?
I grew up in Wollongong, which is a stunning coastal town on the south coast. My dad loved the ocean, and his passion was contagious! He encouraged me to try every water-based activity from snorkelling to surfing to spear fishing. I loved exploring the reef and adjacent rocky shore at Port Kembla beach. When it came to choosing a university degree, I discovered my fascination stemmed from an appreciation for the mysterious beauty of ocean ecosystems and a passion for ocean conservation.
What are you career goals post completion of your graduate year?
I plan to continue with AFMA at the completion of my graduate year (provided they’ll have me) in either a content development or communications capacity. I have worked in a variety of teaching and presenting roles, which I hope will provide the foundations for a career with high creative input, and which involves stakeholder engagement. That being said, I expect to learn a lot this year and the best thing I can do is remain open to the possibilities that will emerge as I continue to grow both professionally and personally.