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Last updated: December 2008
Frequently asked questions
How do I find out what employment opportunities are available in the Australian Public Service?
General
Jobs in the APS are advertised in the APS Employment Gazette. The Gazette is available on the APSjobs website at www.apsjobs.gov.au.
Many APS vacancies are also advertised in the press, on individual agency websites, through the Australian JobSearch website at www.jobsearch.gov.au or at Centrelink offices.
Most APS jobs are open to all members of the community to apply although it is up to each individual to decide if they meet the requirements set out in the advertisement. There is a general expectation that a person employed in the APS will be an Australian citizen; however agencies can decide to employ non-citizens when they consider it appropriate.
In some instances, agencies may restrict access to some vacancies on the grounds of cost and operational efficiency. If a vacancy in the Gazette is marked with the symbol ♣ this means only people already in the APS may apply for the job.
Graduate jobs
If you are a university graduate interested in APS employment, you should contact agencies of interest to you to find out about opportunities.
With the exception of the APS Indigenous graduate programme coordinated by the Australian Public Service Commission, there is no centralised graduate recruitment programme. Individual agencies may conduct their own graduate recruitment campaigns.
Graduate employment opportunities are also advertised in the press, on individual agency websites or through the Campaigns link on the APSjobs website.
Non-ongoing (temporary) jobs
Temporary jobs for periods longer than 12 months are advertised in the APS Employment Gazette on the APSjobs website.
For shorter term vacancies many agencies maintain registers of people wishing to obtain temporary jobs. You can contact individual agencies to find out how to be placed on their temporary employment register.
If you have previously been employed in the APS or similar Commonwealth body, you may be able to register your details on Ready Now—the temporary employment register for former APS staff.
Agencies may use the Ready Now database to help identify potential candidates to fill non-ongoing vacancies of up to 12 months where there is a specific need for APS-related skills.
Recruitment and job search companies are often used by APS agencies to fill temporary vacancies. You can contact these companies to see what, if any, opportunities are available.
Under an arrangement with a recruitment company, you may either be paid by the APS agency or the recruitment company. Where you are paid by the recruitment company, you would not be an employee of the APS. However, experience gained in this manner may assist you to obtain the skills and relevant experience that will make you more competitive when seeking employment in the APS.
REFERENCES:
Chapter 4 of the Public Service Commissioner’s Directions 1999
Appendix B: Commissioner's Directions 1999 Schedule 2 - Persons who are included as APS employees
