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Last updated: February 2004
Frequently asked questions
How do I find out what employment opportunities are available in the Australian Public Service?
General
Opportunities for ongoing employment (vacancies) in the APS are advertised in the electronic APS Employment Gazette. The Gazette is available online at www.APSjobs.gov.au.
Many APS vacancies are also advertised in the press (and may be accessible through the Jobsearch website (jobsearch.gov.au), through Centrelink offices and/or on agency websites).
Most opportunities are open to all members of the community who 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, but there are exceptions to this rule. Agencies may also 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 will be considered for the job.
Graduate employment
If you are a graduate interested in APS employment, you should contact agencies of interest to you to find out about opportunities. Each agency conducts it own graduate recruitment campaign.
Non-ongoing (temporary) employment
Temporary employment opportunities for periods longer than 12 months are advertised in the Gazette
For shorter term vacancies many agencies maintain temporary employment registers. You can contact individual agencies to find out how to be placed on their registers.
Labour hire firms and job search agencies are often used by APS agencies to fill temporary staffing needs. You can contact these firms to see what, if any, opportunities are available. Under an arrangement with a labour hire firm 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
