Information Pack

Open to all members of the community

Position Title:

Professional Officer Class 1, Navy Civilian

Engineer Development Program

Job Reference Number:

DPG/00324/15

Position APS Level:

APS 4-5 (Professional)

Position Location:

Campbell Park, ACT

Salary:

$63,326 (plus super)

Position/s:

Various

Employment Status:

Ongoing

Security Level:

Negative Vetting 1

Group:

Navy

Division:

Navy Engineering

Branch:

Navy Engineering, Regulation, Certification and Safety

Contact Officer:

Margaret Staines
(02) 6266 2935

Closing Date:

11.30pm (AEST), Monday 13 April 2015

No extensions will be granted and late applications
will not be accepted.

One APS CareerThousands of Opportunities

About This Information Pack

This information pack provides useful material regarding the role that you are applying for
and further advice to guide you with your application.

Position Description
The Navy Civilian Engineer Development Program plays a critical role in contributing to
future capability and is one of the most comprehensive programs of its type in Australia. The
program aims to support the identification of acquisition and in service sustainment
requirements of Royal Australian Navy fleets. Key to this function is providing specialist
engineering support through the life of Navy platforms, including during build, test and trial
phases, sea trials and in service support.
The program includes a range of features that provide broad professional development and
recognition as well as the opportunity to grow and develop a professional career as an
Australian Public Service employee within the Department of Defence. Based on
competencies recognised by Engineers Australia (EA), this program consists of Defence and
industry work rotations and provides optimum exposure to a variety of engineering
opportunities through both on and off the job training.
The Navy Civilian Engineer Development Program offers a 36 month development program,
consisting of six work rotations of six months each. These rotations include; one industry
rotation (outside of Defence) that can be done in Canberra or elsewhere; one rotation at the
Defence Material Organisation in Canberra or at the Defence Science and Technology
Organisation in Melbourne or Adelaide; and four rotations at Navy Platform Systems in
Canberra.
The Departments generous remuneration package, conditions of service and leave benefits
will contribute to you enjoying a happy work/life balance. The program also includes
assistance to achieve industry based professional experience.
The Navy Civilian Engineering Program looks for applicants who have Engineering degrees
specialising in:
- Naval Architecture, Electrical, Mechanical, Materiel, Mechatronics and Systems.
If you require further information please contact the Contact Officer on the front of this
Information Pack, go to www.defence.gov.au/graduates or contact the Defence Graduate
Office via the email [email protected].

Relocation Assistance
Transition from study to career can be a challenging one. For many, it is the also first time
they have lived away from home, and most graduates are moving interstate. We work hard to
make the whole process as easy as possible for you, and offer relocations assistance to help
you meet the costs involved with relocation in accordance with Defence policy.

Work Environment Description

The following inherent requirements have been identified as specific to this job.
Tasks involving

Administrative
1. Computer Use
2. Generic screen based
3. Graphical/Analytical based
4. Sitting at desk
5. Standing for long periods
Manual Handling
6. Lifting 0-15kg
7. Lifting 15 kg +
8. Climbing
9. Bending
10. Squatting
11. Reaching
12. Push/pull
13. Sequential Repetitive
Movements in short period of
time
14. Manual
dexterity/manipulation
Work Environment
15. Work with others towards
shared goals in a team
environment
16. Works in isolation from other
staff (remote supervision)
17. Distance walking (ie: Large
building or inter-building transit)
18. Works outdoors
19. Works in a call centre
environment
20. Works in a customer service
environment
Tasks Involving
21. Exposure to chemicals
22. Exposure to biological
hazards
23. Working at heights
24. Requirement to wear
personal protective equipment
(PPE)
25. Requirement for full Colour
vision
26. Work with energetics and

Yes /
Minimal likelihood /
Not known

Comments /
Supportive Technology
Available eg Personal
protective equipment (PPE),
lifting devices

Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Minimal Likelihood

Yes
Minimal Likelihood
Yes
Yes
Minimal Likelihood
Yes
Yes
Minimal Likelihood

Minimal Likelihood

Yes

Will require some time working

onboard ships and submarines
alongside and at sea.

Minimal Likelihood
Yes
Minimal Likelihood
No
Yes

Minimal Likelihood
Minimal Likelihood
Minimal Likelihood
Yes

Minimal Likelihood
Minimal Likelihood

When visiting ships and

industrial facilities

explosives
27. Exposure to Petrol, Oil,
Lubricant Products that may
cause dermatological conditions
28. Exposure to extreme
temperatures
29. Confined spaces
30. Exposure to Non-ionising
radiation
31. Excessive Noise
32. Low Lighting
33. Dangerous Goods/
Equipment
34. Exposure to airborne odours

Minimal Likelihood

Minimal Likelihood
Minimal Likelihood
Minimal Likelihood
Minimal Likelihood
Minimal Likelihood
Minimal Likelihood
Minimal Likelihood

Travel
35. Frequent travel - Vehicle
36. Frequent travel - Aeroplane
37. Frequent travel - Seaborne

Yes
Yes
Yes

Cyclic Workload
38. Peaks & Troughs
39. Frequent Overtime
40. Rostered Shift Work

Yes
Minimal Likelihood
No

Duty Statement
1. As a member of a team and under professional supervision as to method of approach
and requirements, perform normal engineering work requiring individual judgement and
initiative in the application of engineering techniques and methods.
2. Participate in the preparation of standards, briefs, procedures, and designs for platforms,
systems and equipment including requirements in respect of shore establishments.
3. Participate in engineering studies and evaluations of platform, systems and equipment
designs and novel concepts.
4. Undertake the investigation of shipboard and other engineering defects and deficiencies
and propose remedial action.
5. Participate in developing and maintaining an engineering technology base.
6. Participate in the preparation of technical instructions, manuals, specifications and test
and trials documentation.
7. Adhere to the principles of the APS Values and Code of Conduct.

Selection Criteria
As part of the application process, you will be required to answer three shortlist questions.
You should address each of the questions and provide examples which demonstrate your
ability against the selection criteria. Your responses to each question will also be used to
assess your written communication skills. Additional criteria will also be assessed during
assessment centre activities http://www.defence.gov.au/graduates/hints-and-tips.html.
You should be mindful that all information contained in your application must be
UNCLASSIFIED. Applications containing classified information will not be considered by the
Selection Delegate.
This section of the application asks candidates to describe those aspects of their academic,
employment or other experience that are directly relevant to the position.
Candidates must:

Address ALL aspects of each question;

Ensure the response to each question must be no longer than 400 words.
Question 1
Achieves Results
Please describe a situation in which you were required to overcome a difficult setback or
professional challenge in the process of achieving an objective/goal. We are interested in:
how you overcame this challenge; your thoughts and actions; the lessons you learned and
the outcome you achieved.
(This question will look at your ability to: achieve results; organise and prioritise tasks;
resourcefulness and learning abilities. This includes how you react when faced with a
setback, your thought processes and initiative shown when achieving an outcome).
Question 2
Supports Productive Working Relationships and Leadership Skills
Please outline a goal / task (work, study, social) that you had to achieve while working with a
diverse group of people who did not always agree on key issues. We are interested in how
you ensured the objectives of the group were still achieved. Please outline: your thoughts
and the actions you took; and the behaviours you demonstrated to achieve the required
outcome.
(This question will look at your: ability to support productive working relationships;
leadership skills; communication and planning abilities. This includes how you operate in a
team environment and manage working relationships to ensure objectives are achieved).
Question 3
Thinking Skills
Please outline the details of an individual task or challenge that you have completed, the
outcome of which you were particularly proud (study, work, general). We are interested to
know about: the situation; the issues and challenges you faced (expected or unexpected);
your thoughts and the actions you took during the process and the outcome achieved.
(This question will look at your thinking skills and problem solving abilities. This includes
how well you identify key issues and find solutions to problems).

Qualifications / Experience Requirements

A minimum three-year Bachelor degree, recognised in Australia, is required to apply for the
Naviy Civilian Engineer Development Program. For further information on eligibility
requirements, please see http://www.defence.gov.au/graduates/eligibility-requirements.html.
The Navy Civilian Engineering Program looks for applicants who have Engineering degrees
specialising in:
- Naval Architecture, Electrical, Mechanical, Materiel, Mechatronics and Systems.

RecruitAbility Scheme
The Department of Defence is committed to
supporting
the
employment
and
career
development of people with disability. Our
participation in the APS RecruitAbility scheme
means we will progress an applicant with disability
to a further stage in the recruitment process,
where they opt into the scheme and meet the minimum requirements for the position.
How do I opt into the RecruitAbility scheme?
You will be asked to indicate if you wish to opt into the RecruitAbility scheme in the Diversity
section of the application form. You must tick the opt in box to participate in the scheme.
Simply declaring that you have a disability will not automatically include you in the scheme.
Reasonable adjustments
We provide reasonable adjustments such as access, equipment or other practical support at
relevant stages of the recruitment process. Please contact the Contact Officer listed on the
first page of this information pack if you need any adjustments made.
Details about the RecruitAbility scheme can be found at the Australian Public Service
Commissions website, see: http://www.apsc.gov.au/disability/recruitability.
What do we mean by disability?
For the purposes of the scheme, disability is:
a limitation, restriction or impairment which has lasted, or is likely to last, for at least six
months and restricts everyday activities. This includes:
loss of sight (not corrected by glasses or contact lenses)
loss of hearing where communication is restricted, or, an aid to assist with or
substitute for hearing is used
speech difficulties
shortness of breath or breathing difficulties causing restriction
chronic or recurrent pain or discomfort causing restriction
blackouts, fits, or loss of consciousness
difficulty learning or understanding

incomplete use of arms or fingers

difficulty gripping or holding things

incomplete use of feet or legs

nervous or emotional condition causing restriction
restriction in physical activities or in doing physical work
disfigurement or deformity

mental illness or condition requiring help or supervision

long-term effects of head injury, stroke or other brain damage causing restriction
receiving treatment or medication for any other long-term conditions or ailments
and still restricted
any other long-term conditions resulting in a restriction.
The two parts of the definition are the presence of a limitation, restriction or impairment which
restricts everyday activities; and the expected longevity of the condition (6 months or more).
This also includes episodic conditions.
The definition covers many types of disability. You do not need evidence of your disability to
opt into the scheme, but you are making a declaration to the APS that you meet the
definition.

Diversity and Inclusion

The range and nature of work in Defence requires a workforce that reflects our diverse
society. We welcome applications from Indigenous Australians, people from diverse cultural
and linguistic backgrounds and people with disabilities. We are committed to providing an
environment that values diversity and supports employees to reach their full potential.
Defence will accommodate all requests for reasonable adjustment for people with disabilities
to assist in the application process and if successful, the inherent requirements of the
position.
If you have individual requirements that need to be accommodated in order to participate in
an interview or assessment centre please inform the contact person listed on the front of this
Information Pack.
For confidential advice contact: [email protected].

Employment Agreement
Terms of the Engagement
The successful applicants for the positions noted in this Information Pack will be engaged
under the Public Service Act 1999.
Remuneration Package
In accordance with Defence Enterprise Collective Agreement 2012-2014 (DECA) the successful
candidates will receive an attractive remuneration package with a salary within the range noted
on the front page of this Information Pack and superannuation paid in accordance with
legislative requirements.

Workplace Flexibilities
Defence assists its Australian Public Service (APS) employees to balance their work and
lives through the provision of flexible working arrangements and conditions, flexible leave
arrangements and by promoting wellbeing in the Defence Enterprise Collective Agreement
2012-2014 (DECA).
For more information on workplace flexibilities within Defence, please refer to our Work Life
Balance site at http://www.defence.gov.au/apscareers/whatweoffer/work-life-balance.htm.

Australian Public Service Values

The Australian Public Service have Values and Employment Principles that shape the
organisational culture of the Public Service. The Australian Public Service is:

Impartial
Committed to Service
Accountable
Respectful
Ethical

ICARE
The values and employment principles can be found at the Australian Public Service
Commission website.

Defence Values
The Department of Defence has a framework of values that work alongside the APS Values
and the values of the single Services to reflect the traditions and identities of the Australian
Defence Force (ADF) and the Australian Public Service (APS). The values underpin the
Defence corporate culture, contribute to achieving organisational goals and the basis of the
behaviours expected of our people and leaders; both APS and ADF.
The Defence Values:
Professionalism

Striving for excellence in everything we do.

Loyalty

Being committed to each other, our leaders and the organisation.

Integrity

Doing what is right.

Courage

The strength of character to do what is right extending to both

courage of convictions (moral courage) and courage in harm's way
(physical courage).

Innovation

Actively looking for better ways of doing business.

Teamwork

Working together with respect, trust and a sense of collective purpose.

Application Instructions
If you need access to a computer to complete your application, internet caf locations can be
found on our APS Careers @ Defence website.
We recommend you start your application on eRecruit as soon as possible. It is best to
complete your Selection Criteria in Microsoft Word then copy, paste and save each criterion
into the system.
For more information please refer to the eRecruit Applicant User Guide.
All applications must be submitted through the online application system prior to the closing
date.
NOTE: Do not withdraw your application for editing. Once you have withdrawn your
application, you will NOT be able to re-submit it or submit another application for this
vacancy.
Further advice on addressing selection criteria can be found the Cracking the Code
publication located on the Australian Public Service Commission website.
You do not need to include written referee reports with your application. However, you should
include the names and contact details of two referees who can comment on your work
performance. We expect that one of your referees will be your current supervisor or
manager. If you dont want us to contact your referees without advising you first, indicate this
in your application.
Vacancies will be extended in exceptional circumstances only. Applicants requesting an
extension must contact the Contact Officer 24 hours prior to the vacancy closing date.
PLEASE NOTE: APS Careers @ Defence is for job seekers only. We do not accept
unsolicited resumes or applications from recruitment agencies and/or search firms and will
not pay fees to any such organisations unless arranged with the provider prior to advertising
the vacancy.

Withdrawing an Application
If you have submitted an application, but no longer wish to be considered for the position,
you need to withdraw your application online.
PLEASE NOTE: Once you withdraw your application you will be unable to re-submit it or
submit another application for this vacancy.
For more information on withdrawing your application via the APS Careers @ Defence
eRecruit system, please refer to our eRecruit Applicant User Guide.
If you withdraw your application after the closing date, please inform the Contact Officer
through the phone number on the front page of this Information Pack.

Selection Process
Defence APS recruitment processes are based on merit which means that we select the best
person for the job from a field of applicants. We compare and weigh-up the skills, experience
and abilities of each applicant and often use different tools and techniques (such as written
applications, interviews and/or work sample tests) to collect the evidence needed to make a
merit-based decision.
Merit List
A merit list may be created from the list of suitable applicants which may be used to fill
similar position/s in the event a position/s becomes vacant within the 12 months from
gazettal date of this position.

Eligibility
Employment with the Department of Defence is subject to conditions prescribed within the
Public Service Act 1999.
Citizenship To be eligible for employment with Defence, applicants must be an Australian
citizen. Only in exceptional circumstances can this requirement be waived.
Health Assessment The preferred applicant will be required to undergo a medical
examination conducted by the Departments preferred medical provider.
Security Clearance The preferred applicant will be required to successfully undergo the
security clearance vetting process at a specified clearance level. The preferred applicant
MUST be willing to disclose all relevant and required information.
The preferred applicant MUST have lived in Australia, or have a checkable background, for
at least the preceding:

Five years for BASELINE clearances, or

Ten years for NEGATIVE VETTING 1 / NEGATIVE VETTING 2 or TOP SECRET

POSITIVE VETTING clearances.

Please note: the clearance level required for this position can be found on the front page of
this Information Pack.
More information on the security clearance vetting process is available on the Australian
Government Security Vetting Agency (AGSVA) website.

Thank you for your interest

Department of Defence