Public Servant - Australian Public Service
Public servants in the Australian Public Service (APS) work in a wide range of areas such as community and social services, defence, economic management, education, employment, foreign affairs, health, housing, industrial relations and transport. They are employed in a variety of clerical, technical and professional careers.
There are various entry points to the APS:
- Trainee Administrative Service Officer who advances to Administrative Service Officer Level 1/APS Level 1 after completing the Government Traineeship.
- Graduate Administrative Assistant who advances to Research Officer Grade 1 or Administrative Service Officer Level 3/APS Level 3 after completing their training program.
- Administrative Service Officer/Executive Level Officer who enters with specific skills in response to advertisements for vacant positions, and may progress to Executive Level 1 or 2, in which they may undertake management roles.
Specialisations:
A public servant in the APS may specialise in the following categories:
- Administrative Service Officer who may perform a range of administrative, research and policy tasks, depending on the government department or agency they work for.
- Information Technology Officer who provides support, and develops and manages networked computing systems. They also install, customise and support various software systems and other information technology products and services.
- Professional and Technical Officer who may be employed in a number of areas within the APS, depending on their qualifications and specialisations. They may work as Archivists, Conservators, Librarians, Meteorologists, Microbiologists, Psychologists, Public Relations Officers, or in other professional and technical areas. Refer to these entries for education and training information.
With ability, experience and sometimes further training, progression to senior officer and senior executive positions may be possible. Promotions and transfers to other departments are available after gaining entry to the APS. These are based on merit.
Personal Requirements:
- able to communicate effectively in spoken and written English
- able to deal confidently with people at all levels
- discreet when handling confidential information
- prepared to learn and use information technology
- meet selection criteria of the particular job category
- good character (a police or security check is performed before anyone can be accepted into the APS)
- able to pass a medical fitness test
- an Australian citizen or a permanent resident seeking citizenship.
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