DEPI Science Graduate Program

Program | Graduate positions for 2013 | Recruitment process | Graduate profiles | FAQs

The Department of Environment and Primary Industries (DEPI) offers a career development program to recent graduates in science, natural resource management, ecology, conservation and related fields.

About our program

The Graduate Program is a two-year training and development program open to recent graduates of science, natural resource management and related professions. During the program you'll undertake specific training and development activities alongside your normal project work. You will have the opportunity to work at two or more locations around Victoria.

The aim of this program is to provide you with broad exposure to policy, research and community engagement (where appropriate) in addition to gaining specialist skills and training, which will enable you to develop a supported career with us.

Background

The Graduate Program is now in its 17th year. More than 169 graduates have participated in the program and the variety of projects they've worked on has significantly contributed to sustainable development within Victoria. Graduate positions change each year depending on organisational needs. Read some profiles of past graduates to find out more.

In the past, program participants have worked on a variety of projects, including:

fire management
community capacity building
pest plants and animals policy
regional compliance work
landcare and community engagement
biodiversity and land use planning
business, innovations and communications

These projects have all made a significant contribution to Victoria's reputation as the sustainable state.

Equally diverse are the specific roles our graduates have held over recent years. Examples of these are:

Native Vegetation Management Officer
Natural and Built Resources Officer
Fire Management Project Officer
Water Policy Officer
Sustainable Landscapes Project Officer
Natural Resource Management Research and Development Project Officer
Public Land Officer

Benefits of our program

a personal training and development budget
a mix of field and research work
dedicated supervisors and ongoing career support
positions change each year based on departmental strategic needs
an ongoing position within us at the conclusion of the program.

Starting your graduate program

Starting out
In February of each year a new intake of graduates embark on their two-year programs. As a new graduate you’ll attend a formal induction two to four weeks after you join the department. The induction is a chance for you to get to know your fellow graduates and to start working with your supervisor to plan the outcomes of your program.

You will have a coordinating supervisor and a location supervisor, both of whom will oversee your development in the program. The graduate program management team will also be on hand to guide you along.

Locations
As a graduate you may have a number of moves to different departmental locations throughout the state over your two year program. These locations usually include two regional and one metropolitan office, although this depends on your position. Obviously we choose locations that will provide the best opportunities for you to learn, but wherever you go you’ll be learning from experts in your field.

Supervisors
You will report directly to your location supervisor and work with the other members of your team on day to day matters. The coordinating supervisor will generally support your progress for the duration of the program. Both supervisors will work with you to develop detailed work plans that include opportunities for learning and development.

Learning and development
Through your individual learning and development program you will be encouraged to take courses in public speaking, policy development, project evaluation, group leadership and facilitation, and community engagement. You and your supervisors identify relevant training which is built into your work plan and you will be able to apply your learning to projects you're currently working on.

Budgets
You will be provided with an individual budget to manage and report on. This budget is provided to support relevant training and development opportunities.

Buddy
Your buddy is usually a graduate in the second year of their program working in a similar field to you. Buddies have the experience and knowledge to help you move through the program with ease, such as the established networks to facilitate communication and links throughout the department.

More information

For further information about our graduate program please call (03) 9637 8216 or email garry.stock@dse.vic.gov.au.

To find out more about the Graduate Program, read about the recruitment process or refer to our frequently asked questions.

For general enquiries about employment at DEPI phone (03) 9637 8216.