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DSE Cadetship Program

Are you interested in a career that will influence our future in: Healthy and productive water systems? Healthy and productive land? Flourishing biodiversity in healthy ecosystems? Clean air, liveable climate? Less waste, less pollution? Living cultural heritage? Healthy, productive and accessible marine, coastal and estuarine environments?

If yes is your answer, the Department of Sustainability and Environment may have just the opportunity for you.

But wait, there's more. How about being paid to study science - and then be guaranteed a job. A rare opportunity?

Yes indeed. The DSE Cadetship Program offers VCE students and first year science students cadetships to study an approved science degree at a Victorian university, plus employment with the department on completion of your degree.

DSE is a great place to work with flexible working arrangements. And we're regarded by many secondary and tertiary science students as an employer of choice.

The deal

While studying, you will receive: an annual allowance of $9000 to help with fees and accommodation up to $500 each year for books a DSE mentor two study tours per year (each of three days duration) six to eight weeks work experience with DSE per year.

But... there's more to a cadetship than just studying for a degree.

The detail

Besides studying, you will undertake practical work placements for 6-8 weeks of the university holidays. Placements are structured learning opportunities during which you and your mentor will set goals and devise your learning objectives. DSE professional scientists supervise placements and will provide feedback on your work. This is an excellent way to learn the practical skills of the job and get the most from your university education.

After graduating you'll be working for DSE, where you'll be offered a wide range of career opportunities.

Still interested?

If the following sounds like you, then we'd really like to hear from you:

• Your VCE or university results are of a high standard.
• You have well developed communication skills.
• You like working with people.
• You have a genuine interest in science and the future of sustaining Victoria's natural resources.

You must also be able to demonstrate that you have:

• Participated in team, group or community activities.
• Good general knowledge of natural resources and environment.
• Any other characteristics that will enable you to work with others in a constructive and useful way.

And of course you'll have academic and community referees who can speak highly of you.

Students in rural areas are particularly encouraged to apply, as we recognise their special needs in competing for university places as well as their valuable knowledge of rural environments and communities.

Cadetships are only available to students whose families currently live in Victoria.

We aim to recruit future science leaders of the highest calibre, thus enabling the environmental science communities to grow stronger in the future.

One of those future leaders could be you. Think about it.

How to apply

If you think you meet all of the above criteria, then download the attached form complete and either send or email to Team Leader, Employment Strategies, Human Resources, Department of Sustainability & Environment, PO Box 500 East Melbourne 3000 or email garry.stock@dse.vic.gov.au

Expression_of_Interest_Form (DOT - 78 KB)


Applications close on 1 October prior to the year of intake. (Expressions of Interest closed for 2010 intake)

For further information about the DSE Cadetship program please phone (03) 9637 8216.