AGO Geospatial Analyst Training Program
About the program
The AGO Geospatial Analyst Training Program is a 48-week competency-based training program in which participants complete the Certificate lV in Surveying and Spatial Information Services (Spatial) before undertaking workplace-based on-the-job training. The qualification will be completed at our Bendigo training facility during working hours in the first half of the training program; on-the-job training will be conducted in the workplace.
The tasks undertaken in Bendigo are geospatial in nature and include cartography, photogrammetry, data acquisition, data management and data dissemination through web services.
Staff who enter the organisation through this program are employed within an APS Trainee 3–4 broadband. They are paid as an APS level 3 Geospatial Analyst during training and are advanced to APS level 4 Geospatial Analyst on successful completion of the program.
AGO Geospatial Analyst Trainees will be in full-time paid employment while completing the qualification and are guaranteed employment at the APS 4 level on successful completion of the program.
Benefits of undertaking the AGO Geospatial Analyst Training Program include:
- a commencement salary of $62,863 plus 15.4% superannuation
- upon successful completion of the program, a guaranteed APS level 4 position and salary of $71,207 plus 15.4% superannuation
- a nationally-recognised qualification – CPP41721 Certificate IV in Spatial Information Services (Spatial)* – obtained through TAFE NSW
- opportunity to work on exciting, real-world projects using leading-edge technology in a range of geospatial disciplines
- opportunities for career progression after you complete your training
- an assigned mentor to assist you
- opportunities for flexible working conditions
- work-life balance and social networking opportunities
- friendly and diverse work environment, and
- leave entitlements in accordance with the Defence Enterprise Agreement.
* Note: TAFE NSW advertises the 'survey' qualification. AGO Geospatial Analyst Trainees will earn the 'spatial' qualification by completing some different specialty units.
Living in Bendigo
The AGO Geospatial Analyst Training Program is located in Bendigo.
Bendigo is located almost in the centre of Victoria, approximately 150 kilometres north of Melbourne. It is the fourth largest inland city in Australia and fourth most populous city in Victoria. With such a close proximity to Melbourne, approximately 2 hours by train and 1.5 hours by car, day trips to Victoria’s capital are a popular option for locals.
Bendigo has a relatively dry temperate climate with warm to hot summers and cool to cold winters. Bendigo gets 110 clear days annually.
Sport plays a major role in Bendigo with cricket, tennis, netball and Australian rules football being the most popular; however, many other sports such as swimming, basketball, soccer, rugby union, hockey, volleyball, cycling and orienteering in the local national park are available. Lake Eppalock, which provides water to the town, as well as hosting many water sports like water skiing and canoeing, is also a popular attraction. Bendigo has a vibrant art scene with many world-class exhibitions.
Bendigo and the region has been recognised by the UNESCO Creative Cities Network as a City of Gastronomy. It joins 245 other creative cities around the world. The designation recognises our region's diverse food culture and our community's commitment to local, sustainable, delicious and creative produce.
Residents in the Bendigo region enjoy a lower cost of living, including lower real estate prices, than those in metropolitan areas.
For more information, visit Bendigo Tourism.
Eligibility criteria
If you answer yes to the following questions, you may be eligible for the AGO Geospatial Analyst Training Program:
- Are you an Australian citizen?
- Are you seeking a career within Defence and the Australian Public Service?
- Are you looking for a career in a geospatial field?
- Are you seeking to gain a VET qualification in spatial information services?
Candidates must also meet prescribed APS conditions of engagement, including citizenship, health, character and security checks.
The selection process
Recruitment is a four-stage process:
Application. Applications are submitted online. You will need to outline the skills and experience you would bring to this position and why you should be selected for the role, submit a résumé and provide contact details for two current referees. The application will be used to assess your:
|
Applications open 24 Feb 2023 |
Assessment Centre. If you are considered suitable based on your application, you will be invited to attend an assessment centre where you will be interviewed and undertake written exercises:
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3–14 April 2023 |
| Psychological Assessment. A psychological assessment is a mandatory requirement for work in Defence Intelligence agencies. The assessment process may be conducted concurrently with the Assessment Centre. | After assessment centres |
| Final Selection. If your psychological assessment is successful, you will be offered a position on the AGO Geospatial Analyst Training Program. A security assessment and a simple medical are required before finalising your recruitment to Defence. |
After psychological assessments |
| Commence AGO Geospatial Analyst Training Program | January 2024 |
Before applying
Before applying for the AGO Geospatial Analyst Training Program, you should:
- review the information available at Defence Jobs and Careers or APS Jobs.gov.au
- find out as much as you can about AGO and the Department of Defence and their current projects
- consider whether you are willing to go through the psychological assessment and security clearance processes, which can be quite demanding and intrusive.
Hints to assist in preparation of your application
To give your application the best chance, it is recommended you read the hints and tips for responding to selection criteria
Already have a GIS qualification?
Why not apply for an APS 4, APS 5 or APS 6 Geospatial Analyst or Executive Level 1 (EL 1) Manager position?
For current AGO vacancies, go to Defence Jobs and Careers or APS Jobs.gov.au
More information
For more information on the AGO Geospatial Analyst Training Program, please email AGO Trainee Program Enquiries.
For more information on the qualification, please visit TAFE NSW.
Note: TAFE NSW advertises the 'survey' qualification. AGO Geospatial Analyst Trainees will earn the 'spatial' qualification by completing some different specialty units.
Career fairs
AGO normally attends a number of university career fairs each year. This is an opportunity for you to talk to an AGO staff member to learn more about the organisation and the rewarding and challenging career options.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need to be an Australian citizen?
Australian citizenship is a condition of employment in the APS, including the AGO Foundation Geospatial Production Training Program; see Department of Home Affairs: Australian citizenship.
Do you have age limits for applicants?
No. All applicants are selected according to the Australian Public Service merit-based selection process for an APS 3 position.
What does a medical clearance involve?
A medical clearance is a standard condition of employment in the APS to ensure you are fit to undertake your duties.
Note: A medical clearance is only required if you are offered a position.
As a Defence public servant, am I required to wear a uniform and participate in military exercises?
No. The AGO Geospatial Analyst Training Program is for civilians only. Given you will not be a member of the Australian Defence Force, you are not required to wear a uniform and will not undertake any military exercises.
Why do I need a security clearance?
A security clearance is a condition of APS employment and is required to assess your reliability and trustworthiness in handling Defence information. If the availability, integrity or confidentiality of Defence information is compromised in any way, lives can be lost – it is as simple as that.
What level of security clearance do I need?
You will be cleared to a Baseline level (as a minimum) to participate in the AGO Geospatial Analyst Training Program. However, you will be required to apply for and obtain a Positive Vetting security clearance after you start the program.
Does every applicant undergo a security clearance?
Only the candidates who accept a position in the AGO Geospatial Analyst Training Program undergo the security clearance process. As part of your offer of a position you will be asked to:
- provide comprehensive information about yourself for the past 5–10 years
- provide comprehensive information about your dependants and relatives
- give Defence the right to check any information you provide with relevant authorities such as the Australian Federal Police and financial institutions.
What do I need for a security clearance?
You will need to be an Australian citizen to obtain a security clearance. In addition, applicants must have a verifiable personal background for at least the preceding:
- 5 years for Baseline clearances, and
- 10 years or from your 16th birthday, whichever is greater, for Positive Vetting
What if I am unsuccessful in getting a Baseline security clearance?
If you are unsuccessful in getting a Baseline security clearance, your offer to join the program will be withdrawn.
What if I am unsuccessful in getting a Positive Vetting security clearance?
If you are unsuccessful in getting a higher security clearance, you MAY be offered continued employment at the Baseline security level.
I don’t have a Defence or geospatial background, can I still apply?
Yes, you can. We will provide all of the training, skills and knowledge that you will need to have a successful and rewarding career in AGO and the Department of Defence.
AGO Bendigo
Bendigo
