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AGO Graduate Program

The Australian Geospatial-Intelligence Organisation (AGO) is recruiting graduates with diverse backgrounds and skills to assist with our challenging, broad and diverse functions. AGO graduates benefit from:

• contributing to Australia's national security
• supporting the Australian Defence Force
• strengthening their confidence, initiative, communication skills and decision-making ability, and
• pursuing ongoing education, specialist training, career diversity and promotional opportunities.

If you want to work in a dynamic and cutting-edge organisation with like-minded people and enjoy working in multi-disciplinary teams, then we would like to hear from you.

AGO is recruiting to the following graduate career profiles.

Analyst careers

AGO is seeking graduates to undertake detailed and sophisticated analytical intelligence work. We require our graduates to have excellent analytical, problem solving, research and communication skills. Our graduates will research, analyse and report on a country or region or a specific thematic international issue to meet the requirements of customers ranging from senior Australian Government decision-makers to tactical users.

To fill these important roles, we require graduates with the following disciplines:

• spatial sciences
• engineering
• arts
• information technology
• social sciences
• data science
• physics
• mathematics.

Skills in geographic information systems (GIS), coding and scripting, remote sensing including radar, spectral and infrared, are highly desirable.

Technical careers

AGO is undertaking large-scale cutting-edge Defence projects, including planning for the Australian Government’s first sovereign satellite capability. We are seeking graduates with specialised skills to assist us with this work.

Graduates will play a critical role in developing and being part of these cutting-edge projects. To fill these important roles, we require graduates with the following disciplines:

• space, software and systems engineering
• computer science
• computer systems
• mathematics
• data science
• physics.

Corporate careers

AGO is seeking graduates to undertake a broad range of work in our corporate and capability areas in support of AGO’s mission.

Graduates will play a critical role in supporting AGO’s leading future capability projects. You will have the opportunity to deliver strategic and operational support across the organisation. To fill these important roles, we require graduates with the following disciplines:

• commerce, economics, financial management and accounting
• arts
• legal
• communication
• project and risk management.

All graduates will receive comprehensive and specialised training to assist and develop their skills.

Rotations

During the 12-month Graduate Program our graduates will undertake three rotations incorporating their 'host' team and one external rotation within Defence.

Benefits of applying for the AGO Graduate Program

The AGO Graduate Program provides an exciting opportunity to develop and enhance your skills as a graduate while working in a dynamic, supportive and team-based environment. It also provides you with a range of benefits within Defence including:

• a commencement salary of $71,207 plus 15.4% superannuation
• a variety of challenging and meaningful work
• upon successful completion of the Graduate Program, a guaranteed APS level 4 position and salary of $77,739
• opportunities for career progression after your graduate year
• an assigned buddy to assist you during your graduate year
• flexible working conditions
• opportunities for domestic and international travel
• work-life balance and social networking opportunities
• friendly and diverse work environment, and
• leave entitlements in accordance with the Defence Enterprise Agreement.

Living in Canberra

Our Graduate Program is located in Canberra. We understand that moving away from home, family and friends is a big decision for interstate applicants, but living in the national capital has its advantages.

Canberra is a modern and vibrant city that has changed rapidly over the last decade. With a population of approximately 450,000 and growing, it is a clean, green city with good roads and major amenities in close proximity, making travel around the city quick and easy.

Canberra is just two hours drive from the South Coast's pristine beaches and the Snowy Mountains ski fields, and three hours drive from Sydney.

Canberra boasts an array of national cultural institutions, universities, museums, galleries, theatres, multicultural restaurants, wineries, craft breweries, live performance venues and clubs. There is easy access to lakes, parks and green space, sporting facilities, bicycle paths and the bush.

You will enjoy four distinct seasons in Canberra: warm to hot summers; colourful, leafy autumns; clear, crisp winters; and bright springs. With low humidity levels, you will feel comfortable all year round.

On the social side, AGO graduates are invited to join an informal social network comprising graduates from other federal government departments. The network organises a variety of social activities and events for its members, along with providing valuable social support to those who have relocated to Canberra. Events include trips to snowfields, sporting events, parties and formal balls. The network offers an ideal opportunity to meet, interact and form professional and social relationships with other graduates living in Canberra.

Citizenship requirements

To be considered for the AGO Graduate Program, applicants must hold Australian citizenship, or have applied for citizenship upon applying for the program.

Location

Canberra, ACT

Additional eligibility requirements

Applicants must have a checkable background and be willing to undergo a comprehensive security and psychological assessment covering the whole of their life. More information on the security process can be found at the Australian Government Security Vetting Agency website.

Application dates

Applications for the 2024 program will open on 27 February 2023.

Career fairs

AGO normally attends a number of university career fairs and public events 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.

Application and selection process

Apply via Defence Graduate Program - Intelligence Pathway when applications are open.

• Select your graduate program preferences. For your first preference, follow the steps below:
  • Apply for an AGO Intelligence position via the Intelligence Pathway.
  • Select 'Intelligence - Australian Geospatial-Intelligence Organisation' as your development pathway.
  • Select 'AGO' as your preferred agency.
• Answer eligibility questions, enter personal details, and upload documents such as résumé, proof of citizenship or citizenship application. Eligible candidates will then be invited to complete a short online cognitive test.
• After completing the online test, we will advise you whether you meet the minimum requirements for the stream that best matches your skills. We will ask you to address selection criteria; provide details of academic results and relevant skills and qualifications; and details of current and previous employment.
• To give your application the best chance, it is recommended you read the hints and tips for Responding to Selection Criteria.
• Your application is then assessed for your suitability to join our program. You will be advised if you are advancing to the next stage and whether you will be required to attend further assessment activities.
• Further information regarding eligibility requirements, salary and employment conditions, security clearances, psychological assessments, and other useful information can also be found on the Defence Graduate Program website.