Job Opportunities in Australia

• Canberra
• Applications close 21 October

About the Department

The Department of Industry, Science and Resources and our broader portfolio are integral to the Australian Government’s economic agenda. Our purpose is to help the government build a better future for all Australians through enabling a productive, resilient and sustainable economy, enriched by science and technology. We do this by:

• Growing innovative & competitive businesses, industries and regions
• Investing in science and technology
• Strengthening the resources sector.

The APS and the department offer a clear direction and meaningful work. You will be able to create positive impact in people’s lives whilst contributing to improved outcomes for Australia and our people.

If you would like to feel a strong connection to your work and you are accountable, committed and open to change, join us in shaping Australia’s future.

Please see the APSC’s APS Employee Value Proposition for more information on the benefits and value of employment within the APS.

About Questacon

Questacon – The National Science and Technology Centre is a division of the Australian Government Department of Industry Science and Resources. Our purpose is "to create fun, interactive learning experiences that stimulate engagement in science and technology". Science communication is at the heart of what we do. We work with partners and supporters to deliver inspirational learning experiences for young Australians, their teachers, families and communities.

About the team

The National Touring Programs team delivers activities about science, technology, engineering and maths (STEM). We focus on students and communities in regional and remote Australia.
Activities include:

• Questacon Science Circus primary-school science shows. Fun performances for students showcasing science in the world around them.
• Innovation workshops for high-school students. STEM challenges designed to develop student problem solving skills, communication and confidence.
• Pop-up science centres. Bringing hands-on exhibits and spectacular science shows to regional communities.

The opportunity

Do you have a flair for the dramatic, or can you not stop talking about science? See Australia like you never have before as you travel to deliver engaging STEM activities. Learn from science communication professionals as you improve access to inspiring educational experiences in under-served communities.

Our ideal candidate

Our ideal candidate will:

• have the motivation and capacity to travel for prolonged periods in regional and remote Australia
• have an interest or background in STEM, education or theatre
• have experience in a public-facing role such as customer service, performance or science communication
• be able to work proactively as an individual and collaboratively as a member of a team
• have the ability to work and communicate with people of diverse backgrounds
• work positively and productively in a changing work environment on tour
• demonstrate resilience and the ability to learn on the job

What you will do

The successful candidates will:

• receive extensive science communication and performance training
• receive individual feedback and support from experienced science communicators
• travel to regional and remote areas for 2-4 weeks at a time (including significant driving)
• perform primary school science shows
• assist in the facilitation of high school innovation workshops
• set-up and assist at pop-up science centres, from unpacking the truck to facilitating exhibits
• adhere to policies and procedures to ensure the safety and quality of programs

If successful, you will undergo a 5-week period of training in Canberra at the start of the internship. Following this, you will complete tours to regional and remote Australia. Each tour lasts between 2 and 4 weeks, up to 12 weeks total over 6 months. The department pays for all accommodation and travel expenses during touring periods.

Eligibility

Candidates must:

• be available for the initial training period in Canberra (planned for 13 January to 14 February)
• hold a full or P2 drivers licence (and have held a non-learner licence for 12 months before commencing)
• be able to gain and maintain an ACT Working With Vulnerable People registration
• be able to gain and maintain equivalent registration in other Australian states and territories
• pass a national police check
• be able to gain a basic First Aid Certificate
• be able to work weekends and public holidays as required in touring periods (overtime provisions apply)

Applicants applying under this Affirmative Measures round will need to provide evidence they meet the eligibility for this vacancy should they be found suitable prior to being made a formal offer of employment.

• Be of Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander descent;
• Identify as Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander; and
• Are accepted by their community as being Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander.

Evidence of confirmation of heritage include:

• A letter signed and executed by the Chairperson of an incorporated Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander organisation confirming that they are recognised as an Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander person; or
• Confirmation of Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander descent form executed by an Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander organisation.

To be eligible for employment in the APS and the department, candidates must be Australian Citizens.

Positions require a Baseline security clearance and successful candidates will be required to obtain and maintain a clearance at this level.

Notes

Questacon travelling internships are non-ongoing APS3 positions. These positions are based in Canberra when not on tour. The internship runs from 13 January to 4 July 2025.

All applicants for the affirmative measures round will also be considered for the Questacon Travelling Internship positions not advertised as affirmative measures.
An optional online information session will take place between 5:30pm and 6pm (AEDT) on Thursday 17 October. To join the meeting on Microsoft teams, click here .
If shortlisted, candidates will be asked to attend an interview and present a short science demonstration.
Opportunities will be available through the internship to meet with STEM professionals from diverse backgrounds and learn about different pathways and career options.

The department has an active Indigenous Employee Network (IEN). For all staff who identify as a First Nations person it offers:

• peer support
• networking and professional development
• opportunities for First Nations staff views and aspirations to be heard
• advice and support on a range of issues.

The Inclusion Team is committed to actively promoting a positive workplace and organise the department’s:

• Stretch Reconciliation Action Plan
• cultural competency
• Indigenous development pathway program
• Indigenous mentoring program
• Jawun secondment program
• Indigenous scholarship.

The department offers cultural leave in the form of access to up to 5 days of paid leave per year. You can use this to participate in ceremonial and cultural obligations, including NAIDOC activities.

This is an Affirmative Measures round and only available to First Nations applicants. Non-First Nations applicants can apply for the Questacon Travelling Internship here .
A merit pool may be established and used to fill future vacancies within 18 months from the date the vacancy was first advertised in the Gazette.

The department does currently offer flexible work opportunities for many roles. This vacancy is ACT - Questacon - Deakin based, and primarily requires in-person participation due to the nature of the work. Please reach out to the contact officer to discuss this further

Application information

Your application must not contain any classified or sensitive information. This includes in your application responses, CV and any other documents. The selection panel may not consider applications containing classified information.

Please provide a pitch explaining how your skills, knowledge and experience will be relevant to this role and why you are the best candidate for the position. Your pitch can contain no more than 500 words and should align to the key duties listed above.

Please complete your application online and provide your current CV with your application. (CVs must be in .doc, .docx, or .pdf format).

Accessible application documentation is available in other formats on request. Please contact recruitment@industry.gov.au or (02) 6276 1235 if you require assistance with your application.

Please refer to our Applying for a position information for additional information on how to apply.

Contact Information

For more information regarding this opportunity, please contact Jodie Smith on (02) 6222 2247 or via email on jodie.smith@questacon.edu.au

How to apply: