The department supports workplace diversity and values the contribution of people from diverse backgrounds. We encourage applications from Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander peoples, people with disability, people with cultural and linguistic diversity, and LGBTQIA+ people. The department is committed to achieving gender equality and, in particular, supporting women’s progression into senior leadership.

A little bit about us

Reducing Surface Transport Emissions (RSTE) Branch is the Government’s pre-eminent adviser on how to reduce greenhouse gas and other emissions from cars, trucks, trains and ships. Our work also addresses vehicle efficiency and reducing fuel usage across the economy to lower transport costs and to strengthen our security by reducing our reliance on imported fuel.

On any particular day, our staff provide advice to government on new legislation and legislative instruments; develop national emissions reduction plans, brief the Minister on international negotiations and emissions-related trade issues; develop new Australian Design Rules that deal with vehicle emissions; produce detailed information for consumers, explore issues relating to the adoption of new transport emissions technologies; as well as a range of other interesting and important work.

The Government has legislated its New Vehicle Efficiency Standard (NVES) to reduce light vehicle emissions and lower fuel usage and costs for motorists. The Branch is now working to support the Department’s new NVES Regulator Branch though the development of supporting rules and delegated legislation. We are looking for talented people to help us with that work, as well work on other initiatives to improve light vehicle efficiency, address heavy vehicle emissions, improve emissions from rail, and reduce maritime emissions, both domestically and internationally.

The opportunity we have available

Are you ready to take the next step in your career? Are you looking for a policy advisor or program officer role? The Reducing Surface Transport Emissions Branch is looking for you! We have several EL1 vacancies across our branch.

• Did you know that land transport emissions are about 20% of Australia’s national greenhouse gas emissions? Or that Australia’s vehicles are less fuel efficient than vehicles in Europe, the United States or New Zealand?

• Are you excited about improving policy and legislation surrounding Australia’s transport emissions by developing innovative approaches to improve efficient transport technology available in Australia? You could assist with the development and review of policy advice on a range of issues to address including drafting policy papers, cabinet submissions, drafting instructions, and legislative instruments.

• Are you interested in developing tools, information and standards that helps drive behavioural changes to help everyone make better choices to improve the efficiency of surface transport, and reduce its emissions? If so, you could help turn these ideas into reality.

• Are you interested in working closely with industry players to develop policy ideas, address impediments to innovation and support new low carbon technology? If so, you’ll have opportunities to consider emerging technologies, changing consumer expectations and work on issues that help build a secure and sustainable Australia, and create new economic opportunities for Australians, especially those in regional and remote areas.

• Are you excited by the idea of helping Australia to manage and address both global maritime emissions, and emissions from its trade routes through international forums and international partnerships? You’ll be engaging with a broad range of stakeholders, domestic and international, and providing strategic advice to the Minister and senior executives.

• Are you passionate about seeing results & ensuring policy is making a difference through monitoring, evaluation and reviews? You will be working on data driven evaluation and formal reviews that will monitor whether progress is being made to reduce our emissions from surface transport, and what may need to change.

  
  

Workplace culture

We work hard in our branch to ensure we have a positive and supportive workplace culture, where everyone can contribute and thrive. Here are a few quotes from our people:

• “The branch is a place you can work with welcoming, committed and engaged colleagues to deliver major reforms that improve the lives of Australians” - EL1 Officer
• “I enjoy working in RSTE not only for the culture and support I receive, but seeing the real-world differences as a result of our work, which is pretty cool” - APS Officer
• “The flexible work arrangements and inclusive culture within the Branch have allowed me to better manage my health conditions and really enjoy the work that I do.” - APS officer
• “Highly recommend this department to anybody, as there is a great incredible resource of knowledge, expertise and wisdom. There is access to high level training, excellent team culture, and numerous opportunities for one-on-ones which brings the consistency you want in a branch.” - New APS officer

Our Branch is not just a dynamic workplace, it is also a leading workplace for flexible working arrangements. Our managers work with staff to structure a work-week that works for both the employee and their team. It has an inclusive and enjoyable workplace culture, with regular social get-togethers, trivia, and senior executives who ‘walk the talk’, as just a few examples of what makes our branch shine as a place to work.

Still not sure?

Our workdays are dynamic and diverse. We have a great mix of reactive and exciting tasks, as well as some longer term and innovative thinking. You can expect other opportunities to flex your skill set and develop new skills to arise also! Please get in touch with the contact officer for more examples of the work you would be doing our roles. Our positions will involve building relationships with industry and government stakeholders, including transport companies, vehicle manufacturers, industry bodies and regulators, both in Australia and overseas.

Worried you haven’t got the qualifications or technical experience for the role? We already have lots of knowledge to share and draw upon, and do our work through mutually supporting teams, so please apply anyway, or reach out to the contact officer to discuss it further.

What will you do?

These roles are varied and dynamic, but typical duties include:

• research and analysis on priority issues (including general research or economic and data analysis, depending on your skills and experience)

• development of persuasive communications materials, including written reports and data visualisation

• project strategy, planning and coordination

• stakeholder engagement, including close collaboration with colleagues across the public service to ensure our advice has maximum value-add

• formal advice to the Executive and Government, such as Cabinet submissions and proposals for new policies, programs, and legislation.

  
  

Who are we looking for?

The successful candidate for this position will be able to demonstrate their capability against the Executive Level 1 Work level standards.

To be a successful applicant you should demonstrate knowledge and/or experience in the following areas:

• Strong constructive thinking, writing and problem-solving skills.

• Applying conceptual and analytical skills creatively.

• An aptitude for tackling complex and “wicked” problems, innovative thinking, understanding market dynamics and designing changes to improve them.

• Strong organisational and collaboration skills.

• Successfully leading and managing small teams and supporting a friendly and supportive workplace culture.

• Willingness to continue to learn, develop, and foster an environment for team members to do the same

• Good relationship management and negotiation skills.

• The ability to deliver projects on time and on budget.

  
  

Desirable

• As we do have legislation to develop, we encourage any candidates with experience working with legislation and legal concepts to apply.

• We also encourage any candidates with strong quantitative data skills and/or experience in evaluation to apply as well.

  
  

We encourage candidates from diverse backgrounds and experiences to apply.

We look forward to hearing from you and are excited to continuing to develop and expand your skills and help progress your future career goals

Further Information
Please refer to the Integrated Leadership System (ILS) EL1 profile for a detailed list of capabilities at the EL1 level.

RecruitAbility minimum requirements

Minimum requirements for this role include:

• Proven leadership skills and the ability to effectively coordinate work ensuring high quality and timely outcomes.
• Ability to provide a strategic level of specialist, professional and/or technical subject matter expertise.
• Excellent written and interpersonal communication skills, including strong attention to detail.
• Ability to provide timely and concise advice to inform and support executive decision making.
• Ability to establish and maintain key strategic relationships with a broad range of stakeholders.

RecruitAbility is a scheme which aims to attract and develop applicants with disability and also facilitate cultural changes in selection panels and agency recruitment.

Job applicants with disability who met the requirements are advanced to the next stage of the selection process:

• Opt into the scheme
• Declare they have a disability, and
• Meet the minimum requirements of a vacancy advertised in the scheme

More information can be found at RecruitAbility scheme: A guide for applicants | Australian Public Service Commission.

What else can we offer?

• Exposure to high profile and exciting projects
• Networking opportunities across the department and wider APS Capability development opportunities focused on your individual career goals
• Mentoring and access to the department’s Professional Coaching Scheme
• Flexible working arrangements, including part time hours, home based work and job sharing

We are dedicated to fostering personal and professional development, empowering individuals to set goals, acquire new skills, and cultivate unique qualities that define who they are. We believe that this not only leads to a more fulfilling and happier life but also enhances the overall quality of our work. Some of the benefits we offer include:

• Access to our study Assistance Program that provides paid leave and financial support for you to undertake courses of study that contribute to the improvements of your professional skills and knowledge relevant to our work and broader Australian Public Service.
• Through our investment in learning and development opportunities, and a positive performance culture, we provide diverse career pathways for our people to enable their mobility and adapt in a rapidly changing world.
• Improve your leadership skills, through the department’s Professional Coaching Scheme and tailored leadership opportunities for staff members.
• Flexible working opportunities, including part time hours, home based work and job sharing.
• We offer generous leave entitlements of 20 days personal circumstances leave per year, with one month’s accrual of leave credited on commencement and 150 hours of paid annual leave (based on a full-time employee), plus a range of other miscellaneous leave options to support you.

Join our department and embark on a journey of growth, fulfillment, and well-being. Experience personal and professional development, prioritise your health, and be part of a vibrant and positive culture that empowers individuals and drives exceptional performance. We look forward to hearing from you and are excited to continuing to develop and expand your skills and help progress your future career goals.

Eligibility requirements

Employment with the Department of Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development, Communications and the Arts is subject to conditions prescribed within the Public Service Act 1999 including:

• Citizenship: Candidates must be an Australian citizen at the time of submitting your application.

• Health Assessment: The preferred applicant may be required to undergo a medical examination conducted by the department’s preferred medical provider.

• Security Clearance: The successful candidate must be able to obtain and/or maintain a security clearance at Baseline Level. You must be willing to disclose all relevant and required information. You must have lived in Australia, or have a checkable background, for at least the preceding five years for Baseline Vetting clearances. More information on the security clearance vetting process is available on the Australian Government Security Vetting Agency (AGSVA) website.

  
  

How to apply

Applications for this opportunity close at 11.59pm AEST, Monday 24 February 2025.

In applying for this position, you are not required to address individual selection criteria. Rather, you should provide a statement in a PDF document of no more than 2 (two) pages outlining your background, capabilities and experiences, and how these align with the advertised role. You should also provide a tailored CV, to a maximum of 3 (three) pages. The capabilities and behaviours required to be successful for this role are identified in the ‘Who are we looking for’ section.

Your application will be assessed against the requirements of the job. Once the entire applicant pool has been assessed, the panel will create a shortlist of applicants. If your application is shortlisted, you may be asked to undertake further assessment, this may include work sample testing, interviews, and reference checks

Your application should be received through the department’s online recruitment system. Applications via Indeed will not be accepted. Please upload your CV and application response only in PDF format.

If you experience any issues with the system please contact the recruitment team on 02 6136 8989 or via email at recruitment@infrastructure.gov.au to discuss an alternative way to submit your application.
Please advise the contact officer if you require reasonable adjustments throughout the recruitment process. The department is committed to the accessibility of our systems. If you identify as someone with disability and you require accessibility assistance or more information, please email DiversityandInclusion@infrastructure.gov.au

Timeline and assessment

A selection panel will be established to assess your suitability against the advertised role.

If a merit pool is established it will be valid for 18 months from date it first appeared in the APS Gazette.

Applications open: 10 February 2025

Applications close: 24 February 2025

Application shortlisting: 7 March 2025

Further assessments: 14 March 2025

Selection report finalised: 28 March 2025

Offers and announcements: 4 April 2025

The above is indicative only, please reach out to the contact person if you have any questions on the recruitment process or timeframes.

Work with us. Apply now!