Dear Applicant
Parliamentary Executive Level 1 (PEL1)—Senior Researcher
Thank you for your interest in the positions of Senior Researcher (PEL 1) in the
Parliamentary Library. The attached information package may help you in preparing your
application.
The information package includes:
(a)
information about the department;
(b)
a copy of the position’s duty statement and selection criteria; and
(c)
an application cover sheet, which must be completed and attached to your
application.
Details of how to apply for this position are outlined within this information pack. Please note
that applications must be submitted by midnight Tuesday, 5 August 2014.
For further information about this position, please contact:
Roger Beckmann on (02) 6277 2420 – Roger.Beckmann@aph.gov.au
Kind Regards
Recruitment Team
Department of Parliamentary Services
T: 02 6277 5200
W: DPS Employment page
Parliament House ● PO Box 6000 ACT 2600 Australia ● T: +61 2 6277 7111 ● ABN: 52 997 141 147
Information pack—PEL 1—Senior Researchers
Who are we looking for?
The Department of Parliamentary Services (DPS) is recruiting a Senior Researcher within
the Science, Technology, Environment and Resources Section of the Parliamentary Library.
The Parliamentary Library Research Branch provides information, analysis and advice to the
Parliament. Within the Branch, the Science, Technology, Environment & Resources (STER)
Section concentrates on the many science-related and environmental issues about which
parliamentarians require information. The Section’s work is diverse and interesting, and
involves responding directly to Senators, Members and their staff to provide information or
tailored briefings, sometimes within tight deadlines. The work also involves writing
publications and preparing a range of self-help resources.
We are looking for a person with qualifications and experience in law and in an area of
science or engineering, plus an interest or experience in other topics of relevance to the
Section. These cover the physical and life sciences, climate change, energy and resources,
water, conservation and technology. We are looking for someone who is a clear and
accurate writer, well-informed, quick to find information and to learn, and with wide interest
and knowledge in a variety of scientific and environmental policy issues. Awareness of the
political process and the workings of government are also desirable.
To be effective in this role, you will need to be able to work directly to clients under limited
supervision. Communication skills—both orally and in writing—must be of a high order, as
must your professionalism, judgement and common sense. Flexibility and a commitment to
personal development are essential as well as an appreciation of the requirements of
excellent client service.
Currently, the salary range for this position is $97,379—$111,183.
How to apply
Applications, quoting the relevant reference number, should be sent:
(a)
by email to dps.recruitment@aph.gov.au quoting “JO704” in the subject line.
Your application must:
(a)
include a completed DPS job application cover sheet;
(b)
your current resume (must include 2 current referees one being current
manager);
(d)
claims against each selection criterion within 500 words per criterion; and
(e)
be submitted by the closing date.
Our selection process
(a)
All ongoing DPS jobs are filled on merit. This means we assess the suitability of
applicants to undertake the duties of the job using a competitive selection
process.
(b)
If you are selected for interview, you will be asked to elaborate at interview
about how your experience and skills qualify you for the position.
(c)
Referees reports will be sought to further assess suitability of interviewed
candidates.
Info pack – Senior Researcher (PEL1), Science, Technology, Environment and Resources (JO704)
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General advice for developing your application
If you are unfamiliar with addressing selection criteria, the Australian Public Service
Commission’s fact sheet on applying for jobs will be useful:
Cracking the code fact sheet 5
Some of DPS’s selection criteria are generic and are based on the Australian Public Service
Commission’s Integrated Leadership System (ILS). Applicants will be expected to
demonstrate how they would apply these skills to the requirements of the job as described.
The Australian Public Service Commission’s ILS Leadership Pathway identifies and
describes leadership capabilities at all classification levels
(http://www.apsc.gov.au/learn/integrated-leadership-system).
Some background to the department
DPS is one of four departments based in Parliament House to support the work of the
Federal Parliament.
DPS is the principal support agency for the operations of Parliament House—a building
where more than 3,500 people work on sitting days and which nearly one million people visit
each year.
To fulfil the DPS mission of “serving the Australian people by supporting the Parliament and
caring for Parliament House”, DPS has approximately 800 staff with a huge diversity of skills.
DPS deliver a wide variety of services, including building maintenance, security, ICT,
Hansard, broadcasting, and library and research services to the Parliament, parliamentary
committees, Members and Senators and their staff and other building occupants.
The Presiding Officers (the President of the Senate and the Speaker of the House of
Representatives) are jointly responsible for the department. The Secretary of DPS is
responsible to the Presiding Officers for the department’s efficient operation.
Information about DPS such as its annual report and strategic plan can be found on http://www.aph.gov.au/About_Parliament/Parliamentary_Departments/Department_of_Parlia
mentary_Services/Publications.
The website also includes a brochure about DPS and our staff—
http://www.aph.gov.au/binaries/dps/wearedps-brochure.pdf.
General advice to applicants
Employment opportunities in the Parliamentary Service are open to all Australian citizens
and may be subject to a range of conditions including:
(a)
a requirement for a probationary period;
(b)
security and character clearances;
(c)
working with children check; and
(d)
a health clearance.
If you are not an Australian citizen, and have already applied for citizenship you may still be
considered for engagement on the condition that you are able to gain Australian Citizenship
within a specified time. Failure to obtain citizenship within the timeframe could lead to
termination of engagement.
Info pack – Senior Researcher (PEL1), Science, Technology, Environment and Resources (JO704)
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If you have accepted a redundancy benefit from a Commonwealth employer (including the
Parliamentary Service and the Australian Public Service), you cannot be employed by DPS
until your exclusion period (the number of weeks for which you received a redundancy
benefit) has expired. If you would like to discuss your eligibility, please contact Recruitment
on telephone (02) 6277 5200.
The Parliamentary Service Act 1999 provides for mobility between the Australian Public
Service and the Parliamentary Service.
Conditions of employment and salary
Conditions of employment and rates of pay for non-SES DPS staff are specified in:
(a)
the Department of Parliamentary Services Enterprise Agreement 2011;
(b)
the Parliamentary Service Act 1999;
(c)
Parliamentary Service Determinations; and
Note: Persons commencing with DPS will generally be paid at the bottom of the salary range
for the relevant classification.1
Superannuation
Employees may be required to make superannuation contributions under the
Superannuation Act 1976, the Superannuation Act 1990, or the Superannuation Act 2005,
whichever is applicable. In addition DPS will pay an employer contribution rate as
determined by the relevant fund.
1
Clause 224 DPS Enterprise Agreement 2011
Info pack – Senior Researcher (PEL1), Science, Technology, Environment and Resources (JO704)
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Duty Statement
Classification:
Parliamentary Executive Level 1
Position No.:
TBA
Local Title:
Senior Researcher
Branch:
Research Branch
Section:
Science, Technology, Environment and Resources
Immediate supervisor:
Parliamentary Executive Level 2 (Director)
Security assessment:
Police check required
1
Providing high quality professional, specialist and technical research on complex
issues (including the identification, retrieval, analysis and synthesis of information
from diverse sources) for the benefit of parliamentary clients and internal
stakeholders;
2
Providing high quality analysis and advice to clients and internal stakeholders in
relation to the subject areas covered by the section;
3
Preparing research papers and information resources on a range of matters to inform
parliamentary clients and other stakeholders, and that maintain the Library’s high
standards of scholarship and integrity;
4
Actively develop working effective, collaborative and strategic working relationships
across the organisation, with other organisations, and with clients and other
stakeholders, and if necessary supervise, mentor and/or coaching other staff.
Duties representing highest function:
Professional/Technical
Functions/ Service Delivery
Reviewed and approved by Assistant Secretary:
Jonathan Curtis, Research
Branch
Date:
July 2014
Info pack – Senior Researcher (PEL1), Science, Technology, Environment and Resources
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Selection Criteria
Classification:
Parliamentary Executive Level 1
Position No.:
TBA
Local Title:
Senior Researcher
1.



Ability to perform complex research and analysis
Conducts high-quality research and analysis, and provides advice on complex issues
Uses diverse information and database services
Works quickly while maintaining accuracy
2.




Cultivates productive working relationships
Develops internal and external relationships to support work objectives
Facilitates cooperation and works collaboratively
Values individual differences and diversity
Works constructively to resolve conflict
3.




Personal and professional qualities
Works under limited supervision and manages competing priorities
Possesses strong client service ethic
Demonstrates probity and accountability, initiative, resilience and good judgement
Prepared to develop new areas of expertise, and committed to professional development
4. Communication skills
 High-level writing skills and the ability to write research and analysis products in various
formats and styles
 Able to communicate clearly and appropriately, including listening, understanding and
adapting to audience
 Negotiates persuasively
 Tailors responses according to client requirements
5.



Understanding of the parliamentary and political environment
Knowledge of the context, role and operations of Parliament
Understands the role and function of key Parliamentary bodies and processes
Deals sensitively, impartially and objectively with controversial issues
6. Eligibility and/or job specific requirements
 Tertiary qualifications in both law and science or engineering.
Employees of DPS are required to be able, and to be seen to be able, to provide
professional advice and services to all Senators and Members without favour or
prejudice.
Reviewed and approved by:
Jonathan Curtis, Assistant
Secretary, Research Branch
Date:
July 2014
Info pack –Senior Researcher (PEL1), Science, Technology, Environment and Resources
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This cover sheet must be included with your application
Job application cover sheet – Job Reference: JO704
Personal Details:
Male
Female
Surname:
Given names:
Business hours contact number:
After hours contact number:
Email:
Address:
Postcode:
Are you an Australian citizen?
If No, have you applied for Australian Citizenship?
Date of application:
Yes
No
Yes
No
Have you accepted a Voluntary Redundancy from a Commonwealth funded agency within the last 36 weeks?
Yes
No
If “Yes”, what date did your exclusion period end:
Date of voluntary redundancy:
Name of agency:
Employment Details: Current employer:
If APS are you:
Ongoing
Non-ongoing
If APS employed as (level):
AGS Number:
Do you hold a security clearance?
Yes
No
If yes, which level do you hold?
Baseline (Protected/Restricted)
Negative Vetting (Secret/Highly Protected/Confidential)
Negative Vetting 2 (Top Secret)
Positive Vetting
Referees: Please provide contact details of two referees to support your claims for this position.
Note: Your nominated referees should be a current and/or recent supervisor/manager.
1.
2.
Relationship:
Relationship:
Ph:
Ph:
Do you wish to identify as:
an Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander
a person from a different ethnic or racial background
a person with a disability
If selected for interview, will you require any special requirements/arrangements to be made?
If yes please advise:
Do you have any relatives or friends currently working in DPS?
If yes provide details:
Yes
Yes
No
No
(for the purpose of this question a friend is defined as someone with whom you socialise with outside of work 6 or more times a year)
Have you ever been found to have breached the APS code of conduct or similar terminated from employment
for misconduct?
Yes
No
If Yes, Recruitment will contact you to discuss.
I confirm that the information I have provided above and the details in my attached application are, to the best of my
knowledge, true and correct. I acknowledge that it may be an offence to knowingly provide false information.
Name:
Date
Info pack –Senior Researcher (PEL1), Science, Technology, Environment and Resources
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