First Nations Gap Year Program

TARGETED VACANCY

This is an Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Identified role. Under section 25 of the Anti-Discrimination Act 1991 (QLD), it is a genuine occupational requirement for the incumbent to be an Aboriginal person and/or Torres Strait Islander person. Only applications from Aboriginal people and/or Torres Strait Islander people will be considered for this role.

Real Talk, Real Impact: Join our DESI First Nations Gap Year crew, where supervisors and First Nations mentors support and guide you as an entry-level professional. You’ll access structured development and a nurturing environment, potentially paving the way for long-term opportunities.

Learn more about the First Nations Gap year Program – here

Hear firsthand from one of our program participants Talika

About you

We will know you are the right fit for this program if you:

• are / will be between 18-25 years old in February 2025 and have graduated from high school

• are of Australian Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander descent.can demonstrate your passion, determination, and maturity to fully participate in the program, embracing all the opportunities and challenges it presents.

• Are willing to commit to 18 months of employment with the department.

Roles available

As part of the program the following roles are available:

– Administration Officer, Corporate Services (Brisbane based)

– Wildlife Officer, Queensland Parks and Wildlife Service and Partnerships (Toowoomba based)

– Operational Officer, Science Division (Brisbane based)

Make Your Move

If you have any questions about the program or the application process, email us your digits at careerpathways@des.qld.gov.au and we’ll call you for a yarn.

Check out the attached role profiles to see which sparks your interest most and, when you’re ready to apply, email your application to careerpathways@des.qld.gov.au and make sure you include:

• Completed and signed application form – this will let us know which role/s your most keen for.

• Short statement (no more than two pages) or a video (no more than 2 minutes) telling us:

• a little about your cultural heritage and connection to country

• tell us why you want to join the program and us here at DESI.

• Resume – check this out if you need some tips and, if you have finished grade 12 already, include your senior statement.

• (For Wildlife Officer role only) Copy of your manual Drivers Licences (or a statement committing to obtain one before the start of the program in February 2025).

• A reference letter from one of your teachers (one page) that speaks to your passions and readiness for the job

What’s next

If your application moves through to the next selection stage, you might be invited to an assessment session in either Toowoomba or Brisbane, where we’ll be able to get to know you better. This is a deadly chance to show us your teamwork and problem-solving skills, and to get to understand all about this program.

Be sure to let us know if there’s anything we can do / change up, to make sure you feel safe and supported to win a spot on this deadly opportunity.

If you need any additional support or adjustments during the process to help you demonstrate your ability to meet the inherent requirements of the role, please email careerpathways@des.qld.gov.au