Information for applicants

We’re looking for people who thrive on doing good and important work, and who can balance passion with practicality. If this sounds like you, we’d love you to apply.

We have a network of offices and bases throughout Queensland, and within this diverse landscape, you will find yourself in an organisation that places a high premium on results, professional growth, a harmonious work-life balance, and strong commitment to workforce diversity and inclusion.

Furthermore, the department is unwavering in its commitment to creating and sustaining a positive, engaging, and respectful workplace for all employees. We are dedicated to fostering an environment that is both safe and free from harassment. Our culture recognises, values, and respects individual differences, allowing everyone to bring their authentic selves to work.

Our 2023–2026 Equity and Diversity Plan (PDF, 280.5KB) outlines the department’s approach to building equitable, diverse and inclusive workplaces.

As part of our commitment to diversity, DES is a member of the Diversity Council of Australia, Pride in Diversity and Australian Network on Disability. Through recognising our differences and embracing and valuing them, we can innovate and identify better solutions as a department. Having a department which is reflective of the Queensland community we serve also enables us to better understand their needs and be more responsive.

We employ people in a wide range of disciplines, including:

  • law
  • environmental science
  • environmental management
  • engineering
  • urban and regional planning
  • sciences
  • policy development
  • conservation and land management
  • ecology and wildlife
  • corporate and administrative services
  • multicultural communities' engagement.

Benefits of employment

Employees of the department enjoy a range of benefits, excellent working conditions and flexible working arrangements that give them the opportunity to manage their career to suit their lifestyle.

These include:

  • a 36.25-hour week (a 38-hour week applies to some specific roles)
  • generous leave entitlements—4 or 5 weeks paid annual leave, depending on location
  • reasonable adjustment for people with disabilities
  • an environment that supports family commitments, including paid parental leave
  • an option to purchase additional leave
  • competitive salaries and generous superannuation entitlements
  • locality allowance for those who work in specific regional locations
  • potential recognition of prior service (long service and sick leave entitlements) from previous government or educational institutions
  • annual salary increases based on performance until the top of the salary range is reached
  • opportunities for training and professional development
  • a safe and healthy workplace
  • the opportunity for salary packaging
  • relocation assistance (conditions apply).

Roles and classifications

We employ people in different role and classification types according to the type of work they undertake:

  • Administrative Officer (AO)—People in these positions usually work in agency administration or corporate support roles, such as human resources, finance, customer service, policy, information, technology, communications, and advisory services.
  • Professional Officer (PO)—People in these positions require a degree qualification (or agreed equivalent). The duties of the position include a combination of practitioner and/or specialist responsibilities, or an identifiable specialisation/management in a profession.
  • Technical Officer (TO)—People in these positions require a diploma, advanced diploma (or agreed equivalent). The duties of the position include a combination of practitioner and/or specialist responsibilities, usually assisting people in the PO stream.
  • Operational Officer (OO)—People in these positions work in various functional areas, with a range of specialist skills. Most OO roles in our department are in our conservation areas such as threatened species.

Each role has a classification level represented by numbers (e.g. AO2, AO3, AO4 etc) with the higher number representing a higher-level role, and higher pay. Each classification has a salary range made up of four to six increments (or pay points). People are appointed to a pay point based on experience, skills and educational qualifications.

You can ask for further information about salary during the recruitment and selection process.

Opportunities for First Nations and Diverse Ability candidates

To demonstrate our commitment to a diverse and inclusive workforce, the department has introduced special recruitment levers for candidates who identify as First Nations persons and/or having a disability. These include advertising roles which only Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander peoples, or people with a disability can apply for; or receive priority consideration in progressing to the second stage in the selection process.

If you apply for an Identified, Designated role or Priority Consideration role, you may be asked to provide evidence of your Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander descent through a written statement, documents as per section 8 of Commission Chief Executive Guideline 02/13: Evidence of Attribute – Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander Identified Roles, or nominate an Aboriginal or a Torres Strait Islander person to provide a recommendation; or a declaration you live with a disability.

Application process

Vacancies may be advertised in various media or job search sites, including the Queensland Government’s SmartJobs website. All job advertisements will contain a link to the SmartJobs website, where your application can be submitted.

To apply:

  1. Complete the short application form. The ‘How to apply’ instructions will advise how you can evidence your eligibility and suitability for the position.
    Note: If you need any additional support or adjustments during the application or recruitment process, please let us know.
  2. Lodge your application by the close date.
  3. Depending on your role, you may be required to complete an online assessment.
  4. Shortlisted candidates will be invited to attend an interview (either in person or via video or phone call).
    1. A panel will interview you.
    2. Depending on your role, we’ll do a criminal history check and work rights check.
    3. We’ll contact your referees.
    4. All applicants will be notified of the outcome of their applications.

Please feel free to reach out to us at careerpathways@des.qld.gov.au if you have any questions.

For more information check out the following useful resources: