University Vacation Employment Program

• Casual (Irregular or Intermittent)
• $64,562 – $70,261 plus 15.4% Superannuation
• Adelaide, Albury, Canberra, Goondiwindi, Griffith, Mildura & Murray Bridge

Here at the MDBA we’re the steadfast stewards of the Murray-Darling Basin’s rivers. We work towards a resilient Basin through the extremes of our changing climate, and whose communities are ready for their future. 

Join us in our stewardship to shape the future of the Basin for the benefit of all Australians.

We are seeking people who are committed to taking a whole-of-Basin view to ensure all social, economic, environmental and cultural perspectives are considered as we protect our rivers for generations.

The Murray–Darling Basin Authority (MDBA) is an independent statutory agency in the Australian Government, which operates under the Water Act 2007 (Cth) (the Water Act). We work with Basin states, industries and communities to manage the Murray–Darling Basin’s water resources.

The MDBA aims to achieve a healthy working Basin for the benefit of all Australians. The Murray–Darling Basin contains a rich diversity of natural environments that are unique in Australia and the world. The Basin is also crucial to Australia’s economy and home to 2.3 million Australians, including people from over 50 First Nations. How we manage the Basin as a whole connected system, manage our water carefully, and protect it for future generations is set out in the Murray-Darling Basin Plan.

About the Opportunity:
The Murray–Darling Basin Authority (MDBA) is looking for students who are keen to gain experience in the integrated management of the water resources of the Murray–Darling Basin, in collaboration with state governments, industries and communities. 

The University Vacation Employment Program (UVEP) offers paid employment on a casual, intermittent basis for a period of up to 12 months, designed to provide an opportunity for university students to gain work experience in a government setting while completing their studies.

Placements will commence between November 2026 and February 2027, with fulltime hours for up to 6 weeks upon commencement, and the possibility of intermittent hours around tertiary study for the remainder of the term.  

The following placements are indicative of what may be included in the University Vacation Employment Program:

Basin Plan Division

Students placed within the Basin Plan Division may contribute to work that supports the implementation, monitoring and ongoing development of the Murray-Darling Basin Plan. Placements may provide exposure to policy development, regulatory and compliance activities, water resource planning, water accounting, program evaluation, research and stakeholder engagement. Students will have the opportunity to work on projects that help ensure the Basin's water resources are managed sustainably for the benefit of communities, industries and the environment.

River Management Division

Students placed within the River Management Division may gain experience in the planning, coordination and delivery of River Murray operations. Opportunities may include supporting projects related to river operations, environmental water management, infrastructure planning and management, data analysis, operational decision making, and collaboration with Basin state governments and other partners. Students will contribute to work that supports the efficient and sustainable management of one of Australia's most significant river systems.

Basin Science and Knowledge Division

Students placed within the Basin Science and Knowledge Division may support the application of science, data and evidence to inform water management decisions across the Basin. Placements could involve environmental science, hydrology, data analysis, research, modelling, knowledge management, stakeholder engagement, communications, and First Nations engagement activities. Students will gain insight into how scientific information supports policy development, river management and long-term Basin outcomes.

Business Services Division

Students placed within the Business Services Division may work across a variety of corporate and enabling functions that support the MDBA's operations. Depending on business needs and the student's field of study, opportunities may be available in areas such as finance, procurement, human resources, information technology, project management, governance, legal services, communications, stakeholder engagement, data management and business support. Students will gain valuable experience working in a professional government environment while contributing to the delivery of organisational priorities.

What we offer you:

• • The opportunity to contribute to projects that shape the future of one of Australia’s greatest natural assets and protect it for future generations.
  • Varied, challenging work that applies knowledge and expertise to support critical water resource management within the Australian community.
  • Competitive remuneration packages and flexible working arrangements which support work-life balance.
  • Being part of a smaller agency with a strong focus on its connection with people.
  • Being part of a professional, committed, and friendly team of people.
  • Being part of an organisation that values and partners with First Nations peoples, guided by an innovative Reconciliation Action Plan (RAP).
  • Opportunities to travel across the Murray–Darling Basin and engage with local communities and water authorities.
  • A range of healthy lifestyle provisions, including access to an employee assistance program (EAP), healthy lifestyle allowance and annual flu vaccination program.
  • Pathways for professional development, study assistance, and career progression, with opportunities to work locally in our regional offices while contributing to national outcomes. 

How to apply:
If this opportunity sounds like it’s right for you, submit an application now!

As part of your application, you’ll need to provide:

• • Your CV, including contact details of two referees.
  • A statement of claims, or response to selection criteria, telling us how your skills, knowledge, and experience make you suitable for what we are looking for. 

Jobs in the Australian Public Service are classified according to expected levels of work and responsibility. For information about the expected capabilities and behaviours required, refer to the APS Work Level Standards (WLS) and the Integrated Leadership System (ILS) on the Australian Public Service Commission (APSC) website.

Your statement of claims (or response to selection criteria) should provide examples which demonstrate your ability to perform the duties of the position you are applying for. This is an important part of the application process, as it is your opportunity to communicate to the selection panel that you have the abilities, experience and qualities to be shortlisted for the position.

If you’re unfamiliar with the Australian Public Service (APS) recruitment process, applying for a job can be intimidating. The APSC has published a resource Cracking the code, which provides helpful information to candidates, including on how to find a job in the APS, writing applications, employment pathways for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people and for people with disability, and what to expect if you’re invited to an interview.

Expectations of candidate use of AI tools are outlined in the Principles for candidate use of AI in recruitment.

Tell me more:
Where a role has been advertised as ongoing and non-ongoing, non-ongoing opportunities will be offered subject to business needs. Where a non-ongoing opportunity is offered, the role will be filled as a specified term vacancy, for an initial period of up to 12 months, with the possibility of extension.

For more information regarding this opportunity contact the MDBA People & Culture team ***************@mdba.gov.au.

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