Learning Experiences Presenter (Affirmative Measures Indigenous)

About the Department

The Department of Industry, Science and Resources and our broader portfolio are integral to the Australian Government’s economic agenda. Our purpose is to help the government build a better future for all Australians through enabling a productive, resilient and sustainable economy, enriched by science and technology. We do this by:

• Growing innovative & competitive businesses, industries and regions
• Investing in science and technology
• Strengthening the resources sector.

The APS and the department offer a clear direction and meaningful work. You will be able to create positive impact in people’s lives whilst contributing to improved outcomes for Australia and our people.

If you would like to feel a strong connection to your work and you are accountable, committed and open to change, join us in shaping Australia’s future.

Please see the APSC’s APS Employee Value Proposition for more information on the benefits and value of employment within the APS.

About the team

At Questacon - The National Science and Technology Centre, we create fun and interactive learning experiences that spark curiosity and inspire engagement with science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM).

The Learning Experiences team delivers a range of science engagement experiences for diverse audiences including early childhood to school students, families, and adults. As part of the team, you will deliver a wide range of activities such as facilitated hands-on experiences, theatrical performances, early learning experiences and adult events: 

• Q Lab focuses on developing science inquiry skills such as observing, questioning, and testing. It helps to build the ability to better understand the world around us.
• The Shed explores the importance of problem solving and creativity in a hands-on making space. Visitors are encouraged to think, make, try, and refine.
• Live Spectacular Science Shows inspire audiences through storytelling, interactive science demonstrations and humour to show the wonder of science and technology. 

Check out the Questacon website for more information on the Centre and the programs delivered by the Learning Experiences team.

Our ideal candidate

Working as part of the Learning Experiences team, you will demonstrate excellent communication skills and contribute to a productive workplace. You will work with the team to deliver excellent experiences for Questacon, our staff, visitors, stakeholders, and supporters. To be successful you will:

• Be passionate about science, technology, performance, education, or a combination of these areas
• Be skilled in delivering facilitated activities, theatrical performances, or structured workshops for diverse audiences
• Enjoy exploring scientific phenomena and fostering discussions through thought-provoking questions
• Be skilled in facilitating visitor-led engagements and adapting activities to ensure accessibility
• Thrive on collaborating with others to test and deliver innovative science-based experiences

Our department has a commitment to inclusion and diversity, with an ambition of being the best possible place to work. This reflects the importance we place on our people and on creating a workplace culture where every one of us is valued and respected for our contribution. Our ideal candidate adds to this culture and our workplace in their own way.

Working consistently with the expectations for an APS Level 4 in the APS Work Level Standards and APS Code of Conduct as a Learning Experiences Presenter, you will: 

• Deliver engaging, high-quality experiences that inspire audiences with science, technology, and innovation
• Contribute to the development, testing, and evaluation of new content and activities 
• Work as a collaborative team member by providing peer mentoring, role modelling best practice, and demonstrating exemplary program delivery 
• Foster open communication within the team, offering and receiving constructive feedback to enhance collaboration
• Ensure program safety by following policies, procedures, and ongoing in-house training for quality delivery 
• Perform additional tasks as needed to support Questacon’s programs

To be eligible for employment in the APS and the department, candidates must:

• be Australian Citizens
• hold or obtain a current ACT Working with Vulnerable People registration and maintain this registration for the duration of employment
• undergo a National Police Check

Candidates may require weekday availability for necessary induction and training.  

Applicants applying under this Affirmative Measures round will need to provide evidence they meet the eligibility for this vacancy should they be found suitable prior to being made a formal offer of employment.

• Be of Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander descent;
• Identify as Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander; and
• Are accepted by their community as being Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander.

Evidence of confirmation of heritage include:

• A letter signed and executed by the Chairperson of an incorporated Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander organisation confirming that they are recognised as an Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander person; or
• Confirmation of Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander descent form executed by an Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander organisation.

Positions require a Baseline security clearance and successful candidates will be required to obtain and maintain a clearance at this level.

This is an Affirmative Measures round available to First Nations applicants. Non-First Nations applicants can apply to a general round for the Learning Experiences Presenter role here. There is also an Affirmative Measures round available to applicants with a disability here.

The department has an active Indigenous Employee Network (IEN). For all staff who identify as a First Nations person it offers:

• peer support while creating a culturally safe space
• networking and professional development

The Diversity Networks create a workplace culture where all employees are all valued and respected for their contribution.

The Inclusion team and People branch organise the departments:

• Cultural competency
• Indigenous development pathway program
• Jawun secondment program.

The department has commenced development of the organisation's next Reconciliation Action Plan.

The department offers cultural leave in the form of access to up to 5 days of paid leave per year. You can use this to participate in ceremonial and cultural obligations, including NAIDOC activities.

The department currently offers flexible work opportunities for many roles; however, this position requires working from the Questacon Centre in Parkes, ACT. This vacancy is a public-facing, place-based role. This role will require you to work in a busy customer service environment with long periods of active engagement.

Questacon is open almost every day of the year. Learning Experiences presenters may be rostered to work on weekdays, weekends, public holidays and occasionally in the early morning or evening. Staff training usually takes place on weekdays, often during opening hours (9 am to 5 pm). Casual staff typically work between 3 and 8 hours per shift. Questacon cannot guarantee a minimum number of shifts in any roster period. The number of available shifts may vary depending on expected visitor numbers, school holiday periods and operational requirements. Casual staff can nominate their availability to fit around other commitments.

A merit pool may be established and used to fill future vacancies within 18 months from the date the vacancy was first advertised in the Gazette.