Working for DERM
The Department of Environment and Resource Management (DERM) is a dynamic organisation at the leading edge of environment and resource management and conservation. Our aim is to ensure the protection and sustainability of our natural environment for the benefit of all Queenslanders.
Our key areas of responsibility are:
- Water—securing our water for Queensland’s future
- Climate change—meeting the challenge
- Land—managing our land wisely
- Environmental services—conserving our natural and cultural heritage.
Careers with us
If you’re highly motivated, results-oriented and committed to the protection of Queensland’s natural environment, a career at DERM may be for you.
From corporate offices in and around Brisbane or in our network of offices in centres throughout the state, you will work in an organisational culture which values results, professional growth, workforce diversity and the balance between work and life commitments.
We employ people in a wide range of disciplines, including:
- spatial science and surveying
- science
- engineering
- hydrology
- geology
- administration
- economics
- policy development
- vegetation and water management
- climatology
- information technology
- law
- land valuations
- ecology
- botany
- zoology
- conservation
- biodiversity
- environmental officers
- rangers.
Our tasks include promoting sustainable living and resource use, encouraging land managers and the rural industry to take an integrated approach to managing soil, water and vegetation, and strengthening our response to climate change.
By planning for, allocating and managing our natural resources in a way that considers social, economic and environmental outcomes, we can support economic growth and maintain our natural heritage for today and tomorrow.
The department is committed to providing excellent client service, solving problems proactively, and working in partnership with governments, business, industry, and the community.
What staff say
- Angela Willett, Senior Planning Officer
- Deborah Nankervis, Project Officer
- Bruce Lawson, Principal Project Officer
Roles and classifications
DERM employs people in different roles, according to the type of work they undertake:
- Administrative (AO)—People in these positions usually undertake agency administration, human resource management, finance, customer service, development and implementation of policy, information and advisory services.
- Professional ( 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 (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 providing assistance to people in the PO stream.
- Operational (OO)—People in these positions work in various functional areas, with a range of specialist skills. Most OO roles in DERM are Ranger positions.
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 paypoints). People are appointed to a paypoint based on experience, skills and educational qualifications.
You can ask for further information on salary during the recruitment and selection process.
Benefits and conditions
Employees of the Department of Environment and Resource Management (DERM) 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 14 weeks paid maternity leave
- an option to purchase additional leave
- competitive salaries and generous superannuation entitlements
- locality allowance for those who work in particular 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)
For detailed information, see the brochure on Benefits and conditions (PDF, 278K)* .
How to apply
In endeavouring to recruit the most suitable person for the job, DERM advertises all permanent vacancies and, as in all public sector departments, makes appointments on merit.
Permanent vacancies are advertised:
- on the Smart Jobs and Careers website, which provides links to role descriptions and departmental websites
- in the 'Employment' section of Saturday’s edition of The Courier-Mail and in other major and local newspapers and online employment websites in some instances.
The department sometimes uses preferred employment agencies to locate suitable applicants for temporary and permanent entry-level administrative roles. Please see the Smart Jobs and Careers website for further information.
Temporary vacancies are advertised in a variety of ways and places. Please visit the Smart Jobs and Careers website for further information.
For further information, refer to the Applicant guide (PDF, 85K)* .
* Requires Acrobat Reader
Last updated: 23 September 2009