Cyber Operations FAQ

What is it like to work at DSD?

Our mission sums up the work that you will do at DSD – ‘Reveal their secrets – protect our own’. Current DSD employees say that working at DSD “…provides them with challenging and meaningful work, their daily work makes a difference, they learn new skills constantly, they have access to the latest technology, they have good working conditions and that the people that they work with are interesting, talented and committed.”

I’m a programmer, network engineer, IT security officer (etc…) and I love the sound of Cyber Operations, but I don’t have experience with everything the ads mention, will I still be considered?

Yes. We understand that some of this is highly specific to certain jobs and that it’s hard to get experience in some of these fields. If you can demonstrate the interest, aptitude and ability, we will definitely consider you.

I haven’t finished my degree yet, can I apply?

Absolutely. We don’t mind if you haven’t graduated yet. It can take a while to get a Top Secret security clearance. If we think you’re suitable, we don’t mind if you finish your degree while we run a few checks. If you are found suitable and are still studying, we have generous study provisions (financial support and leave provisions). We are happy for you to work part-time while you continue to study.

Can I work Part time if I am not studying?

Yes, we welcome part-time staff. Have a chat to us about what you’d like to do.

Is this specifically a graduate recruitment round?

No. DSD is interested in applicants with a range of IT skills and backgrounds including those with extensive industry experience. DSD does offer a more general graduate specific recruitment program called Altitude.

I applied for the DSD Altitude program, should I apply for this intake as well?

It’s up to you. We’re looking for a specific set of skills and interests in our applicants. The Altitude program is after applicants with a wider range of skills, and offers a wider range of experiences. If you’re after a grad job in other areas of DSD, then you should apply to Altitude as well.

If you have already applied to Altitude, let us know if you would also like to be considered for cyber operations – you don’t need to go through two selection processes.

How is this different to the DSD Altitude program?

The Altitude graduate program recruits Technologists, Business and Analyst graduates to undertake a 12 month rotation program around DSD. With our program, you’ll be specifically recruited for a role in cyber operations. We’re also offering jobs at the APS 4, 5 and 6 levels, depending on your skills and experience. Altitude only offers APS 4 positions.

I’m not sure what level I should apply for, what should I do?

If this is the case, you should apply for all three levels. If you are a successful applicant you will be offered an APS Position (APS 4-6) commensurate with your performance during the selection process. If you only wish to apply for a specific level, you must clearly state this on your application form.

The current salary ranges are:

APS 4 - $52 009 - $57 094
APS 5 - $58 009 - $62 135
APS 6 - $63 550 - $72 595

These rates will increase by 3.1% on Christmas day (2008). Superannuation is in addition to this!

What other benefits are there in working for DSD?

Generous superannuation (15.4%)
Free gym
Free parking
Opportunities to salary package
Flexible working conditions
Generous study provisions and developmental opportunities.

I graduated from University <N> years ago; do I need to submit my academic transcript?

If your University degree is the basis of your qualifications, or you have only recently entered the workforce, just tell us your results in your application. If we bring you to Canberra for an interview we would ask you to bring either the original or a certified copy of it with you.

When does my application have to be submitted by?

Applications should be emailed to us by Midnight AEST Sunday 17th August.

I’ve applied, what happens next?

We will be short listing based on applications, and will follow up with a short phone interview to help us decide who to bring to our assessment centres in September.

What can you tell me about the assessment centres?

We will be holding assessment centres in Canberra during the weeks of 15th and 29th of September. The 2 day process will involve an individual technical assessment and interview, some group based exercises, some paperwork and an interview with our friendly psychologists. Don't stress too much.

When will I find out if I’m successful?

We aim to be making offers to people around the end of September; more specific details will become available as you progress through the application process.

When will I start?

We’re flexible about your commencement date. You will need to complete a security clearance before you start, so it’s unlikely to be before February 2009. But if you would like to start later than that, we can certainly accommodate you.

If you are successful and you live interstate, we will pay for your travel to Canberra and your moving expenses.

What else can you tell me about the job?

DSD’s role in the national security and intelligence domain means that most of our work is classified, so we can’t tell you all about it here. As you progress through the assessment process you will get a better idea of what the work entails – but most of it will have to wait until you join us.

Do I need to snail-mail my applications in?

We would prefer that you didn’t – electronic delivery is our preferred medium. If you want to include an academic transcript, either scan it and attach it or type out your courses and results (but don’t forget you will need to bring the real thing or a copy with you if you come for an interview).

What formats can my application be in?

If you’d like any email attachments to make it to our inbox please limit them to the following formats: Word (.doc), OpenOffice (.odt), PDF (.pdf), Rich Text (.rtf) and text (.txt).

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Cyber Operations FAQ