Defence Signals Directorate Reveal their secrets....Protect our own
Recruitment Process
within this page

| Eligibility to apply | How to apply | Addressing selection criteria | Selection process | Referees | Closing date | Outcome notification | Security clearance | Organisational Suitability Assessment

Eligibility to apply

All applicants must be Australian citizens. Employment with DSD is subject to satisfying the requirements of a Top Secret Positive Vet (TSPV) security clearance and an Organisational Suitability Assessment (OSA). Applicants must be able to account for their personal background for the past 10 years.

How to apply

To lodge an application for a position at DSD, you must submit the following information:

  1. Your current resume including the names and contact details of two referees.
  2. An application addressing the selection criteria.
  3. A completed ‘Personal Particulars of Applicant’ form:
  4. A completed ‘Consent to Participate in an Organisational Suitability Assessment’ form
  5. A completed Consent to Obtain and Release Information form:

Applications should be posted or faxed to DSD Recruitment (please note that DSD’s recruitment email address is unavailable).

Post
The Recruitment Officer
Locked Bag 5076
KINGSTON ACT 2604
ATT: DPB

Fax
02 6265 0720

Addressing the selection criteria

Applicants need to demonstrate that they satisfy the selection criteria of the advertised position. Before commencing an application, it is recommended that you:

The selection criteria provides the basis for shortlisting and further consideration of an application. It is important that you address each criterion thoroughly and succinctly and only include information that is relevant to the position. Under each criterion you should outline your skills and abilities and cite relevant experience, qualifications and key examples of your work performance.

Applicants are encouraged to refer to the DSD People Capability Framework for assistance in responding to selection criteria.

Selection process

Selection for all vacancies within DSD is based on merit. This means that an assessment is made of the relative suitability of applicants using a competitive selection process.

After the application closing date, a Selection Panel will convene to assess each application. Applicants who present satisfactory claims will be short-listed for further assessment, generally in the form of an interview.

Referees

Applicants are to provide the names and contact details of two referees who can provide comments on their work performance against the selection criteria. Referees may be contacted for an oral report at any stage during the assessment process. Written referee reports are not required with your application unless specifically requested in the advertisement.

If you are currently employed in Defence and wish to use a referee who is part of the Selection Panel for the position you are applying for, you will need to obtain a written reference before the interview.

Closing date

The closing date for applications will be advised in the position advertisement. It is important that your application is received at the specified address by the date nominated in the advertisement. Acceptance of late applications is at the discretion of the Selection Panel.

Outcome notification

All applicants will be advised of the outcome of the selection process as early as possible. Unsuccessful applicants may wish to contact the selection coordinator for post assessment feedback. 

Security clearance

All potential and existing DSD employees/military personnel/contractors are required to hold a Top Secret Positive Vet (TSPV) security clearance. If you are selected as a preferred candidate for a position, you will be required to undergo a TSPV security clearance process before you can commence work at DSD. The security clearance process for DSD employees is carried out by the Defence Security Authority.

Organisational Suitability Assessment (OSA)

Psychological assessments are mandatory for all potential and existing DSD employees/military personnel/contractors. DSD’s psychological assessment process is called the Organisational Suitability Assessment (OSA). Further information about the OSA process is available from the links below.