FAQS
On this page:
DMO/MGS INFO
KEY ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS
RELOCATION AND ACCOMMODATION
APPLYING
SECURITY CLEARENCE
OTHER
CONTACT
What does Materiel mean?
Materiel is a French term that means Military arms, ammunition and equipment.
How many graduate positions are available in 2011?
The number of offers for the 2011 MGS is limited by the number of graduate vacancies in DMO and can range from 60 - 80.
How many offers did DMO make in 2010?
DMO made 70 offers for the 2010 Materiel Graduate Scheme.
Where are the positions?
Graduate positions are available in most states for engineers and logisticians. Graduate positions for the commercial stream are mainly located in Canberra and Melbourne.
Am I required to wear a uniform and participate in Military exercises if I work for the DMO?
No. The DMO is a civilian organisation, not a military part of the Australian Defence Organisation. You are not required to wear a uniform and will not undertake any military exercises.
Note: There is a corporate uniform. Wearing it is not compulsory
What type of work will I be doing during the MGS?
ENGINEERS
During your workplace rotations you may find yourself:- Translating capability requirements into technical function and performance specifications for example the development of the Joint Strike Fighter technical specifications.
- Providing engineering research reports on systems such as Global Positioning Systems.
- Working as part of the engineering team for example the FA18 or F111 fighter aircraft.
- Developing, maintaining and implement engineering management plans and procedures.
- Acting as engineering authority to understand performance of equipment and systems and determine the safety of equipment for operation.
- Managing the decommissioning and disposal of assets, for example, to sell to third parties or donate to museums or as dive wrecks.
- Contributing to the development and management of environmental programs.
- Managing and taking part in the technical evaluation of tenders for new equipment.
- Negotiating and managing contracts for the delivery of the equipment (or capability).
COMMERCIAL
During your workplace rotations you may find yourself:(Role will vary based on your specialisation)
- Providing legal advice on a variety of contractual matters
- Researching the legislative situation surrounding the operation of unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) within Australian domestic airspace
- Procuring Global Positioning Systems for Army and Navy aircraft
- Assisting with the evaluation of major tender documentation
- Preparing responses to Senate Questions on Notice and Senate Legislative Committee briefs
- Manage the inventory and movement of fleet items for major projects.
- Managing significant parts of the DMO's billion dollar budget
- Assist in the preparation of DMO monthly and annual financial statements
- Review and undertake analysis of quarterly financial reports covering due diligence, accrual expenses job kits and future certificate of compliance requirements
Do I need to be an Australian citizen?
Yes, to be eligible to commence the Materiel Graduate Scheme, you must be an Australian citizen. If you are not an Australian citizen at the time of applying, you will need to provide evidence that you will become an Australian citizen by January 2011.
See: Department of Immigration and Citizenship website.
Do you have age limits for applicants?
No. All graduates are selected according to a merit based selection process.
What does a medical clearance involve?
The medical clearance is designed to ensure that you are fit to work in the Department. A Commonwealth medical clearance is a standard condition of employment in the Australian Public Service.
Note: Only the candidates successful in the final selection process undergo a medical check.
What if I have an overseas qualification?
If you have an overseas qualification it must be recognised as equivalent to an Australian bachelor's degree in a required discipline.
You will need to provide us with the recognition of your qualification for general employment in Australia for your application to be considered. This assessment can be obtained from the National Office for Overseas Skills Recognition (NOOSR) or the State or Territory Overseas Qualifications Unit.
See: Australian Educational International
Will the Defence Materiel Organisation pay for my relocation costs?
Yes, the Defence Materiel Organisation offers generous relocation provisions if this is required. If you are offered a place on the MGS and require relocation assistance, the Graduate Recruitment team will provide you with the information and support you need.
Do graduates have access to the Defence Housing program while in Canberra or during regional placement?
No. Defence Housing is only available to serving members of the Australian Defence Force.
Are there other ways to apply for the Materiel Graduate Scheme?
Indigenous graduates from required disciplines can submit applications through the Australian Public Service Commission's Indigenous Graduate Recruitment Program as an alternative entry point to the MGS.
See: Indigenous Graduate Recruitment Program
Can I apply for other positions in Defence, outside the Materiel Graduate Scheme?
Yes, there are other ways to join the Department - you can apply for positions advertised from time to time:
- on the DMO Careers website
- in the Australian Public Service Gazette
- in newspapers.
If I am made an offer to join the MGS, can I visit my allocated workplace before I make a decision?
Yes. Contact the Graduate Recruitment team to make arrangements.
E-mail: graduate.dmo@defence.gov.au
Why do I need a security clearance?
A security clearance is required to assess your reliability and trustworthiness with Defence information. If the availability, integrity or confidentiality of Defence information is compromised in any way, lives can be lost – it is a simple as that.
What level of security clearance do I need?
Most positions in DMO require a minimum security clearance at the SECRET level. Some positions require higher levels of clearance.
You will be cleared to SECRET level to participate in the MGS.
What do I need for a security clearance?
To be able to obtain a SECRET level security clearance you will need:
- a verifiable history for last 10 years; and
- Australian citizenship.
Note: Any lengthy overseas stay during the last 10 years can make checking so difficult that it is not possible to adequately check your background.
Does every applicant undergo a security clearance?
Only the candidates who accept a position on the MGS undergo the security clearance process.
As part of your offer of a position you will be asked to:
- provide comprehensive information about yourself for the past 10 years;
- provide comprehensive information about your dependants/relatives; and
- give the Department the right to check any information you provide with relevant authorities such as the Australian Federal Police and financial institutions
What if I am unsuccessful in getting a security clearance?
If you are unsuccessful in getting a security clearance at the required level, your offer to participate may be withdrawn.
I'm getting married in May, am I able to take leave for my honeymoon?
DMO is a family-friendly organisation and taking leave for your honeymoon is possible. Your access to leave is dependent upon the needs of your workplace rotation and the provisions of the Defence Employees' Certified Agreement.
If you successfully gain a place on the MGS, you should discuss this with your rotation supervisor as soon as possible.
Applications for the 2011 MGS will open in March 2010.
For Undergraduate employment and other job opportunities, visit the Materiel Undergraduate Scheme (MUS):
http://www.defence.gov.au/dmo/careers/ece/index.cfm
CONTACT US
For any queries, please feel free to contact the Materiel Graduate Scheme team via e-mail:
graduate.dmo@defence.gov.au