APS5 - Program Officers, (Multiple Positions)

The department supports workplace diversity and values the contribution of people from diverse backgrounds. We encourage applications from Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander peoples, people with disability, people with cultural and linguistic diversity, and LGBTQIA+ people. The department is committed to achieving gender equality and, in particular, supporting women’s progression into senior leadership.

The opportunity we have available 

The Land Transport Infrastructure Division (LTID) plays a key role in supporting the delivery of close to $100 billion in Australian Government investment towards road and rail projects that shape how Aussies live, work, and connect. From reducing travel times to making roads safer and boosting regional freight links, everything we do has a ripple effect across the country.

We’re working to deliver lasting, smart infrastructure solutions that meet today’s needs and tomorrows challenges for communities across Australia. 

You’ll be joining at a time where the Australian Government is focused on delivering nationally significant projects that provide enhanced productivity and resilience, liveability and sustainability outcomes across Australia. It’s a dynamic, fast-moving environment where your work will matter.

We work in tight partnership with state and territory governments, Infrastructure Australia, and other key players to deliver nationally significant projects. Think faster commutes, safer roads, and stronger communities.  

Our team is comprised of the following branches:

• VIC, TAS and SA Infrastructure Investment Branch
• NSW & ACT Infrastructure Investment Branch
• WA & NT Infrastructure Investment Branch
• QLD Infrastructure Investment & Brisbane 2032 Games Venues Branch
• Budget, Policy & Assurance Branch
• Infrastructure Investment Reform Branch, and
• RPM Taskforce.

We have a range of roles available at the heart of infrastructure investment delivery and policy, where your ideas and energy can truly make a difference. LTID is full of diverse and meaningful opportunities where no two days are the same:

• The State Infrastructure Investment Branches are turning big ideas into bridges, roads and future-proof projects. We juggle the dollars, tame the risks and keep projects on track across the Country. We help guide the Australian Government on what should be built next to keep the nation moving forward.
• The Budget, Policy & Assurance Branch is where strategy meets action. You'll be part of a high-impact team that shapes national transport investments and works closely with Infrastructure Australia and key stakeholders. It’s a fast-paced and politically significant environment that’s perfect for people who thrive under pressure and want to be part of something big.
• *Note: Because of the nature of the work, this branch is primarily based in our Canberra office, right at the heart of decision-making.  
• The Infrastructure Investment Reform Branch is all about innovation and shaping the future. If you enjoy turning big-picture ideas into practical reform, this is where you’ll thrive. You’ll help implement the Government’s reform agenda, support strategic policy development and provide critical analysis that informs national infrastructure planning.

What will you do?

This is a bulk recruitment round to support a variety of opportunities at the APS5 level across the division.

Within the VIC, TAS & SA, WA & NT, NSW & ACT Infrastructure Investment and QLD & Brisbane 2032 Games Venues Infrastructure branches you will:

• Support the management of the financials, risk and delivery of nationally significant infrastructure projects across a particular state or territory, including projects such as:
  • Coffs Harbour Bypass (NSW)
  • Bruce Highway Upgrade Program (Qld)
  • Melbourne Airport Rail (Vic)
  • North-South Corridor (SA)
  • METRONET (WA)
  • Canberra Light Rail Stage 2A (ACT)
  • Bridgewater Bridge (TAS)
  • Outback Way (NT)

• Assess, prepare advice and report on Australian Government existing and future infrastructure investments
• Undertake reviews of programs, and project governance meetings
• Maintain productive working relationships with state, territory, and local government counterparts
• Provide secretariat support and input to State and Territory program meetings
• Provide key program governance functions to LTID to support the delivery of the IIP
• Provide briefings to support Ministers, Departmental Executive and Central agencies, including for Senate Estimates, Question Time Briefs and Question on Notice
• Fact checking and preparation of media products such as media releases, talking points and event briefings

Within the Budget Policy & Assurance and Infrastructure Reform branches you will:

• Support the management and reporting on the overall financials for the Australian government’s Investments within the Infrastructure Investment pipeline
• Provide key advice to government and executives to enable decision making on the government’s infrastructure investments to develop Australia’s land transport network
• Administer the National Land Transport Act 2014 and Federation Funding Agreement Schedule
• Assist with the management and development of the First Nations Participation policy, including processing of Participation Plans and stakeholder engagement
• Provide advice on whole-of-government policy
• Provide policy advice and formulate strategy for the IIP and the Infrastructure Policy Statement
• Coordinate biannual infrastructure Investment Cabinet submissions at the Federal Budget and MYEFO periods.

No matter which role you are suited to, you’ll love it here:

• You’ll make a difference. Your work directly contributes to projects Australians rely on every day
• You’ll be challenged. This is a fast-moving environment with meaningful, real-world impact
• You’ll grow. Work with experts, develop your policy and strategic thinking skills and expand your professional network
• You’ll belong. We’re a team that supports each other, celebrates wins and shares the load
• Be part of a team that values strategy, purpose and collaboration.

If you’re passionate about nation-building and want to be part of a team that drives positive change, come join us!

Who are we looking for?  

We are looking for candidates who demonstrate the following attributes:  

• Sound written and verbal communication skills, with a proven ability to generate high-quality written materials to support decision making
• Strong stakeholder management and interpersonal skills
• Be able to work well both independently and as a member of a small team
• An ability to adapt to change, including dealing positively with uncertainty
• Capable of working to a professional standard in a high-pressure environment whilst applying a high level of attention to detail toward tasks and managing competing priorities
• Strong judgement, outcomes driven, proactive, highly adaptable and an interest in Infrastructure.

RecruitAbility minimum requirements

Minimum requirements for this role include:  

• Well-developed written and interpersonal communication skills, including strong attention to detail.
• Ability to provide timely and concise advice to inform and support executive decision making.
• Ability to establish and maintain key strategic relationships with a broad range of stakeholders

Job applicants with disability who met the requirements are advanced to the next stage of the selection

• Opt into the scheme
• Declare they have a disability, and
• Meet the minimum requirements of a vacancy advertised in the scheme process:

More information can be found at RecruitAbility scheme: A guide for applicants | Australian Public Service Commission.

What else can we offer?

• Exposure to high profile and exciting projects
• Networking opportunities across the department and wider APS
• Capability development opportunities focused on your individual career goals
• Mentoring and access to the department’s Professional Coaching Scheme
• Flexible working arrangements where appropriate, including part time hours, a hybrid of office and home based work and job sharing. 

Eligibility requirements

Employment with the Department of Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development, Communications, Sport and the Arts is subject to conditions prescribed within the Public Service Act 1999 including:

• Citizenship: Candidates must be an Australian citizen at the time of submitting your application.
• Health Assessment: The preferred candidate may be required to undergo a medical examination conducted by the department’s preferred medical provider.
• Security Clearance: The successful candidate must be able to obtain and/or maintain a security clearance at Baseline Clearance Level.  You must be willing to disclose all relevant and required information. You must have lived in Australia, or have a checkable background, for at least the preceding five years for Baseline Vetting clearances.  More information on the security clearance vetting process is available on the Australian Government Security Vetting Agency (AGSVA) website.
• Police check: The successful candidate must satisfactory complete an Australian Federal Police criminal history check.
• Integrity and Performance check: The successful candidate must satisfy the requirements in an Integrity and Performance check which is completed by your most recent employer. 

Timeline and assessment 

A selection panel will be established to assess your suitability against the advertised role.

If a merit pool is established it will be valid for 18 months from date it first appeared in the APS Gazette. 

Applications open: 8 October 2025
Applications close: 22 October 2025
Application shortlisting: 29 October 2025
Further assessments: 3 to 7 November 2025
Selection report finalised: 21 November 2025
Offers and announcements:5 December 2025

The above is indicative only, please reach out to the contact person if you have any questions on the recruitment process or timeframes.

Your application will be assessed against the requirements of the job and the Work level standards. Once the entire applicant pool has been assessed, the panel will create a shortlist of applicants. If your application is shortlisted, you may be asked to undertake further assessment, this may include work sample testing, interviews, and reference checks

How to apply

Applications for this opportunity close at 11:59pm AEDT Wednesday 22 October 2025. 

In applying for this position, you are not required to address individual selection criteria.  Rather, you should provide a statement of no more than 2 page outlining your background, capabilities and experiences, what you would bring to the advertised role and indicate which role you are interested in. The capabilities and behaviours required to be successful for this role are identified in the ‘Who are we looking for’ section

You should also provide a tailored CV in PDF, no more than 3 pages.

Your application should be received through the department’s online recruitment system. Applications via Indeed will not be accepted.

If you experience any issues with the system please contact the recruitment team on 02 6136 8989 or via email at [email protected] to discuss an alternative way to submit your application.

Please advise the contact officer if you require reasonable adjustments throughout the recruitment process. The department is committed to the accessibility of our systems. If you identify as someone with disability and you require accessibility assistance or more information, please email [email protected]

Work with us. Apply now!