How to become a Public Servant - State Government

    Public Servant - State Government

    State government public servants are government employees who work in any of the departments of a state or territory government.

    Personal requirements for a Public Servant - State Government

    • Good oral and written communication skills
    • Discreet when dealing with confidential information
    • Able to analyse and solve problems
    • Good organisational and time management skills
    • Responsible attitude
    • Able to work neatly and accurately
    • Able to work as part of a team
    • Methodical approach to work
    • Australian citizenship, permanent residency or an appropriate work visa

    Education & Training for a Public Servant - State Government

    To become a state public servant you usually have to complete Year 10 or your Senior Secondary Certificate of Education, depending on the entry position. Your employment prospects may be improved if you have qualifications or basic skills in computing, data entry and administration. Training is also given on the job.The principle of merit in recruitment and promotion means that the person whose skills, knowledge and experience best match the job requirements will be selected. In addition, each position in state government has specific requirements, and job applicants need to demonstrate that they meet these requirements by responding to set selection criteria.Graduate entry into state government requires completion of a degree from a recognised tertiary institution. To get into these courses you usually need to gain your Senior Secondary Certificate of Education. Institutions have different prerequisites and some have flexible entry requirements or offer external study. Contact the institutions you are interested in for more information.


    Duties & Tasks of a Public Servant - State Government

    The State Public Service offers a broad range of administrative, clerical, technical and professional careers in areas such as public policy, planning, welfare, education, natural resources management, water supply, construction, legal services, law and order, health, and tourism and recreation.:


      Tasks

      • Representing the organisation in negotiations, and at conventions, seminars, public hearings and forums, and promoting existing and new programs and policies
      • Leading, managing and developing administrative staff to ensure smooth business operations and the provision of accurate and timely information
      • Providing information and support for the preparation of financial reports and budgets
      • Developing and managing the organisation's administrative, financial, physical and staff resources
      • Developing and implementing administrative, financial and operational procedural statements and guidelines for use by staff in the organisation
      • Analysing complex resource management issues and initiatives that affect the organisation, and preparing associated reports, correspondence and submissions
      • Providing high level administrative, strategic planning and operational support, research and advice to senior management on administrative matters such as staff management, financial planning, facility management and information services

      Working conditions for a Public Servant - State Government

      The main fields of employment are administrative and clerical, and professional and paraprofessional. These occupations exist across all departments and agencies, and include positions from entry level to senior management.


      Employment Opportunities for a Public Servant - State Government

      Competition for graduate positions remains strong. Promotions and transfers within the public sector may be available, although advancement depends on an officer's ambitions, qualifications, skills and abilities. Middle-level positions require ability or experience in more complex processing, investigation or supervision. More senior positions involve policy formulation, leadership and management skills.


      Specializations

      Public Servant - State Government

      State government public servants are government employees who work in any of the departments of a state or territory government.

      • Average age
        Average age
        48 years
      • Future Growth
        Future Growth
        Moderate
      • Gender Share
        Gender Share
        62% female
      • Average full-time
        Average full-time
        45 hours
      • Weekly Pay
        Weekly Pay
        $2,783
      • Skill level rating
        Skill level rating
        Very high skill
      • Unemployment
        Unemployment
        Lower unemployment
      • Full-Time Share
        Full-Time Share
        87% Full-Time
      • Employment Size
        Employment Size
        23,800 workers
      • Employment Size
        Employment by state
        ACT: 8.2%
        NSW: 22.9%
        NT: 1.3%
        QLD: 22.5%
        SA: 5.9%
        TAS: 1.4%
        VIC: 20.9%
        WA: 16.8%
      • Employment Size
        Age brackets
        15-19: 0%
        20-24: 0.7%
        25-34: 13.1%
        35-44: 25.9%
        45-54: 34.5%
        55-59: 14.7%
        60-64: 7.6%
        65 and Over: 3.5%
      • Employment Size
        Education level
        Advanced Diploma/Diploma: 18.1%
        Bachelor degree: 27.2%
        Certificate III/IV: 11.1%
        Post Graduate/Graduate Diploma or Graduate Certificate: 19.6%
        Year 10 and below: 7.4%
        Year 11: 3.9%
        Year 12: 12.9%
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