14 July 2015

Interested in becoming a ranger? Here's your chance

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act ranger feeding baby animal

The ACT Government has today launched its annual recruitment drive for entry level and experienced park rangers.

From the media release:

Those who hear the call of the great outdoors and aspire to help others enjoy the majesty of nature are being given the opportunity to make these dreams a reality, as the ACT Government launches its annual recruitment drive for ACT Parks and Conservation Rangers.

“The ACT Government’s annual Ranger recruitment is a great opportunity for people who enjoy working outdoors to play a vital role in the conservation and land management of ACT’s parks and reserves,” ACT Parks and Conservation Director, Daniel Iglesias, said.

“The recruitment process will help us create a ranger employment register. We are looking for entry level Ranger Grade One and more experienced Ranger Grade Two applicants for permanent, fixed term (between one to five years) and temporary (up to 12 months) positions to work across various locations within the ACT.

“Ideally we are seeking candidates who possess a knowledge or experience in natural and cultural resource and rural land management. Applicants who can demonstrate life experience, strong interpersonal skills and a desire to learn will also be considered.

“Prospective Rangers must be physically able and willing to undertake incident management duties, be prepared to work a roster which includes weekends, public holidays or evening shifts, be prepared to wear a uniform and possess a manual drivers’ licence.

Mr Iglesias said the ACT Government manages 75 percent of ACT land including Canberra Nature Park, Namadgi National Park, Tidbinbilla Nature Reserve, Murrumbidgee River Corridor including the Lower Cotter Catchment, Googong Foreshores, Kowen Forest and other pine plantations, equestrian trails, and lakes and ponds.

“Our Rangers work hard to manage these areas ranging from the majestic peaks of Namadgi National Park to the local suburban park. They manage our wildlife, interpret natural and cultural features, build walking trails; maintain barbeques and toilets in our picnic areas and campgrounds; control invasive pest plants and animals; and undertake fire management works such as controlled burns.

“I strongly encourage anyone that is interested, and has the appropriate level of experience in land management, to apply.”

Further information about the Ranger Grade 1 and Ranger Grade 2 positions can be found at www.jobs.act.gov.au Applications close for Grade 1 and Grade 2 on Thursday 23 July and Friday 24 July 2015 respectively.

(ACT Government media release)

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Genie said :

vintage123 said :

Antagonist said :

From a 40 year old set to graduate from UC this year, I won’t be bothering to apply. While I understand that I will be expected to start at the bottom with my new qualification, this pay rate is at least $10k below what I would be looking for as a starting point. The perks of the job do not compensate for the dismal pay rate.

The majority of undergraduates who transition into the APS do so through a Graduate Scheme, whereby they are employed at the APS5 level until they complete three 6mth work rotations. The average APS5 pay scale is $69k. They also are provided with assistance with accomodation, travel, removals and fast tracked through training courses and further development opportunities. 99% of the graduates in Canberra are then employed at an EL1 level with a base pay of $103k. This is the standard career progression in the APS in the ACT.

Geez what department do you work for ?

Graduates are employed at the APS 3 level on about $55-$60k, at the end of their 18 month stints they can apply for positions in bulk APS 5/6 rounds.

ATO, Defence and DMO

arescarti42 said :

watto23 said :

vintage123 said :

Most graduates spent the 18mths rotating through, then secured EL1 positions (this is pre job freeze) and those who chose not to stay would be snapped up by industry in consultancy positions with base salarys from 200k PA.

Yeah there really are not that many 200k PA jobs for people with 18 months public service experience and a degree. Admittedly you’d want to earn the 150-200k to offset the losses from not taking a EL1 job IMO.

There’s not that many 200kPA jobs full stop. Statistically (i.e. according to the ATO), that sort of income easily puts you within the top 2% of income earners, i.e. 98% of people earn less.

I’d also be pretty confident that that 2% is made up of people like senior CEOs, investment bankers, medical specialists, and business owners, not 22 year olds with an arts degree.

Your kidding me arent you!! The only reason people work in Canberra is the money or they have family here. Trust me, I have 20 years of experience consulting for the public service on and off depending on my other business activities. Your theory is incorrect. Whilst the APS higher levels are more competitive in Sydney and Melbourne, the Canberra equivalents are NOT. There are tonnes of high level position EL2 and above compared to the regions. As for EL1, we commonly referred to that as Entry Level 1 when we proposed business plans for the ACT. It is extremely common for 22yo’s to be EL1 in Canberra.

As for the consultants, I am bound by commercial in confidence, but what i can say is the companies bid for pre selection onto the standard offer panels and once accepted they farm the work out to non age specific staff who work in the company. The daily rates on the panels are SIGNIFICANT. And there is heaps of fat on the bone to allow both the company and the worker to be paid handsomely. Considering the level of competition for consultancy work, or lack thereof, most companies would love an eager 22yo ex graduate to farm work out to. As for the 200k, thats about where it starts for a 20hr week.

Times have changed mate, and if builders and earthworks contractors are clearing 500k a year in Canberra i am petty sure specialists in there fields who contract to government are charging more than that. Five years ago i recall the going rate for one page of text in a report was starting at 1k per page, most of which was cut and paste.

These are the standing offer panels to attach yourself with if you are consulting.
https://www.tenders.gov.au/?event=public.advancedsearch.CNSONRedirect&type=sonEvent&atmType=archived%2Cclosed%2Cpublished%2Cproposed&agencyStatus=0&agencyUUID=&portfolioUUID=&keyword=&KeywordTypeSearch=AllWord&sonid=&dateType=current&dateStart=&dateEnd=&MultiAgencyAccess=1&supplierName=&supplierABN=&atmId=&AgencyRefId=&submit=Search

VYBerlinaV8_is_back4:43 pm 16 Jul 15

Rollersk8r said :

arescarti42 said :

watto23 said :

vintage123 said :

Most graduates spent the 18mths rotating through, then secured EL1 positions (this is pre job freeze) and those who chose not to stay would be snapped up by industry in consultancy positions with base salarys from 200k PA.

Yeah there really are not that many 200k PA jobs for people with 18 months public service experience and a degree. Admittedly you’d want to earn the 150-200k to offset the losses from not taking a EL1 job IMO.

There’s not that many 200kPA jobs full stop. Statistically (i.e. according to the ATO), that sort of income easily puts you within the top 2% of income earners, i.e. 98% of people earn less.

I’d also be pretty confident that that 2% is made up of people like senior CEOs, investment bankers, medical specialists, and business owners, not 22 year olds with an arts degree.

You might be surprised how many consultants earn over $200k in Canberra – although I completely agree they are NOT recent grads with 18 months APS experience.

+1. I know a number of people who make over $200k in permanent roles. If you’re prepared to contract, it’s actually not uncommon at all.

arescarti42 said :

watto23 said :

vintage123 said :

Most graduates spent the 18mths rotating through, then secured EL1 positions (this is pre job freeze) and those who chose not to stay would be snapped up by industry in consultancy positions with base salarys from 200k PA.

Yeah there really are not that many 200k PA jobs for people with 18 months public service experience and a degree. Admittedly you’d want to earn the 150-200k to offset the losses from not taking a EL1 job IMO.

There’s not that many 200kPA jobs full stop. Statistically (i.e. according to the ATO), that sort of income easily puts you within the top 2% of income earners, i.e. 98% of people earn less.

I’d also be pretty confident that that 2% is made up of people like senior CEOs, investment bankers, medical specialists, and business owners, not 22 year olds with an arts degree.

You might be surprised how many consultants earn over $200k in Canberra – although I completely agree they are NOT recent grads with 18 months APS experience.

watto23 said :

vintage123 said :

Most graduates spent the 18mths rotating through, then secured EL1 positions (this is pre job freeze) and those who chose not to stay would be snapped up by industry in consultancy positions with base salarys from 200k PA.

Yeah there really are not that many 200k PA jobs for people with 18 months public service experience and a degree. Admittedly you’d want to earn the 150-200k to offset the losses from not taking a EL1 job IMO.

There’s not that many 200kPA jobs full stop. Statistically (i.e. according to the ATO), that sort of income easily puts you within the top 2% of income earners, i.e. 98% of people earn less.

I’d also be pretty confident that that 2% is made up of people like senior CEOs, investment bankers, medical specialists, and business owners, not 22 year olds with an arts degree.

vintage123 said :

Most graduates spent the 18mths rotating through, then secured EL1 positions (this is pre job freeze) and those who chose not to stay would be snapped up by industry in consultancy positions with base salarys from 200k PA.

Yeah there really are not that many 200k PA jobs for people with 18 months public service experience and a degree. Admittedly you’d want to earn the 150-200k to offset the losses from not taking a EL1 job IMO. The PS remuneration and benefits are vastly superior to the half dozen private companies I’ve worked for.

Antagonist said :

VYBerlinaV8_is_back said :

If $$ is one of your career goals, then forget about starting salary. The real question is whether there is a clear and available path for promotion.

Lets take a quick look at the career path and see if one would bother …

* Ranger 1 – TO Level 1 – $56k-$60k – Tertiary qualification desirable.
* Ranger 2 – TO Level 2 – $62k-68k – Tertiary qualification desirable.
* Team Leader – TO Level 3 – $65k-$73k – Qualifications in Biology, Natural Resource Management, Environmental Science or similar highly desirable.
* Ranger in Charge – TO Level 4 – $75k-$86k – Relevant Tertiary qualifications in Natural and Cultural Resource Management / Park Management highly desirable.

Those are some very significant qualifications for jobs that have such lousy pay rates. After two promotions with said degree, one is only in the $65k-$73k salary range. Sorry, but Mr McNamara is dreaming.

Indeed. I have a degree in Environmental Management and could not find any work in the field when I graduated in the mid-90s. I went down the related path of databases and mapping – but then ended up as a generalist public servant. I’m sure my work is nowhere near as varied and interesting as a park ranger’s – but it sure pays the bills a lot better…

vintage123 said :

Antagonist said :

From a 40 year old set to graduate from UC this year, I won’t be bothering to apply. While I understand that I will be expected to start at the bottom with my new qualification, this pay rate is at least $10k below what I would be looking for as a starting point. The perks of the job do not compensate for the dismal pay rate.

The majority of undergraduates who transition into the APS do so through a Graduate Scheme, whereby they are employed at the APS5 level until they complete three 6mth work rotations. The average APS5 pay scale is $69k. They also are provided with assistance with accomodation, travel, removals and fast tracked through training courses and further development opportunities. 99% of the graduates in Canberra are then employed at an EL1 level with a base pay of $103k. This is the standard career progression in the APS in the ACT.

Geez what department do you work for ?

Graduates are employed at the APS 3 level on about $55-$60k, at the end of their 18 month stints they can apply for positions in bulk APS 5/6 rounds.

VYBerlinaV8_is_back said :

If $$ is one of your career goals, then forget about starting salary. The real question is whether there is a clear and available path for promotion.

Lets take a quick look at the career path and see if one would bother …

* Ranger 1 – TO Level 1 – $56k-$60k – Tertiary qualification desirable.
* Ranger 2 – TO Level 2 – $62k-68k – Tertiary qualification desirable.
* Team Leader – TO Level 3 – $65k-$73k – Qualifications in Biology, Natural Resource Management, Environmental Science or similar highly desirable.
* Ranger in Charge – TO Level 4 – $75k-$86k – Relevant Tertiary qualifications in Natural and Cultural Resource Management / Park Management highly desirable.

Those are some very significant qualifications for jobs that have such lousy pay rates. After two promotions with said degree, one is only in the $65k-$73k salary range. Sorry, but Mr McNamara is dreaming.

VYBerlinaV8_is_back9:49 am 16 Jul 15

If $$ is one of your career goals, then forget about starting salary. The real question is whether there is a clear and available path for promotion.

Bennop said :

vintage123 said :

Bennop said :

vintage123 said :

Antagonist said :

From a 40 year old set to graduate from UC this year, I won’t be bothering to apply. While I understand that I will be expected to start at the bottom with my new qualification, this pay rate is at least $10k below what I would be looking for as a starting point. The perks of the job do not compensate for the dismal pay rate.

…. 99% of the graduates in Canberra are then employed at an EL1 level with a base pay of $103k. This is the standard career progression in the APS in the ACT.

Any references to back up that 99% figure? In my experience it is more like 1%.

No scientific reference, i was only using my experience from the times i was employed to assist government agencies. From the 100 or so graduates whom i have managed over the years, only one i know about has not risen to EL1 or beyond. I just presumed thats how all departments would have worked. It seemed like the norm to me. Most graduates spent the 18mths rotating through, then secured EL1 positions (this is pre job freeze) and those who chose not to stay would be snapped up by industry in consultancy positions with base salarys from 200k PA.

I wonder if those were Central agencies you worked with? Its certainly not my experience. Of the 80 I started with , 5 years later around 20% are now EL1’s, and it took a couple of years to get there.

ATO, Defence and DMO.

vintage123 said :

Bennop said :

vintage123 said :

Antagonist said :

From a 40 year old set to graduate from UC this year, I won’t be bothering to apply. While I understand that I will be expected to start at the bottom with my new qualification, this pay rate is at least $10k below what I would be looking for as a starting point. The perks of the job do not compensate for the dismal pay rate.

…. 99% of the graduates in Canberra are then employed at an EL1 level with a base pay of $103k. This is the standard career progression in the APS in the ACT.

Any references to back up that 99% figure? In my experience it is more like 1%.

No scientific reference, i was only using my experience from the times i was employed to assist government agencies. From the 100 or so graduates whom i have managed over the years, only one i know about has not risen to EL1 or beyond. I just presumed thats how all departments would have worked. It seemed like the norm to me. Most graduates spent the 18mths rotating through, then secured EL1 positions (this is pre job freeze) and those who chose not to stay would be snapped up by industry in consultancy positions with base salarys from 200k PA.

I wonder if those were Central agencies you worked with? Its certainly not my experience. Of the 80 I started with , 5 years later around 20% are now EL1’s, and it took a couple of years to get there.

Bennop said :

vintage123 said :

Antagonist said :

From a 40 year old set to graduate from UC this year, I won’t be bothering to apply. While I understand that I will be expected to start at the bottom with my new qualification, this pay rate is at least $10k below what I would be looking for as a starting point. The perks of the job do not compensate for the dismal pay rate.

…. 99% of the graduates in Canberra are then employed at an EL1 level with a base pay of $103k. This is the standard career progression in the APS in the ACT.

Any references to back up that 99% figure? In my experience it is more like 1%.

No scientific reference, i was only using my experience from the times i was employed to assist government agencies. From the 100 or so graduates whom i have managed over the years, only one i know about has not risen to EL1 or beyond. I just presumed thats how all departments would have worked. It seemed like the norm to me. Most graduates spent the 18mths rotating through, then secured EL1 positions (this is pre job freeze) and those who chose not to stay would be snapped up by industry in consultancy positions with base salarys from 200k PA.

vintage123 said :

Antagonist said :

From a 40 year old set to graduate from UC this year, I won’t be bothering to apply. While I understand that I will be expected to start at the bottom with my new qualification, this pay rate is at least $10k below what I would be looking for as a starting point. The perks of the job do not compensate for the dismal pay rate.

The majority of undergraduates who transition into the APS do so through a Graduate Scheme, whereby they are employed at the APS5 level until they complete three 6mth work rotations. The average APS5 pay scale is $69k. They also are provided with assistance with accomodation, travel, removals and fast tracked through training courses and further development opportunities. 99% of the graduates in Canberra are then employed at an EL1 level with a base pay of $103k. This is the standard career progression in the APS in the ACT.

And while ACTGS continue to pay peanuts to rangers, graduates will continue to seek out the *far* better paid graduate programs in the ACTGS and APS. This leaves the mediocre graduates (or very experienced non-degree staff) to fight for the ranger positions – which often require a tertiary qualifications by the way. Good jobs. Lousy pay.

vintage123 said :

Antagonist said :

From a 40 year old set to graduate from UC this year, I won’t be bothering to apply. While I understand that I will be expected to start at the bottom with my new qualification, this pay rate is at least $10k below what I would be looking for as a starting point. The perks of the job do not compensate for the dismal pay rate.

…. 99% of the graduates in Canberra are then employed at an EL1 level with a base pay of $103k. This is the standard career progression in the APS in the ACT.

Any references to back up that 99% figure? In my experience it is more like 1%.

Antagonist said :

From a 40 year old set to graduate from UC this year, I won’t be bothering to apply. While I understand that I will be expected to start at the bottom with my new qualification, this pay rate is at least $10k below what I would be looking for as a starting point. The perks of the job do not compensate for the dismal pay rate.

The majority of undergraduates who transition into the APS do so through a Graduate Scheme, whereby they are employed at the APS5 level until they complete three 6mth work rotations. The average APS5 pay scale is $69k. They also are provided with assistance with accomodation, travel, removals and fast tracked through training courses and further development opportunities. 99% of the graduates in Canberra are then employed at an EL1 level with a base pay of $103k. This is the standard career progression in the APS in the ACT.

From a 40 year old set to graduate from UC this year, I won’t be bothering to apply. While I understand that I will be expected to start at the bottom with my new qualification, this pay rate is at least $10k below what I would be looking for as a starting point. The perks of the job do not compensate for the dismal pay rate.

Sandman said :

mcs said :

$70k to drive a bus around, plus all the other perks the bus drivers get – what a joke. No wonder Action costs so much money to run if that’s what they are paying their drivers.

You want low income shift workers in control of 10 tonne bricks being punted around our suburbs at speed?
I think there plenty more factors contributing to the running costs.

I doubt there are any that are larger than the overall wage costs of ACTION – see below link, employee expenses were $82 million in 2013-14. With 850ish staff, that is almost $100K per staff member per year – even taking into account on-costs, super etc, that seems pretty significant and over the top to me.

http://www.smh.com.au/act-news/chief-minister-andrew-barr-holds-out-threat-of-action-bus-sale-20150325-1m74f5.touch.html?skin=smart-phone

mcs said :

$70k to drive a bus around, plus all the other perks the bus drivers get – what a joke. No wonder Action costs so much money to run if that’s what they are paying their drivers.

You want low income shift workers in control of 10 tonne bricks being punted around our suburbs at speed?
I think there plenty more factors contributing to the running costs.

mcs said :

$70k to drive a bus around, plus all the other perks the bus drivers get – what a joke. No wonder Action costs so much money to run if that’s what they are paying their drivers.

It’s a good time to scope what the Capital Metro Tram drivers will get paid. The union representation appears to have been settled with the Canberra entrenched TWU coming out on top.
Now, back to the wages.
Common sense would indicate that there is less risk in driving a tram as it is on rails and if it comes off the rails it will suddenly stop. Not necessarily so for a bus. Accordingly tram drivers should be paid a lot less that our bus drivers in my opinion.

vintage123 said :

The base pay of $56568 is abismal. On top of that there is a weekend, overtime and public holiday roster.
Considering the average salary in Canberra is $90000, I am surprised the base pay is so low. Additionally ACT public school teachers were awarded a significant increase in their base pay last week taking the average ACT high school teacher salary to over $100k. If you want to attract hard working, responsible and career orientated candidates then surely you should offer a base salary to enable candidates to live, contribute and reside within their area of employment. Unfortunatley $56k is almost one third of the average ACT household income. Not good enough ACT Government.

You get to drive around in a cool SUV/4WD though. That’s got to be worth something.

$70k to drive a bus around, plus all the other perks the bus drivers get – what a joke. No wonder Action costs so much money to run if that’s what they are paying their drivers.

vintage123 said :

The base pay of $56568 is abismal. On top of that there is a weekend, overtime and public holiday roster.
Considering the average salary in Canberra is $90000, I am surprised the base pay is so low. Additionally ACT public school teachers were awarded a significant increase in their base pay last week taking the average ACT high school teacher salary to over $100k. If you want to attract hard working, responsible and career orientated candidates then surely you should offer a base salary to enable candidates to live, contribute and reside within their area of employment. Unfortunatley $56k is almost one third of the average ACT household income. Not good enough ACT Government.

They are advertising for bus drivers too and they get $68,179 pa

I’d love to be a ranger, but just couldn’t afford to do it given the cost of living in Canberra, especially when I already have a mortgage that needs paying (albeit a small mortgage), how could anyone afford to live on that salary in Canberra?!?

vintage123 said :

The base pay of $56568 is abismal. On top of that there is a weekend, overtime and public holiday roster.
Considering the average salary in Canberra is $90000, I am surprised the base pay is so low. Additionally ACT public school teachers were awarded a significant increase in their base pay last week taking the average ACT high school teacher salary to over $100k. If you want to attract hard working, responsible and career orientated candidates then surely you should offer a base salary to enable candidates to live, contribute and reside within their area of employment. Unfortunatley $56k is almost one third of the average ACT household income. Not good enough ACT Government.

And yet I bet they get heaps of applications. It’s a really in-demand job.

vintage123 said :

The base pay of $56568 is abismal. On top of that there is a weekend, overtime and public holiday roster.
Considering the average salary in Canberra is $90000, I am surprised the base pay is so low. Additionally ACT public school teachers were awarded a significant increase in their base pay last week taking the average ACT high school teacher salary to over $100k. If you want to attract hard working, responsible and career orientated candidates then surely you should offer a base salary to enable candidates to live, contribute and reside within their area of employment. Unfortunatley $56k is almost one third of the average ACT household income. Not good enough ACT Government.

Environment work is not where you go if you are looking to make a lot of money.

The base pay of $56568 is abismal. On top of that there is a weekend, overtime and public holiday roster.
Considering the average salary in Canberra is $90000, I am surprised the base pay is so low. Additionally ACT public school teachers were awarded a significant increase in their base pay last week taking the average ACT high school teacher salary to over $100k. If you want to attract hard working, responsible and career orientated candidates then surely you should offer a base salary to enable candidates to live, contribute and reside within their area of employment. Unfortunatley $56k is almost one third of the average ACT household income. Not good enough ACT Government.

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