Job Satisfaction at Department of Energy, Environment and Climate Action (DEECA)

At the moment my role is mostly bureaucratic, which is a bit unsatisfying given I am not using my science background. However the overall project I'm contributing to is science-based, and my manager is supportive in helping me find ways to do more science.

My current rotation is with an environmental assessment team within a regulator. Day-to-day this is mostly independent desk work. Occasionally site visits are required and travel across the state is required.

A wide variety of work keeps the role interesting, but managing my time is really important. Sometimes the work that I think is important is not what higher ups want to progress and you can feel pulled in different directions sometimes. At a district level work can be very reactionary which can feel frustrating. Being able to have an emergency role in addition to business as usual, makes work even more rewarding and variable. However, this also contributes to the importance of time management.

I work as a strategic planner in developing planning policy. The work is wide-ranging, but involves lots of communication, consultation with subject matter experts, research, socialisation of policy and relationship management. As a graduate, I don't have many responsibilities that I am held accountable for, as my work tends to be overseen by more senior colleagues, however the work that I do is meaningful and keeps me busy. Deadlines sometimes come out of nowhere and can be tight, however my workload is well managed and my team is available to pick up the slack for one another.

Assessing amendments and responding to minister enquiries

I currently work in an administrative role supporting the director within Forest, Fire and Regions Group. I attend committee meetings, develop procurement applications, write/collate monthly and quarterly business reports, network with others in my wider office, and contribute to my grad program activities.

I was supported to very quickly find projects within my work group that I am passionate about and I feel like I have enough influence to meaningfully implement these projects to make change.

Project tasks are stimulating and am empowered to provide opinions and steer direction. Not a whole lot of ad-hoc tasks being allocated.

Day-to-day tasks are quite mundane and not very exciting.