Employment Information Package

Thank you for your inquiry about the recently advertised vacancy. This document has been prepared to assist you in applying for vacant positions in the Australian Astronomical Observatory (AAO). Please read the following information before submitting an application.

Application Package

· The advertisement

· The job description

· The selection criteria

· The job application cover sheet (** this must be submitted with your job application **) Word Version

Merit Principle

The AAO applies the merit principle in appointments and promotions. The merit principle requires that selections are based on the abilities, qualifications, experience, personal qualities and the standard of work performance of the applicants. Potential for future development is also considered.

The Merit Principle precludes discrimination, patronage and favouritism in the process and aims to ensure that the selection is based on fair and open competition and is in accordance with EEO principles.

Statement Against Selection Criteria

When preparing your application, please ensure you address the specified selection criteria by making a “Statement Against the Selection Criteria”.  All vacant positions within the AAO are filled on MERIT and specified selection criteria. When writing your application it is therefore essential that you address the selection criteria thoroughly. The recommended method of ensuring that all areas are covered is to list each of the selection criteria as headings and for each of them explain the relevance of your abilities, experience, qualifications, standard of work performance and personal qualities. Addressing the selection criteria is the most important part of your application, as the information provided will be used as the basis for shortlisting applicants for interview.

Lodging Your Application

It is required that you lodge your application electroncially. You need to follow the instructions at http://innovationjobs.nga.net.au. (Follow the link to Australian Astronomical Observatory jobs.) 

The Selection Interview

Interviews in the AAO are typically conducted by a small group of people known as the selection panel.

Progress of Your Application

After the closing date the Selection Committee will assess all applications and shortlist based on evidence presented against the selection criteria.  Please be aware that this can sometimes take a few weeks, depending on other commitments.

Further Information About the Australian Astronomical Observatory

For further information about the Australian Astronomical Observatory, please refer to our world wide web home page www.aao.gov.au

How to find the Australian Astronomical Observatory - Epping Laboratories

The street address of the Australian Astronomical Observatory (AAO) is 167 Vimiera Road Eastwood. We are located on the CSIRO Radiophysics site, although we are not actually part of the CSIRO (the AAO is clearly signposted). Once you enter the site from 167 Vimiera Road follow the private road down to the end and turn left at the give way sign.

The AAO reception is on the first floor in the large grey concrete building on your left known as the Massey Building. Look out for the green and cream "Australian Astronomical Observatory" timber sign at the front of the grey building.

If you are driving to the AAO you can enter the grounds between 8:00am and 5:00pm without making arrangements with security. Parking is located at the end of the private road to your right.

If you are catching public transport allow about 25 minutes to walk from Epping station or about 35 minutes to walk from Eastwood station. There is a bus from Epping station. The closest bus stop is in front of Epping Boys High School, on Epping Road. After you alight cross over Epping Road and walk down Vimiera Road to number 167.

Bus routes 288, 289, 290 and 291 travel between the city and Epping. If you are catching the bus from the city check timetables carefully as some routes can take over an hour to get to Epping.