Working in the ATSB

It's great you’re thinking of applying for a role with us. Visit our current vacancies to see our advertised opportunities.

Here are some important details about the application process, some advice on submitting your application and information on what it's like to work with us. 

Eligibility

To be eligible to apply for a job with us, you must:

• be an Australian citizen
• already hold, or be willing to obtain and maintain, the relevant Australian Government Security clearance required for the job (this is specified in the position description). 

We will support you through this process.

Why work with us?

Working at the ATSB gives you the opportunity, whether as a transport safety investigator or in a corporate supporting role to contribute to the prevention of loss of life and property for passengers and crews of aircraft, trains and ships operating in Australia.

Our vision and purpose

Our vision is transport without accidents and our purpose statement is to Influence transport safety improvements for the greatest public benefit through independent no-blame investigations and fostering safety awareness. 

Developed and led by staff our Strategic Plan provides a clear roadmap for how we investigate, influence and conduct research for a future without transport accidents. 

Who are we looking for?

To fulfil our vision we are looking for people who are passionate about finding the truth, open to new ideas, enjoy being challenged and committed to making a difference

We offer

• An inclusive workplace.
• Opportunities to grow and expand your skills, experience, and education.
• Flexible working arrangements.
• A workplace that strives to treat everyone with dignity and respect. 

Benefits that work for you

• 15.4 per cent superannuation employer contribution
• Salary packaging options
• Flexible working arrangements
• A range of family-friendly policies
• Professional development 

More information is in our Enterprise Agreement 2024-2027 

Our commitment to you                         

Our people are our greatest strength. We are committed to supporting the health and wellbeing of our staff, working together to build a safe, strong, and thriving workforce by:

• taking a zero-tolerance approach to harassment, discrimination, and workplace bullying
• implementing our Health and Wellbeing Strategy
• providing our people and their families access to free, comprehensive, and confidential health and wellbeing support.

Inclusive culture

Diversity, inclusion, and wellbeing 

We recognise we are stronger when we draw on the broad range of perspectives, experiences and specialised skills of our people and support and encourage the unique way that each person contributes to the work of the ATSB. 

Reconciliation at the ATSB

The ATSB commenced its Reconciliation journey in 2024 with the development of its Reflect Reconciliation Action Plan (RAP). 

Our RAP provides clear guidance on how we can create a workplace that supports and develops innovative strategies to ensure Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, with their unique experiences and perspectives, can contribute to the success of the ATSB based on truth telling and a shared understanding of our nation’s history. As part of our Reflect Reconciliation Action Plan, the ATSB's collection of indigenous art is once again on display in the ATSB head office in Canberra. 

Inclusive recruitment processes 

We welcome applications from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders, women, people with disability, people from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds, those who identify as LGBTQIA+, mature aged employees and those with caring responsibilities. 

The ATSB is a signatory to the Rail Gender Equity Charter(Opens in a new tab/window). 

We can help support you in applying for a position with us. Contact us on ATSB-HR@atsb.gov.au to learn more. 

How to apply

Prepare your application

Once you find a role you're interested in, you need to prepare an application that demonstrates why you're the best candidate. Here are some tips to help you stand out.

• Make sure it’s the right job for you.
  • Read the Application Information Kit carefully so you're clear about the role.
  • Review the application form so you know what you need to include.
  • Make sure you're eligible to apply for the job. Remember you must be an Australian citizen for all roles with us unless otherwise stated.
• Tell us why you’re the best candidate for the role.
  • This is the most important part of your application. Your answers will be used to shortlist applicants for interview/further assessment.
  • You'll be asked to include a statement addressing:
    • how your skills, knowledge and experiences make you the right person for the job
    • key examples demonstrating your suitability.
• How to make your answers shine
  • Clearly demonstrate how you satisfy the skills/capabilities to the level required.
  • Use examples of achievements which can be verified by a referee.
  • Only include relevant information outlining your achievements.
  • Be concise.
  • Tailor your answers to the role description.
• Update your resume.
  • Ensure your resume has relevant information, is up to date and no longer than two pages.
• Provide referees.
  • You'll be asked to nominate two referees and their contact numbers in your application. Ideally one will be your current supervisor.
• Prepare a draft in a Word document.
  • Before you submit your application it's a good idea to check the word count and spelling.
• Don’t miss the deadline.
  • It's your responsibility to ensure your application is completed by the closing date and time specified in the job advertisement.

Want more? The Australian Public Service Commission provides advice on preparing your statement.

Cracking the code | Australian Public Service Commission (apsc.gov.au)(Opens in a new tab/window)

Submit your application

Please send your application along with the ATSB Application Coversheet and a copy of your current resume to jobs@atsb.gov.au.  

If you require any assistance in terms of submitting your application, please contact our Recruitment Officer at jobs@atsb.gov.au. 

More resources

For more information on working in the Australian Public Service (APS) and how to apply, check out these resources:

Joining the APS | Australian Public Service Commission (apsc.gov.au)(Opens in a new tab/window)

Australian Public Service code of conduct

• Everyone who works with us is expected to uphold the Australian Public Service (APS) values and code of conduct.
• Key behaviours include:
  • behaving honestly and with integrity
  • acting with care and diligence
  • treating everyone with respect and courtesy.
• Learn more about the code here(Opens in a new tab/window).

Frequently asked questions

• When do you advertise?
  • The ATSB recruits on an operational needs basis. Roles are advertised on APSjobs(Opens in a new tab/window), and the ATSB website and social media channels.
• Can I apply if I am not an Australian citizen?
  • Unless otherwise mentioned in the application kit, you need to be an Australian citizen to be considered.
• Do you have age limits for applicants?
  • Anyone 18 and over can apply.
• Do you have any fitness requirements?
  • As a transport safety investigator, you will need to attend an Australian Public Service medical examination to ensure you are able to be safely deployed to an accident site.
  • Those appointed to a non-investigative role and are new to the Australian Public Service will need to undergo an Australian Public Service medical examination. We will organise this for you.
  • Transport safety investigators also need to undergo standardised medication examinations at:
    • 4-yearly intervals until reaching 39 years of age (inclusive)
    • 2-yearly intervals from 40 years of age until reaching 59 years of age (inclusive)
    • annually from 60 years of age (inclusive) to retirement.
• Starting salary?
  • In most cases transport safety investigators are initially employed at the Australian Public Service 6 Level. Salaries are listed in our Enterprise Agreement.
• What allowances are available?
  • As a transport safety investigator, following successful completion of probation and associated training you will be eligible for the on-call roster allowance.
• What about career advancement?
  • Transport safety investigator roles are broad banded, meaning that a transport safety investigator can progress to a Senior Transport safety investigator classification as their investigative skills develop. The ATSB provides a comprehensive framework and development pathway to support transport safety investigators to progress through the broad band.
• Do you have a graduate program?
  • Recruited on an operational needs basis, ATSB Entry Level Technical Officers undertake a specific development program designed to provide them with the necessary skills and experience to be successful at the ATSB.
• Where will I be working?
  • We have offices in Canberra, Brisbane, Melbourne, and Perth.
  • The ATSB supports flexible work arrangements including working from home. More information is available in our Enterprise Agreement.