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

alas the graduate salary does start low, although this is somewhat made up for by the personal L&D budget and the accelerated career promotions that grads in this program typically see after completing it. Personally I was happy to take the Salary hit for two years knowing it would pay dividend both in my personal development and career going forward but it is a consideration each person should make for themselves.

No bonuses for performance or meeting KPIs. Wages are paid fortnightly based on a union-agreed wage, which is Google-able. Wage increases are yearly only, and sometimes negotiable.

I am living paycheck to paycheck, especially given recent rent rises. Recent agreed pay rises do not match projected inflation. Working at a VPS2 grade for 2 years as a graduate is a great deal of sacrifice. I took a $10,000 per annum pay cut to work for the public service and I am ineligible for incremental pay increases whilst I'm a graduate. So, my particular pay situation makes me feel undervalued here at DEECA.

I am on a graduate wage which is very low, but we do have lots of opportunities that other employees don't have.

I think a graduate salary could be slightly higher. I was getting paid to work at my local cinema than I am here. I had to study for 4 years to get this position so even if it was $1 more an hr it would be appreciated (especially in this current cost of living)

the new working agreement includes some slight real pay losses but also a cost of living bonus which is appreciated. When considering super, the bonus, and the L&D budget we have access to, the pay is pretty competitive for a graduate (particularly in government).

Pay is good for the initial step between University training and professional employment. Sometimes asked to do work that is probably beyond the current pay scale - but important to keep in mind that it is a learning / development opportunity. Plus - incredible perks for L&D and guaranteed employment.

My current salary is the highest I have ever earnt and there are clear pathways to moving to higher band in the future so I have no complaints.

As far as I'm aware, we don't have bonuses, but that doesn't mean they aren't there. We are paid in accordance with the VPS enterprise agreement. There are also salary packages available and flexible work arrangements that you can negotiate with your managers.

Unfortunately, government wages don't allow an incentive-based bonus

Pay for graduates is quite low. Some graduates have had opportunities for higher honours, essentially an acting arrangement within their team due to their higher work output. However, I feel unable to broach this topic with my manager despite my output exceeding that expected of a graduate.

In government our pay structures are properly regulated.

It's enough to pay my rent, but difficult as I need to move often for my job so I am at the mercy of short term expensive leases.

I very much doubt that they give out any bonuses. The graduate pay is quite low when compared to the equivalent ongoing roles. Considering that I have a masters degree I feel that I am undervalued.

There is a good pay structure established but I am at the bottom of it and so my pay is limited. I do not know how bonuses work yet.

Emergency work is a big one for me. Having the secondary emergency role and the opportunities to work across the state (and sometimes even national or internationally) is a great compliment. Its a good way to earn a bit more money, support communities and learn new skills as well. The other big perk for me is the ability to get involved with conservation and ecological projects, monitoring endangered species, supporting released populations, mapping changing biomes over time. There is always a lot of cool stuff going on and most of these teams are happy to have an extra helping hand.

We have very generous leave policies. But no perks.

Flexible working arrangements

TIL, holidays at half pay

half pay leave ! the events for the science graduates, and i suppose the general 'grad card' approach which allows you to prioritise your grad experience.

Flexible work, moving expenses, Grad connections (a HUGE support network very early in your career), training & L&D, multiple roles to test what you like and what you don't

As part of the grad program there is the opportunity to travel around Victoria and stay in very fancy hotels with very fancy food paid for. Travel is also not uncommon for people in non grad roles although I think grad accommodation is generally fancier. This might be a bit of a weird one but I also really enjoy the ability to hold an emergency response role as part of the department, it opens up all new opportunities for training and development and it's really rewarding to help the community during emergencies.

Very limited perks, as is expected in government. Most extracurricular activities are at one's own expense. However, the graduate program provides very generous learning and development funding, and this is also available for directly applicable uses through funding allocated to my branch.

For emergency roles we have fit-for-fire: getting paid during work hours to stay fit.

Moving expenses can be covered by the team that you go to.