About the APVMA
At the Australian Pesticides and Veterinary Medicines Authority (APVMA), our vision is to be a global leader in agricultural and veterinary (agvet) chemicals regulation for the benefit of Australia. We are a small agency of approximately 200 staff with offices in Armidale, NSW and Canberra, ACT.
The work we do at the APVMA has many benefits for the Australian community, including:
- Assisting farmers to ensure the food they produce is safe for human consumption
- Supporting primary producers in managing pests and diseases and growing viable crops
- Ensuring the agricultural and veterinary chemicals Australians use in and around our homes and gardens are safe for our households
- Keeping our pets healthy and safe through access to new veterinary medicine products
To find out more about us, check out our video about the APVMA.
About the Graduate Program
The APVMA Graduate Development Program offers an opportunity for recent STEM graduates to launch their careers in regulatory science. Our program provides a supportive environment where you'll acquire hands-on experience, interact with industry leaders, and play a key role in the regulation of agvet chemicals.
Where is the program based?
The APVMA has offices in Armidale, NSW and Canberra, ACT, so whether you prefer a country town or our nation’s capital, we’ve got a spot for you. Graduates can complete the program, as well as take advantage of our flexible working policies from Armidale or Canberra.
Why choose the APVMA?
- Meaningful impact – at the APVMA your work directly contributes to the effective regulation of agvet chemicals. Decisions you make help ensure the integrity of pesticides, veterinary medicines and agricultural chemicals, safeguarding human health and the environment.
- Professional development – our program is designed to nurture your talents and expand your skill set. You will work with passionate and highly skilled teams who are experts in their field, over 3 workplace rotations. All graduates also partake in the whole-of-APS Graduate Development Program, undertaking coaching and training with other graduates from across the APS. Upon completion of the program, we offer a range of professional development programs, including opportunities for further study.
- Career pathways – the Graduate Development Program is just the beginning! The APVMA offers diverse career pathways across the agency, including careers in areas such as pesticides, veterinary medicines, chemical review, efficacy and safety, or human health. No matter your area of study or passion, there’s a place for you to thrive.
- Work-life balance – we understand the importance of maintaining a healthy work-life balance. You will have a dedicated graduate supervisor for the duration of the program who works with you and your rotation team leader to get the balance right! The APVMA offers flexible work arrangements and supportive policies to prioritise your wellbeing.
Our program offers:
- Learning and development – a structured 12-month training and development program
- Program details – 3 workplace rotations across the APVMA, including in the Risk Assessment Capability program, the Registration Management program and the Business Enabling services program
- Salary – start at $78,439 plus 15.4% superannuation and progress to the APS Level 4 or APS Level 5 level upon successful completion of the program
- Supervisor – you will have a dedicated graduate supervisor available throughout the recruitment process and graduate program to assist with your transition to the APVMA and get the most from our program
- Location options – Armidale or Canberra
- Relocation package – if you are required to relocate, we will assist with the relocation of household furniture and goods, pets, vehicles, and reasonable expenses, as well as up to 21 days temporary accommodation in your new location
About your workplace rotations
At the APVMA, you will undertake 3 workplace rotations over the duration of the Graduate Development Program. You will spend 4 months in a team from each of the programs below, allowing you to experience the full variety of work the APVMA has to offer.
- Risk Assessment Capability – this program conducts risk assessment for agvet chemicals and manages chemical reviews to ensure the safety of people, animals and the environment. You might work in a team such as chemical review, human health, environment, efficacy and safety, chemistry and manufacturing or residues and trade.
- Registration Management – this program looks after the 13,769 products registered with the APVMA. They also issue permits, review chemicals to ensure they remain safe and effective for use, license veterinary manufacturers and monitor compliance in those areas. You might work in a team such as pesticides, veterinary medicines, permits and minor use or manufacturing quality and licencing.
- Business Enabling Services – spend some time in the enquiries team; the first point of contact for stakeholders seeking advice or information from the APVMA. Work with staff from all areas of the APVMA to answer questions or develop standard responses for common enquiries.
Eligibility
To apply, you must:
- be an Australian citizen
- have completed a minimum 3 year undergraduate degree in a STEM field within the last 5 years
- be able to obtain and maintain a baseline security clearance
- be prepared to relocate to Armidale or Canberra.
Fast facts
- APS level on commencement: APS Level 3
- APS level on completion: APS Level 4 or APS Level 5
- Starting salary: $78,439 + 15.4% superannuation
- Salary upon completion: $80 969 to $88 932 + 15.4% superannuation
- Location: Armidale, NSW or Canberra, ACT – relocation assistance available
- Commencement: Early February 2025
How to apply
Applications for the 2025 APVMA Graduate Development Program via the Australian Government Graduate Program are currently closed. Applications for the 2026 Program will open in March 2025 via the APSJobs website.