The Evergreen Program
The Evergreen Program is an entry-level program for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. It combines work experience at the Australian Taxation Office (ATO) with formal training. You can develop your professional and technical skills in a supportive environment and receive a competitive salary.
We recognise the diverse skills of our people. Your work will be meaningful and make a real difference to the lives of Australians.
Applications for the 2021 Evergreen Program are now closed.
On this page:
See also:
Program overview
Our Evergreen Program:
- is an 18-month development program that combines work experience and formal training
- is a full-time role
- leads to a permanent job with the ATO on successful completion.
What we offer
As part of the program we offer:
- a national, intensive and challenging program
- a starting salary of over $55,000 (APS 2 level)
- two nine-month work rotations, with the opportunity to work in a variety of roles
- regular training in a wide range of topics, including
- how government works
- introduction to tax and superannuation
- professional workplace skills
- support from a dedicated program manager, rotation team leaders and buddies
- secure and competitive employment conditions
- an opportunity to work in one of the largest Australian Public Service (APS) organisations.
On successful completion of the program you will:
- have a permanent job
- receive formal recognition for completing the program
- obtain a formal Certificate IV qualification
- advance to an APS 3 and be paid a salary of over $63,000 with excellent superannuation benefits
- receive a variety of employee benefits, including leave conditions, annual salary advancement, and flexible working hours.
Evergreen eligibility
To apply for the Evergreen Program, you need to meet certain requirements. You must be able to provide written evidence that you:
- are of Australian Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander descent
- identify as an Australian Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander
- are accepted as an Australian Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander in the community in which you live or have lived
- are an Australian citizen (section 22 of the Public Service Act 1999 requires APS employees to be Australian citizens).
Our ideal candidates
Our ideal Evergreen candidates:
- have competent written and verbal communication skills and customer service experience
- have good computer skills and can operate in a Windows environment
- will work in a scheduled, telephone-based environment
- are resilient, flexible and independent
- are team players
- take a proactive approach to their work and embrace challenges
- show a willingness to learn
- contribute in delivering real outcomes for all Australians
- are passionate, committed, professional, energetic and determined in serving the community.
Work rotations
During the program, you will:
- complete two work rotations
- work in a variety of roles
- build networks within your site and the wider ATO
- have the opportunity to do rewarding types of work.
Roles
Your work rotation may include one or more of the following work types:
Client engagement
In this role, you will undertake case work in various market segments.
Your tasks may include:
- ensuring taxpayers are meeting their obligations and complying with tax legislation, regulations and standards
- obtaining information and providing advice to clients
- conducting field, phone and desk audits
- reviewing and assessing tax returns to determine compliance
- interpreting taxation legislation and procedures
- developing and implementing compliance improvement strategies.
Administration officer
In this role, you will support and help organise our business areas.
Your tasks may include:
- managing and maintaining records and information
- liaising and communicating with our stakeholders
- compiling and preparing documents, reports and correspondence
- general reporting
- data management and reporting.
Client experience officer
In this role, you will undertake a range of customer service activities in an ATO call centre. This could be within various areas of the ATO.
Your tasks may include:
- assisting the community to resolve a broad range of customer enquiries
- providing technical advice on legislative, policy and procedures
- verifying and updating data
- recording of interactions in our business information systems.
Training and support
The Evergreen Program aims to train, support and prepare you for an ongoing career with the ATO. We are building a client focused culture and preparing for the workplace of the future.
Find out about:
Activities
As part of the program you will undertake a variety of training activities, including:
- group discussions
- training workshops
- on-the-job training
- research assignments or projects
- self-assessments
- case studies and scenario analysis.
Professional skills training
We are building a leading tax and superannuation administration known for contemporary service and expertise.
Our aim is to train you in the skills required for a corporate environment. It is a vital part of the program and one we'll work hard with you to achieve.
We'll provide you with professional development opportunities. This will help you work within the ATO and the public service environment.
Technical training
As well as work placements, you'll receive technical training. These topics will be relevant to your rotation placement throughout the program.
Accreditation
You will be able to complete a Certificate IV in one of the following courses:
- Project Management Practice
- Business Administration
- Government.
The course will be delivered by TAFE NSW in a supported online format.
Support
You will have a program manager who will guide you in your professional development. They will provide tools to help you with your career development.
For each work rotation, you'll also have a different team leader. Your team leader will guide and support you in your specific work roles.
The ATO Evergreen Program is for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. It combines work experience and formal training over 18 months, with a permanent job on completion.