Indigenous Career Explorer Program

CSIRO acknowledges the Traditional Owners of the land, sea and waters, of the area that we live and work on across Australia. We acknowledge their continuing connection to their culture and pay our respects to their Elders past and present. Unique opportunity to gain experience at the CSIRO - Australia’s leading science agency Overview We are proud to pilot the Indigenous Career Explorer Program in Mineral Resources , a culturally safe entry pathway for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples to explore careers in the minerals and resources sector. You do not need to know research language or have worked in a lab before. This program is built for people who want to learn by doing, grow confidence, and explore what a future in minerals and science could look like. It gives you real workplace experience, strong cultural support, and time to discover what kind of work you enjoy. What you gain Hands on experience in mineral processing, laboratory analysis, sensing, sorting, and environmental research Support from experienced technicians and scientists in a collaborative team environment A stable base placement with structured shadowing experiences to explore different career paths Wraparound cultural, well‑being, and professional support from day one What is the Indigenous Career Explorer Program The Indigenous Career Explorer Program is a paid casual pilot pathway into CSIRO Mineral Resources for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. We are offering around 7 to 10 casual roles across Australia in Queensland, Western Australia, and New South Wales. These are Monday to Friday roles in standard business hours. Because the roles are casual, they are designed to be flexible within those weekday hours. Participants can work up to five days a week, or fewer days if needed, depending on study, family, cultural or community commitments. This makes the program suitable for school leavers, VET students, university students, and people who are studying in any way. Participants are offered a 12 month casual contract and are placed in one main team, so you have a steady base and consistent support. While you are there, you will also get chances to explore other roles and opportunities in minerals through shadowing and short project experiences. This helps you understand what different jobs are like in real life, build confidence step‑by‑step, and find what fits you best. In this program, you will gain hands on experience in mineral and environmental labs, learning things like: Preparing and testing rock, ore, soil, and water samples Supporting mineral processing and lab trials Using scientific machines to measure and analyze materials Recording results and learning how research supports industry and Country If the right opportunity is inside CSIRO, we will support you to step into it. If the next step is outside CSIRO, we will still walk with you and help connect you to external opportunities for the next part of your career journey. Looking for We are looking for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples who are ready to start their career journey in a supportive lab and research environment. No prior lab or minerals experience is required. If you are keen to learn, we will support you. To be considered you will need A basic education background or early work experience (school leaver, VET, uni, or community/work experience) Curiosity about science and a willingness to learn by doing Interest in practical, hands on lab work, and confidence to do physical tasks like lifting, bending, walking, and repeating movements safely Willingness to follow health and safety instructions and learn to use equipment properly Ability to work well in a team, including taking day to day direction from researchers and technicians Basic computer skills (Word, Outlook, Excel) or readiness to learn quickly, and an understanding that recording information accurately is part of the role Location Brisbane, or Townsville region QLD; Kensington, WA and Sydney, NSW. Salary AU$28.62 – AU$38.29 per hour, plus 25% casual loading and 15.4% superannuation. Duration 12 months (casual contract). Reference What kind of experience you will gain You will gain hands on experience in minerals and environmental research, working in safe, supportive labs with people who will teach you step by step. Your main placement will be in one team for stability, and you will also have chances to explore other roles through shadowing and short project opportunities. This helps you see what different jobs are really like, build confidence, and work out what fits you best. What you will do day to day With support from your team, you will: Prepare samples like rock, ore, soil, and water so they are ready for testing. Help with practical lab tasks such as crushing, grinding, separating minerals, and trial work. Use lab machines and tools to measure samples, then record results clearly. Help keep the lab safe and running smoothly by setting up, cleaning, and checking equipment. #J-18808-Ljbffr