Position Overview
| Position Title | Student Services Officer |
| Organisation/Entity | National Parks & Wildlife Service |
| Job Location | Parramatta (Location Negotiable) |
| Work Type | Ongoing, Full-Time |
| Base Pay | $93,295 to $102,941 + super |
| Closing Date | 10 December 2024 at 11:55 PM |
Discover the Role of a Student Services Officer at National Parks & Wildlife Service
Are you passionate about education and the environment? The National Parks & Wildlife Service (NPWS) is seeking a dedicated Student Services Officer to join our team. In this role, you will provide invaluable support and guidance to NPWS learners as they undertake training programs that contribute to the conservation of New South Wales’s natural environment, flora, fauna, and Aboriginal heritage.
As the primary point of contact for student enquiries, you’ll offer advice on course entry requirements, pathways, and recognition options. You’ll maintain communication with students after workshops to encourage and support the completion of portfolio assessment activities. Key responsibilities include analysing training certificates, data entry of learning outcomes, and liaising with multiple stakeholders—including students, trainers, and other Registered Training Organisations (RTOs). This role may require some intrastate travel throughout the year.
Challenges and Opportunities in the Student Services Officer Role
The role of a Student Services Officer is both challenging and rewarding. You’ll navigate the dynamic environment of education administration within the NPWS, supporting a diverse range of learners in their training and development. Key challenges include:
- Providing exceptional customer service to students with varying needs and backgrounds.
- Efficiently managing a high volume of student data and learning outcomes.
- Liaising with multiple stakeholders across different departments and external organisations.
- Adapting to occasional intrastate travel to support training programs and workshops.
These challenges present unique opportunities to develop your skills in education administration, customer service, and project management within the public sector.
Why You Should Apply for the Student Services Officer Position
Considering a career in organisational training and development? This position offers a fantastic entry point into a thriving industry within the public sector. Becoming a professional in the training and development space is a highly sought-after skill, valued across industries for its critical role in fostering growth, improving performance, and driving organisational success.
Mastering these skills positions you as an expert in workforce development and sets you up for a wide range of future job opportunities. From leadership roles in HR and learning design to consulting positions in talent management, the demand for skilled training and development professionals continues to grow.
This role is your chance to build a strong foundation in a dynamic, rewarding field and create a career that can take you anywhere. Plus:
- Entry-Level Government Role: An excellent starting point for those looking to establish a career in organisational training and development, a significant and growing field in the NSW public sector.
- Potential for Career Growth: Opportunities to progress within the NPWS and the broader NSW public sector.
- Flexible Job Location: While based in Parramatta, the location is negotiable to suit your needs.
- Work with a Purpose: Contribute to the conservation and protection of NSW’s environment and heritage.
- Join a Dedicated Team: Be part of a team committed to making a real difference in environmental conservation.
- Great Conditions: Access to leave including Accrued days off in addition to Annual Leave
Application Requirements
How to Apply
If you’re excited by this opportunity, make sure you put your best case forward. You need to ensure you meet all the requirements from the job ad just to ensure an interview!
- A current resume outlining your work experience and qualifications.
- A cover letter expressing your interest and suitability for the role.
Please note that applications close on Tuesday, 10 December 2024 at 11:55 PM.
It’s important to tailor your resume and cover letter to address the specific requirements of the role. Ensure that you highlight your relevant experience and how it aligns with the role’s essential requirements and focus capabilities.
Want help with your cover letter?
Get your cover letter reviewed by a NSW Government Recruitment Expert.
Essential Requirements for the Role
Before applying, ensure you can address the following essential requirements:
- Tertiary qualifications and/or previous experience in administrative and support services, training and assessment, or project management.
- Knowledge of the vocational education and training sector, with experience working in a Registered Training Organisation (RTO) environment.
Desirable Skills and Experience
While not mandatory, the following skills and experiences will be beneficial:
- Excellent customer service and communication skills.
- Ability to work both independently and collaboratively within a team.
- Experience in data analysis and managing student records.
- Adaptability and willingness to travel intrastate as required.
Your Application Checklist
| Item | Completed |
|---|---|
| Current resume included | [ ] |
| Cover letter | [ ] |
| Essential requirements addressed | [ ] |
| Focus capabilities reviewed and incorporated | [ ] |
| Application submitted before closing date | [ ] |
Aligning with the NSW Capability Framework
To strengthen your application, it’s important to review the role description and understand the focus capabilities required. The NSW Capability Framework outlines the knowledge, skills, and abilities needed to perform effectively in public sector roles. You can learn more about it here.
In your cover letter and resume, be sure to address these focus capabilities by providing examples of how your experience aligns with them. Demonstrating your understanding of the framework shows your readiness to meet the challenges of the role.
Meet Jane: A Candidate Like You
Jane is a dedicated professional with a background in customer service and administrative support within the hospitality industry.
Passionate about education and the environment, she’s eager to transition into the public sector and contribute to organisational training and development. Jane is excited about the opportunity to apply her skills to support learners at the NPWS and make a meaningful impact.
Example Cover Letter for Student Services Officer Application
[Your Name]
[Your Address]
[Your Email Address]
[Your Phone Number]
[Date]
Recruitment Team
National Parks & Wildlife Service
[Email Address]
Dear Hiring Manager,
I am writing to express my interest in the Student Services Officer position with the National Parks & Wildlife Service, as advertised on the iworkfor.nsw.gov.au website. With a strong background in customer service and administrative support within the hospitality industry, I am eager to bring my skills and passion for education and the environment to this role.
Having worked for over five years in hospitality, I have developed exceptional communication skills and a keen ability to support diverse clientele. My experience has equipped me with the organisational skills necessary to manage multiple tasks efficiently, which I believe aligns well with the responsibilities of the Student Services Officer position.
In my previous role as an Administrative Assistant at GreenFace Resort, I was responsible for coordinating staff training sessions and maintaining records of employee certifications. This experience has given me insight into the importance of supporting learners and managing training data effectively.
One example that highlights my ability to support and guide individuals occurred when I noticed that new staff members were struggling with our complex onboarding process at my previous workplace. Many felt overwhelmed and unsure about their responsibilities, leading to delays in becoming fully operational. (Situation) Recognising this issue, I took the initiative to create a comprehensive onboarding guide designed to streamline the process and provide clarity for new hires. (Task) I collaborated closely with department heads to gather detailed role-specific information, identified common challenges faced by new staff, and designed a series of user-friendly materials, including checklists, FAQs, and training outlines. I also incorporated feedback from recent hires to ensure the guide addressed their needs effectively. (Action) As a result, new employees reported feeling more confident and better prepared, and management noted a 20% reduction in onboarding time, improving overall efficiency. (Result)
Additionally, I have experience liaising with diverse stakeholders to ensure the success of collaborative initiatives. For instance, while organising a charity fundraiser at the resort where I worked, I needed to coordinate between suppliers, staff, and the partnering charity organisation to bring the event to life. (Situation) My task was to ensure seamless communication and alignment of goals among all parties involved. (Task) I scheduled and facilitated meetings, negotiated with suppliers for event materials and catering, and kept all stakeholders informed of updates and timelines through regular email briefings and progress reports. I also delegated specific tasks to team members to ensure smooth execution. (Action) The event was a resounding success, raising over $10,000 for the cause, and received glowing feedback from the charity, attendees, and staff for its organisation and impact. (Result)
I hold a Diploma of Business Administration and am familiar with the vocational education and training sector through my involvement in staff development programs. While I have not worked directly in a Registered Training Organisation environment, my experience in coordinating training sessions and supporting staff development has given me valuable insights relevant to this role.
I am particularly drawn to this position because it represents an excellent opportunity to contribute to the conservation efforts of the NPWS while advancing my career in organisational training and development—a field I am passionate about. I am confident that my skills and experience make me a strong candidate for this role.
Thank you for considering my application. I look forward to the opportunity to discuss how I can contribute to the National Parks & Wildlife Service team.
Yours sincerely,
[Your Name]
Want help with your cover letter?
Get your cover letter reviewed by a NSW Government Recruitment Expert.
Mastering the STAR Technique
The STAR technique is a structured method for responding to behavioural-based interview questions by discussing the specific Situation, Task, Action, and Result of the experience. It’s widely used in public sector applications and interviews to assess a candidate’s competencies.
Situation: Set the context by describing the circumstance where you used the skills or qualities required.
Task: Explain the actual task or challenge involved.
Action: Describe the specific actions you took to address the task.
Result: Share the outcomes of your actions, highlighting your accomplishments and what you learned.
In Jane’s cover letter, she uses the STAR technique to illustrate her experience in supporting a diverse range of customers and managing administrative tasks efficiently. Incorporating STAR examples in your application can effectively demonstrate your suitability for the role.
Get Ready for Your Interview
Congratulations if you’ve been invited to an interview! Preparation is key to success. The NSW Public Service Commission provides a capability application tool with example interview questions to help you prepare.
Here are some example questions likely for this role:
- Can you provide an example of a time when you identified or addressed unethical behavior in the workplace? How did you handle the situation, and what was the outcome?
- Tell us about a time when you needed to explain a complex idea or policy to someone unfamiliar with it. How did you ensure they understood, and what was the result?
- Describe a situation where you worked with a team to achieve a shared goal. How did you contribute, and how did you ensure effective collaboration?
- Can you share an example of when you had to deliver a critical project or task within a tight timeframe or budget? How did you manage resources and ensure quality outcomes?
- Have you ever encountered a conflict of interest in the workplace? How did you communicate the issue, manage it transparently, and ensure compliance with policies?
During the interview, expect questions that assess your competencies in customer service, organisational skills, and teamwork. Be prepared to provide specific examples using the STAR technique.
Good Luck!
Securing the position of Student Services Officer with the National Parks & Wildlife Service is not just a job—it’s a chance to contribute to meaningful environmental conservation efforts while advancing your career in organisational training and development. We encourage you to take the next step and apply, bringing your unique skills and passion to the team.
