Become a Surveillance Officer in Training with Transport for NSW
| Position Title | Surveillance Officer in Training |
| Organisation/Entity | Transport for NSW |
| Job Location | Sydney Region / Sydney City |
| Work Type | 2-year Traineeship |
| Base Pay | $77,506 plus superannuation |
| Closing Date | 8th December 2024 – 11:59 PM |
Are you eager to launch a rewarding career in the construction industry? Transport for NSW is offering a unique opportunity to become a Surveillance Officer in Training.
This two-year traineeship will immerse you in the world of government, construction, and maintenance projects across Sydney. You’ll rotate every six months within different teams in our Sydney Project Delivery Group, gaining invaluable experience and building a robust professional network.
As a Surveillance Officer in Training, you will play a key role in ensuring projects are delivered on time and meet all specified requirements.
Under the guidance of your supervising Surveillance Officer, you will visit construction sites for road and bridge projects within Sydney’s Project Delivery area. Your responsibilities will include observing routine construction activities and assisting with more complex surveillance tasks related to maintenance and construction works.
This role offers the opportunity to collaborate with a wide range of professionals involved in each project. You’ll engage with contractors, suppliers, design engineers, Transport engineers, and administrative staff, gaining valuable insight into all levels of project delivery and teamwork.
Challenges for Surveillance Officers in Training
As a Surveillance Officer in Training, you’ll be on the front lines of some of Australia’s most significant infrastructure projects. The role demands adaptability, strong communication skills, and the ability to navigate the complexities of large-scale construction initiatives. You’ll travel to various construction sites across the Sydney metropolitan area, ensuring that projects meet quality standards and are delivered on time.
Reasons to Apply for Surveillance Officer in Training
This opportunity is perfect for anyone looking to take their first step into the public sector, construction industry, or project management. No prior experience is required, making it an ideal pathway for those eager to start a new career.
One of the standout features of this program is the availability of multiple positions. While it’s expected to attract a large number of applicants, the fact that there are several roles up for grabs increases your chances of securing a spot.
What sets this traineeship apart is its focus on career development. With structured training and clear pathways for growth, you’ll gain the skills and experience needed to build a successful, long-term career.
The roles are spread across various locations in Sydney, giving you the chance to work at different sites and gain diverse, hands-on experience in the field.
Best of all, you’ll be paid to learn. Enjoy the stability of government-backed pay while completing your traineeship, setting yourself up for both financial security and professional growth.
Application Requirements for Surveillance Officer in Training
Application Process
To apply for the Surveillance Officer in Training position, you’ll need to:
- Submit an online application through the Transport for NSW careers portal.
- Include a cover letter and an up-to-date resume.
- You must ensure you address the essential requirements of the role as well.
If you’re unfamiliar with NSW Public Sector applications, here’s what you need to know: the process is designed to assess your capabilities and suitability for the role thoroughly. Be prepared to provide detailed information about your skills, experiences, and how they align with the job requirements.
How to address the Essential Role Requirements – Surveillance Officers in Training
Below are the essential role requirements as listed in the role description.
- Strong Numeracy, Literacy, and Communication Skills: You’ll need to communicate effectively and understand complex information.
- Valid Australian Driver’s Licence: Travel to various construction sites is a core part of the role.
- Ability to Complete a Certificate IV in Construction (Supervision): You’ll undertake this qualification while working.
You will get a chance to confirm these details during your application.
Your well written cover letter will help you demonstrate your numeracy, literacy and communication skills.
The other two requirements are simple yes/no questions. They are questions on the application form that you must agree to, but I recommend that you also address these in your cover letter. Doing so will further demonstrate your understanding of what the role requires.
Desirable Experience
If you can talk about any of the below in your cover letter as well, that will help you stand out!
- Prior Construction Experience: Not essential but will give you a head start.
- Good Verbal and Written Communication Skills: Ability to tailor your communication to different contexts.
- Teamwork and Collaboration: Demonstrated ability to work effectively within a team.
Application Checklist for Transport for NSW Surveillance Officer in Training
| Task | Status |
|---|---|
| Cover Letter | ☐ |
| Resume | ☐ |
| Driver’s Licence | ☐ |
| Willingness to complete Cert IV | ☐ |
| Online Application Submitted | ☐ |
Want help with your cover letter?
Get your cover letter reviewed by a NSW Government Recruitment Expert.
Understanding and Addressing Focus Capabilities
It’s crucial to review the role description and understand the NSW Capability Framework. Focus capabilities are the skills and behaviours essential for successful performance in the role. By aligning your application with these capabilities, you demonstrate your suitability and readiness to tackle the job’s challenges.
In your cover letter and resume, be sure to:
- Highlight experiences that showcase your focus capabilities.
- Provide examples where you’ve demonstrated these skills.
- Customise your application to reflect the requirements of the role.
Candidate Profile
Meet Alex, a dedicated retail assistant with three years of experience in customer service. Alex is eager to transition into the construction industry and is excited about the opportunity to grow with Transport for NSW. With strong communication skills and a knack for teamwork, Alex is ready to take on the challenges of becoming a Surveillance Officer in Training.
Example Cover Letter for Surveillance Officer in Training at Transport for NSW
Dear Hiring Manager,
I am writing to express my keen interest in the Surveillance Officer in Training opportunity with Transport for NSW. With a strong background in customer service and a passion for contributing to meaningful projects, I am excited about the opportunity to launch my career in the construction industry.
In my current role as a retail assistant, I have developed strong communication skills, both verbal and written. I regularly interact with a diverse customer base, tailoring my communication style to meet individual needs. For example, when assisting a non-English speaking customer (Situation), I used visual aids and simple language (Task) to help them find the products they needed (Action), resulting in a positive shopping experience and a grateful customer (Result).
Teamwork and collaboration have been at the heart of my success throughout my career. I excel in environments where collective effort and effective communication are essential to achieving shared goals. One example that highlights this was during a particularly demanding peak sales period at my previous role.
As the holiday season approached, the store experienced a significant surge in customer traffic, putting immense pressure on both the sales and support teams. Recognising the challenge, I took the initiative to coordinate with my colleagues to ensure we were all aligned in managing the high customer volume. My responsibilities included scheduling additional team meetings to discuss strategies, redistributing tasks based on individual strengths, and ensuring clear communication on priorities throughout the day.
This collaborative approach allowed us to streamline workflows, reduce customer wait times, and enhance the overall shopping experience. By staying flexible and fostering a supportive team dynamic, we not only managed the increased demand efficiently but also exceeded expectations. The results: we achieved a 15% increase in sales compared to the previous year during the same period. This experience reinforced my belief that teamwork, when paired with effective coordination and a shared vision, can deliver outstanding results even in high-pressure situations.
I hold a valid Australian Driver’s Licence and am prepared to travel to various construction sites across Sydney. I am also committed to completing the Certificate IV in Construction (Supervision) while working in this role, understanding the importance of continuous learning and development.
Although I do not have prior construction experience, I am confident that my transferable skills, strong work ethic, and eagerness to learn will make me a valuable addition to your team. I am excited to work on the major projects that are transforming Sydney.
Thank you for considering my application. I look forward to the opportunity to discuss how my skills and experiences align with the Surveillance Officer in Training role.
Kind regards,
Alex Smith
Want help with your cover letter?
Get your cover letter reviewed by a NSW Government Recruitment Expert.
Explain 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 situation you are describing. It’s an effective way to showcase your skills and experiences in a clear and concise manner.
- Situation: Set the context by describing the circumstance where you used the skills or qualities required.
- Task: Explain the task you had to complete, highlighting any challenges or expectations.
- Action: Detail the specific actions you took to address the task.
- Result: Share the outcomes of your actions, quantifying the results if possible.
In the cover letter above, Alex used the STAR technique to illustrate their communication skills and ability to work in a team. Employing this method in your application can significantly enhance your responses, making them more impactful.
Interview Preparation and Conclusion
Preparing for the Interview
To excel in the interview, consider using the NSW Public Service Commission’s capability application tool for practice. Here are some example questions you might encounter:
- Can you describe a time when you had to learn a new skill quickly? How did you approach it?
- Give an example of when you worked as part of a team to achieve a common goal. What was your role?
- How do you handle situations where you are required to travel or adapt to new environments frequently?
During the interview, be prepared to provide specific examples using the STAR technique. Show enthusiasm for the role and demonstrate how your experiences make you the ideal candidate.
Make sure to read through the Candidate Information Pack as well to further understand the role.
Final Thoughts
Embarking on a career as a Surveillance Officer in Training with Transport for NSW is the perfect opportunity to take your first steps into the construction industry—no prior experience required. This role offers a comprehensive pathway to a fulfilling and secure career, with benefits designed to set you up for long-term success.
Want help with your cover letter?
Get your cover letter reviewed by a NSW Government Recruitment Expert.
You’ll receive nationally recognised training that equips you with the skills and knowledge needed to thrive in the construction sector. From learning industry best practices to understanding the intricacies of Transport for NSW’s road and bridge projects, you’ll gain hands-on experience that is both practical and highly respected across the industry. This training ensures you’ll have a strong foundation for future opportunities, whether you choose to grow within Transport or pursue other roles in the sector.
Financial security is a key advantage of this program, as you’ll enjoy stable, government-backed pay while you complete your training. This allows you to focus on building your career without the stress of unstable or unpredictable income.
Additionally, the role offers the chance to work on meaningful projects that make a tangible difference in the community, from enhancing road safety to improving transport infrastructure. You’ll be part of a supportive and inclusive team environment, collaborating with a diverse range of professionals including engineers, contractors, and administrative staff, all working together towards shared goals.
With no prior experience required, this opportunity is ideal for anyone eager to enter the industry and grow their skills while earning. Don’t miss this chance to kickstart a secure and rewarding career—your future in construction starts here!
