University Employment Programs

The Murray–Darling Basin Authority (MDBA) is looking for motivated students who are keen to kickstart their careers and develop their skills while still studying.

The Murray–Darling Basin Authority provides students with opportunities to gain experience in the integrated management of the water resources of the Murray–Darling Basin, in collaboration with state governments, industries and communities, through short term placements that offer competitive salaries and flexible conditions.

Our university employment programs 

University Vacation Employment Program

The MDBA’s University Vacation Employment Program offers paid employment on a casual, intermittent basis for a period of up to 12 months and is designed to provide an opportunity for university students to gain work experience in a government setting while completing their studies. Several positions are offered under this program on an annual basis.

Applications opened in October 2022 and are advertised through our current vacancies page.

Placements commence in January 2023 and offer a combination of full-time hours (upon commencement) and intermittent hours (for the remainder of the timeframe).

For more details, including position information and eligibility, refer to the position description.

Oscar Malamai University Vacation Employment Program

The MDBA’s Oscar Malamai University Vacation Employment Program offers paid employment on a short-term basis of up to 6 weeks and is designed to provide an opportunity for a university student to gain work experience in a government setting over the university’s winter vacation period. One position is offered under this program on an annual basis.

Applications open in April 2023 and are advertised through our current vacancies page.

Placements commence in June 2023.

About Oscar Mamalai

Oscar Mamalai was a highly valued staff member of the MDBA for 20 years until his unexpected passing in 2020. Oscar commenced at the MDBA in 1999 and worked in a range of teams across the organisation, most recently working with the Water Resource Planning team as a Policy Officer. A former ANU student with a passion for environmental law, the Oscar Mamalai University Vacation Employment Program was created in tribute to Oscar, who was highly valued as a colleague and friend to many.