University Vacation Employment Program 2027

About the Opportunity:

The Murray–Darling Basin Authority (MDBA) is looking for students who are keen to gain experience in the integrated management of the water resources of the Murray–Darling Basin, in collaboration with state governments, industries and communities.

The University Vacation Employment Program (UVEP) offers paid employment on a casual, intermittent basis for a period of up to 12 months, designed to provide an opportunity for university students to gain work experience in a government setting while completing their studies.

Placements will commence between November 2026 and February 2027, with fulltime hours for up to 6 weeks upon commencement, and the possibility of intermittent hours around tertiary study for the remainder of the term.

The following placements are indicative of what may be included in the University Vacation Employment Program:

Basin Plan Division

Students placed within the Basin Plan Division may contribute to work that supports the implementation, monitoring and ongoing development of the Murray-Darling Basin Plan. Placements may provide exposure to policy development, regulatory and compliance activities, water resource planning, water accounting, program evaluation, research and stakeholder engagement. Students will have the opportunity to work on projects that help ensure the Basin's water resources are managed sustainably for the benefit of communities, industries and the environment.

River Management Division

Students placed within the River Management Division may gain experience in the planning, coordination and delivery of River Murray operations. Opportunities may include supporting projects related to river operations, environmental water management, infrastructure planning and management, data analysis, operational decision making, and collaboration with Basin state governments and other partners. Students will contribute to work that supports the efficient and sustainable management of one of Australia's most significant river systems.

Basin Science and Knowledge Division

Students placed within the Basin Science and Knowledge Division may support the application of science, data and evidence to inform water management decisions across the Basin. Placements could involve environmental science, hydrology, data analysis, research, modelling, knowledge management, stakeholder engagement, communications, and First Nations engagement activities. Students will gain insight into how scientific information supports policy development, river management and long-term Basin outcomes.

Business Services Division

Students placed within the Business Services Division may work across a variety of corporate and enabling functions that support the MDBA's operations. Depending on business needs and the student's field of study, opportunities may be available in areas such as finance, procurement, human resources, information technology, project management, governance, legal services, communications, stakeholder engagement, data management and business support. Students will gain valuable experience working in a professional government environment while contributing to the delivery of organisational priorities.

Eligibility:

To be eligible for the Program, you must:

• be an Australian citizen
• be completing an undergraduate or postgraduate degree (applications from students in their final years of study are preferred)
• be available to commence between November 2026 – February 2027 (as negotiated)
• be able to attend one of our offices in person
• be available for an initial period of up to 6 weeks fulltime, with the option for intermittent hours around your studies for the duration of the 12-month term
• satisfy all other MDBA engagement requirements, including health and character clearance.

For more information, including on how to apply, visit mdba.gov.au/about-us/people-and-jobs/university-employment-programs.