Finding work in the United States can be difficult, especially for those who are in a dependent status on a partner's visa, or those who have moved without a particular direction, but the Australian Embassy in Washington DC has a wide range of vacancies that might be of interest to you and the Australian community in America!
I connected with the Australian Embassy to help share and promote the roles that they've currently got available at the Australian Embassy in Washington DC and to build out a bit of an understanding for who works there and what's required.
Do I need Government experience to work with the Australian Government/Embassy?
No, government experience is not required.
The recruitment selection of applicants at the Embassy depends on the Selection Criteria of the advertised position, and you'll apply for this job almost like any other.
The Embassy also supports the UN Mission NY & Consulates in NY, Chicago, LA, and Honolulu and they advertise vacancies at those posts as well (link at the bottom).
Are there specific immigration requirements to work at the Australian Embassy?
This information can be found under Terms and conditions of employment | Australia in the USA (embassy.gov.au) – under 4. Eligibility for Employment – Visa and Citizenship Information:
The following categories are eligible to apply for employment as a member of the locally engaged staff at the Embassy / Consulate-General (this is just a snippet, be sure to keep reading here):
1. United States citizen
https://usa.embassy.gov.au/terms-and-conditions-employment
2. United States lawful permanent resident (green card holder)
3. Married spouse of an Australian Government official when the official has been posted to the Embassy / Consulate-General and the spouse has been issued a dependent A-1 or dependent A-2 visa
4. Married spouse of an Australian Government official when the official has been posted outside the Embassy / Consulate-General and the spouse has been issued a dependent A-2 visa and has a valid US employment authorisation document (EAD*)
5. Spouse of a posted official when official is not Australian and the spouse has been issued a dependent A-1 visa and a valid US employment authorisation document (EAD) or a dependent A-2 visa and a valid US employment authorisation document (EAD*)
6. Dependent G-visa holder who also has a valid US employment authorisation document (EAD*)
7. Dependent E-3 visa holder who also has a valid US employment authorisation document (EAD*). Note that the US Department of State must pre-approve the employment of an E-3 visa dependent before the employment offer can be confirmed
8. Anyone who does not fall into any of the categories listed above may be eligible to apply for a principal A-2 visa with support from the Embassy / Consulate-General employer. Approval from the US Department of State will be required for the A-2 visa to be issued. A-2 visas must be obtained outside the US and must be issued before employment can commence. LES employment based upon an A-2 visa is limited to five years. The successful candidate is responsible for all costs, including travel and accommodation, related to visa applications and commencement of employment.
What kind of people work at the Australian Embassy?
There is a diverse staff from all over the world with a great mix of gender and age range, making it a great workplace to meet new people from all sorts of different backgrounds.
Do I need to relocate to Washington DC to work at the Australian Embassy?
Yes. The successful candidate needs to live in the area where they are taking up employment.
The Australian Embassy is located in Washington DC and all employees live within the DMV area – District of Columbia, Maryland, and Virginia.
What are the benefits of working at the Australian Embassy?
The terms and conditions of employment for Locally Engaged Staff (LES) are based primarily on the Australian government with consideration of the US local labor laws.
The Embassy offers LES an attractive remuneration package based on an eight-tier salary scale according to the work level standard of the position and generous benefits.
Benefits of working with the Australian Embassy also include 14 public holidays, 22 days recreation leave and 18 days personal leave per annum, subsidized medical insurance plans, and flexible working hours (where eligible).
What’s the culture and work/life balance like working at the Embassy?
Work/life balance is an important part of life (and work) within the Embassy and the above benefits contribute to a holistic approach to working with a fantastic team.
What positions are currently available at the Australian Embassy?
Click here to go to our jobs listing page.
Where can I find other vacancies and jobs at the Australian Embassy in Washington DC?
All current vacancies can be found on: Current Vacancies | Australia in the USA (embassy.gov.au)
Terms and Conditions of Employment: Terms and conditions of employment | Australia in the USA (embassy.gov.au) which covers all categories who are eligible to apply for employment as a member of the locally engaged staff at the Embassy/General.
