Pre-commencement Orientation Tool Kits
The following tool kits have been developed to help you settle in to your new job at the Department of the Environment, Heritage, Water and the Arts.
Defining the culture of my new work environment
Questions about workplace structure and behaviours to consider before you start work.
How does my role fit into the bigger picture?
Hints to help you understand the significance of your role.
What do I need to know before I start?
Tips to help you feel prepared on your first day of work.
Defining the culture of my new work environment
The Department of the Environment, Heritage, Water and the Arts is a large and varied Department. You will find that different areas of the Department have distinct cultures and modes of operation. This tool kit provides you with some questions to consider that will help you to determine the existing culture of your workplace.
- How do your colleagues treat your boss?
- What hours do they work?
- What forms of communication do they use?
- Do they have regular meetings?
- Do their roles cross over and, if so, how?
- What language do they use?
- What clothes do they wear?
If you have any questions about the culture of your new workplace, we recommend that you discuss these with your supervisor.
How does my role fit into the bigger picture?
Have you ever wondered how your role fits into the broader work of your organisation? This tool kit provides hints to help you understand the relationship between your work and the work of your Branch, Division and the Department as a whole.
- Familiarise yourself with the Departmental Structure, which shows the relationship between Divisions.
- Ask your supervisor for the following:
- Duty statement
- Vision statements for your Division and Branch.
- Division plan and Branch plan
- Familiarise yourself with your Division - discuss with your supervisor and attend any Division specific orientation.
- As soon as possible, meet with your supervisor to complete a Performance Agreement. The Performance Agreement should outline:
- what you are required to do in your job over a specific period (the assessment cycle);
- how you will do your work during this period;
- the standards that will be used for assessing your work performance; and
- any learning and development you will undertake in order to be able to do the work described in the agreement.
- Keep an eye out for any training opportunities and seminars that will help you understand your role and the work of the Department.
What do I need to know before I start?
This tool kit contains questions for you to consider before your first day of work. If you are unsure about the answers to the questions, please ask the contact officer for the position or your intended supervisor.
- What should I wear?
- What time should I arrive?
- What is the location of my workplace (building, floor, desk, supervisor)?
- Who do I contact when I arrive?
- What do I need to bring (TFN, birth certificate)?
Information for applicants
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