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Locally-Engaged Employment
Long-Term Contracts
Employment at the Embassy is determined by an open, merit-based selection process. Anyone may apply for a position at the Embassy regardless of current citizenship, place of residence, visa or work authorisation status. However, to be eligible for selection, all candidates must satisfy the essential selection criteria and meet any security clearance requirements. A Selection Advisory Committee will recommend a merit ranking of all interviewed eligible candidates, regardless of current work authorisation status.
To work at the Embassy, it is a requirement under United States law that you must be either a United States citizen, or a lawful permanent resident ("greencard" holder), or hold a visa in the 'A' classification. An 'A' visa trumps all other visa classes, including 'E', 'F', 'G' and 'J'. If one member of a family adjusts status to 'A', all family members must also adjust status to 'A'. United States' law prohibits one family member from holding an A-2 visa and the other an E-3 visa.
For example, if the successful candidate holds a derivative E-3 visa from a spouse that obtained an E-3 visa to work in the United States, both must adjust status to A-2. Technically, once the A-2 visa has been granted, the spouse may not work again until he or she obtains an Employment Authorization Document. This may take up to six weeks or more. Further the principal, that is, the person to whom the Embassy offers a position, must be an Australian citizen for the spouse to obtain employment authorization.
An Employment Authorization Document (EAD) issued by United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (CIS) is sufficient only if the bearer holds a derivative 'A' visa.
Lawful permanent residents are required to execute CIS Form I-508 or risk losing their permanent resident status. See uscis.gov > immigration forms > I-508.)
If you do not have an 'A' visa, but are eligible to apply for one on the basis of an offer of employment from the Embassy, the Embassy's Protocol Office (+1 202 797 3329) will help with your application. If your visa application is denied by a United States consular officer, the offer of employment is void.
It is often necessary to for visas to be adjudicated outside the United States. Although the Embassy can assist you to make your travel arrangements, the successful candidate is responsible for all costs, including travel and accommodation.
Go to Recruitment and Selection Process
Terms and Conditions
The terms and conditions of employment for LES on long-term contracts are based on Australian government and US best practice. The terms and conditions comply with labour laws specific to the US and the District of Columbia.
The Embassy offers LES an attractive salary package based on generous benefits. Benefits include 13 public holidays, 20 days recreation leave and 18 days personal leave per annum, heavily subsidised medical insurance plans, and flex leave. More Information.
Go to LES Terms and Conditions (full version)
Temporary Contracts
Temporary employment opportunities arise from time to time for a number of reasons including:
- when permanent staff members in essential positions take leave;
- during the period prior to filling a vacancy; or
- to manage fluctuations in workloads.
Temporary vacancies are usually filled on a short-term contract basis. Most vacancies are full-time but less than 3 months in length. Types of temporary vacancies include executive/administrative assistant, registry/file assistant, receptionist, guard, and driver.
Only those already entitled to work in the United States are eligible for temporary employment. This includes US citizens, Green Card holders and holders of A1 and A2 visas with work authorisation. Individuals will be required to present proof of work authorisation before an offer is made.
Go to Applying for Temporary Work
Occasionally longer term temporary vacancies (6 months or more) will occur and will be advertised on our Current Vacancies page.