About our Graduate Development Program
Our 12-month program is a pathway into our department. Commencing in February 2026, you will develop your skills, capabilities, and knowledge to set you up for a successful career in the Australian Public Service.
As a graduate, you will work on some of the most important issues we are facing in Australia. Whether you are tackling climate change, advancing renewable energy, protecting our environment and national parks or securing Australia’s water resources, your work will be unique and impactful.
You will join a diverse workforce of passionate and experienced professionals who will guide and support your development throughout and beyond the program. Learn from experts through on-the-job training and activities.
We have extensive career pathways in fields including science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM), policy development, program management, project management, research, compliance and regulation, operations and service delivery.
What we offer
Graduates will enter the Department at the APS 3 classification level within the training broadband, with a starting salary of $77,125 per annum plus 15.4% superannuation. Following successful performance, your salary will be advanced to the next trainee pay point half-way through the program. On successful completion of the program graduates will progress to APS level 5.1.
If you need to move interstate for your graduate role, you will receive a relocation assistance package.
You will be supported by a dedicated Graduate Management Team prior to and during the program. Plus, you will be paired with a buddy from a previous year’s graduate cohort who will support you and share their experiences and insights.
Graduates are part of an environment where they can connect easily with one another to forge strong relationships and network with colleagues across the department by participating in Social Club activities.
You will have access to a number of flexible work practices and receive excellent work conditions that promote work/life balance as well as access to our 7 Diversity and Inclusion Employee Networks.
Who we are looking for
We are seeking graduates from a broad range of study areas and life experiences. If you are motivated, passionate, and want to contribute to the department’s important work, we want to hear from you.
We are looking for talented graduates that will help us deliver on important priorities and foster our positive workplace culture. We encourage you to apply if you:
Location
Graduate placements are available across Australia, and may be offered in Canberra, Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Hobart and Perth.
As part of your application, you will be asked to indicate your preferred location(s).
Graduates based outside of Canberra may be required to relocate to Canberra for a 3-month rotation and travel to Canberra for induction, events and development opportunities.
Virtual Assessment Centres will take place between May and June. Reasonable adjustments are available to candidates who are invited to participate in a Virtual Assessment Centre.
Our program provides a number of benefits to graduates including:
Career Progression: With nearly 4000 positions in our department, you will have access to extensive career progression opportunities. Graduates start as an APS Level 3 and are eligible to progress to an APS Level 5 on successful completion of the program. Refer to the Australian Public Service Commission website for more information on APS levels.
Competitive Remuneration Package: Your starting salary is $77,125 per annum plus 15.4% superannuation contributions. Graduates are eligible for salary/level advancement during the program following an assessment of work performance. On successful completion of the program, graduates will receive a salary/level advancement based on performance, assessment of skills and availability of work.
Exposure: Learn from experts through on-the-job training and activities. You will also meet with our senior executive throughout the program.
Support: You will be supported by a dedicated Graduate Team prior to and during the program.
Buddy Program: You will be paired with a buddy from the previous year’s graduate cohort who will support you and share their experiences and insights.
Relocation Assistance: If moving from interstate, you will receive a comprehensive relocation assistance package.
Flexibility: You will have access to a number of flexible work practices and receive excellent work conditions that promote work/life balance.
Employee Diversity Networks: Help contribute to a positive and inclusive workplace culture by joining one or more of our six Employee Diversity Networks.
Community: Participate in Social Club activities and events to connect with colleagues across the department.
Bachelor of Arts at Australian National University (ANU)
Bachelor of Commerce at University of Melbourne
Bachelor of Science at University of Technology, Sydney (UTS)
Graduate Policy Officer at Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water (DCCEEW)
Bachelor of Science Honours (BSc(Hons)) in Molecular Biology at University of Adelaide