Graduate Development Program

What we do

We protect Australia’s natural environment and heritage sites. We help Australia respond to climate change and carefully manage our water and energy resources. 

We deliver policies and programs to:

• help address climate change and build a more innovative, future ready energy system
• protect our unique environment, biodiversity and heritage
• manage Australia’s water resources for industry and regional communities
• advance Australia’s interests in the Antarctic and Southern Ocean.

We are informed by science. We are innovative and collaborative. We look to the future.

About our Graduate Development Program

The Graduate Development Program is a pathway for graduates into our department. The 12-month program is designed to develop your skills, capabilities and knowledge and 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 you and support your development throughout and beyond the program.

Our 2024 Graduate Development Program will commence in February 2024.

As a graduate, you will undertake:

• a tailored learning and development program delivered by the Australian Public Service Academy
• three exciting and diverse rotations aligned to your skills and interests
• networking activities and events
• in-house training and development opportunities.

Upon successful completion of the program, you will have a permanent role that is relevant to your skills, qualifications and interests.

Due to the broad range of roles and responsibilities across our department, we have extensive career pathways in fields including policy development, program management, project management, research, compliance and regulation, operations and service delivery. 

Hiring graduates with degrees in:

Almost every discipline! Some of our current graduates have qualifications in:

• Science
• Environmental Management & Sustainability
• Public Policy
• Business Management
• Engineering
• Maths
• IT & Computer Sciences
• Philosophy
• International Relations
• Finance & Accounting
• Commerce & Economics
• Data & Analytics
• Arts & Social Sciences
• Politics
• Psychology
• Law & Legal Studies

Reap the benefits

During the 12-month program, you will be provided with:

• an ongoing, entry level position, commencing at an APS 3 classification and advancing to an APS 4 or APS 5 classification on completion of the program
• a starting salary of $71,444 plus 15.4% superannuation
• targeted training and development
• an inclusive and flexible working environment
• pastoral care from a dedicated graduate team
• access to employee and professional networks
• a comprehensive relocation package if you need to move to Canberra or interstate.

You will learn new skills, work in a collaborative environment and be part of an experienced and motivated team. No matter your interest, out Graduate Development Program will prepare you for a rich and rewarding career.

We pride ourselves on our positive, supportive and inclusive workplace culture that nurtures talent and encourages employees to achieve their full potential. We welcome applications from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, mature age people, people from diverse backgrounds, people in the LGBTQIA+ community and people with disability.

Who we are looking for

Our graduates come from a broad range of backgrounds, study areas and work and life experiences. If you are motivated, passionate and want to contribute to our 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:

• like to tackle important issues
• are open to doing things differently
• are flexible and adaptable to new situations
• are self-aware and mindful of the impact you have on others
• operate with respect, integrity and ethical behaviour
• enjoy a challenge and thrive off achieving results.

Australian Government Graduate Program Streams

We also participate in the Australian Government Graduate Program Streams including:

• Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) Stream
• Digital Stream
• Data Stream
• Human Resources Stream
• Accounting and Financial Management Stream
• Indigenous Graduate Pathway
• Legal Stream.