Who we are
We protect Australia’s natural environment and heritage sites. We help Australia respond to climate change and carefully manage our water and energy resources.
The Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water was established on 1 July 2022 to deliver on the Australian Government’s climate change and energy agenda and protect Australia’s environment and water 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 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.
Our program is a great opportunity for you to put your qualification, skills and ideas into practice.
You will join a diverse workforce of passionate and experienced professionals who will guide and support your development throughout and beyond the program.
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 science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM), policy development, program management, project management, research, compliance and regulation, operations and service delivery.
We also participate in the Australian Government Graduate Program Streams including:
- Data Stream
- Human Resources Stream
- Accounting and Financial Management Stream
- Indigenous Graduate Pathway
- Legal Stream.
Our 2025 Graduate Development Program will commence in February 2025.
What we offer
We invest in our graduates and will provide the opportunities, tools and support network for you to achieve great things.
In the DCCEEW Graduate Program, we create an environment where graduates can connect easily with one another and forge strong relationships across the graduate cohort. As a valued employee, you will receive tailored support and opportunities. We are committed to the growth of our most important resource – you.
Our program provides a number of benefits to graduates including:
- Job Security: You will commence in an entry level position and be employed on an ongoing (permanent) basis.
- Career Progression: With over 5000 positions in our department, you will have access to great 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: Graduates will enter the Department at the APS 3 classification level within the training broadband, with a starting salary of $71,444 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 be progressed to trainee pay point 13/APS level 5.1.
- 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 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.
Inclusion and Diversity
The department supports inclusiveness and encourages all employees regardless of their gender, cultural background, disability, sexual orientation, or age to bring their authentic self to work to achieve their full potential.
Our vision is to foster a workplace where employees feel included, valued, and that they can contribute and participate fully at work. We embrace the variety of experiences, skills and perspectives that people bring to the workplace and harness these to achieve our objectives.
We are a proud to be a gold member of the Australian Network on Disability and a bronze Australian Workplace Equality (LGBTQ inclusion) employer and member of Pride in Diversity. The department is also proud to have been officially granted stretch status by Reconciliation Australian for our Reconciliation Action Plan (RAP).
The department has a range of strategies and initiatives to embed diversity and inclusion, including the following employee networks:
- Indigenous Staff Network
- Culturally and Linguistically Diverse Employee Network
- Care and Ability Network
- LGBTIQ Pride Network
- Gender Equity Network
- Mental Health Awareness Network
Each Network has a Senior Executive Service (SES) level champion to play a visible leadership role across the department to work towards the vision of a more inclusive and diverse workplace. Our Champions work closely with the Employee Networks and the broader department to achieve a cohesive approach to inclusion and diversity.
We encourage applications from people with diverse experience and backgrounds including Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, LGBTIQ people, culturally and linguistically diverse people, mature age and people with disability. The department is an inclusive employer and is committed to supporting people who are transgender / gender divergent.
We encourage trans and gender divergent people to apply for roles in the department. If you would like a confidential conversation about how we support diversity and inclusion at the department, please feel free to contact us using the contact details on each of our advertisements. As an organisation, we are committed to building a culture where difference is valued and respected, and where we work together and leverage the benefit of our diversity.
Who we are looking for
We are seeking graduates from a broad range of backgrounds, study areas and work 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:
- like to tackle important issues
- are aligned to the goals and values of our organisation
- 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.
Eligibility
Qualification: As a minimum, you must have a degree to be eligible for the Graduate Development Program. We accept qualifications in any discipline and there is no timeframe as to when you must have completed your qualification. Your qualifications don’t define your career at our department – we are looking for graduates from almost every discipline.
Citizenship: In accordance with the Public Service Act 1999, you must be an Australian Citizen to be employed by the department.
Pre-employment Check: Your suitability for employment will be assessed through a pre-employment screening process. This process includes a requirement to undergo and satisfy a National Police Check, referee checks, character clearance and where required a pre-employment medical assessment, specified mandatory qualification(s) validation and a probation period of 6 months.
Location
The department is expanding its national footprint and opening new sites in a number of capital cities.
In 2025, graduate positions will be offered in Canberra, and may be offered in Sydney, Brisbane, Melbourne, Darwin, Perth, and Hobart.
As part of your application, you will be asked to indicate your preferred location(s).
Graduates who are required to relocate to commence the program will receive a comprehensive relocation assistance package including:
- removals and storage of household belongings
- flights or a mileage allowance
- short-term accommodation
- reimbursement of meals and other costs associated with travel.
For more information about the Graduate Development Program and how to apply, read the Job Description below.
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