The Graduate Development Program
The 23-month Graduate Development Program (the Program) is designed to provide graduates with the opportunity to develop their knowledge, skills, and understanding of the work of the MDBA and the wider Australian Public Service (APS). Graduates will be exposed to a variety of learning and development activities as well as the opportunity to be involved in networking activities, including whole of Government events.
Throughout the Program, graduates will undertake up to four rotations, each lasting a minimum of 20 weeks. These rotations provide valuable opportunities to build networks, explore different areas of the MDBA, and engage in a variety of learning and development activities alongside practical work. The aim is to give graduates a comprehensive understanding of key programs, priorities, and strategic contributions to the MDBA’s objectives.
There will be multiple stages of assessment, with offers of employment expected to be made around October 2026.
Successful candidates will commence the Graduate Development Program in February 2027 at the MDBA Graduate Broadband APS 4 classification. Upon successful completion of Year 1 of the Program, graduates will be assessed for advancement to the APS 5 classification for the remainder of the Graduate Program.
Our ideal graduate
The MDBA is recruiting for high-achieving graduates across two streams – Technical and Generalists – who are passionate about water and interested in becoming part of the MDBA team in our Canberra office.
Technical Stream
The MDBA is recruiting for graduates in the Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) stream. We are particularly interested in graduates qualified in:
- Engineering/ Environmental Engineering
- Mathematics and/or data
- Hydrology/Hydrogeology/Groundwater
- Natural Resource Management
Generalist Stream
The MDBA is recruiting for graduates in the Social, Economic, and Environmental Sciences stream. We are particularly interested in graduates qualified in:
- Environmental and Ecological Sciences
- Policy
- Economics
Successful candidates will also possess the following capabilities and attributes:
- Have outstanding skills in communication, problem-solving, adaptability, collaboration, and
self-awareness coupled with strong leadership potential. - Relish the opportunity to work in a dynamic and relationship-oriented environment.
- Show a strong interest in learning our business.
Eligibility
To be eligible for the Program, applicants will:
- Be an Australian citizen at the time of application
- Have completed, at minimum, a three year undergraduate degree in a relevant discipline within three years of the program’s start date (February 2027), with overseas qualifications recognised by the National Office of Overseas Skills Recognition
- Have achieved a minimum Weighted Average Mark (WAM)?of 65% or Grade Point Average (GPA) of 5 for completed units or have completed a master’s by research or PhD; and
- Satisfy a Nationally Coordinated Criminal History Check and identity pre-employment check.
Application process
Your application must include the following – applications not meeting these requirements may not be considered:
- Provide a written pitch (up to 500 words) demonstrating how your skills, knowledge and experience make you a strong fit for the program. You may wish to consider the following prompts:
- What motivates you to work with the Murray–Darling Basin Authority, and why do you want to contribute to managing Australia’s most significant water system?
- How do your academic studies or personal interests align with the MDBA’s goals of sustainable water management and policy development?
- A current CV, no more than 2 pages in length, outlining your employment history, the dates and a brief description of your role, as well as any academic qualifications or relevant training you may have undertaken.
- A copy of your academic transcript.
- Details of 2 referees, which must include a current or previous manager/supervisor or equivalent.
Applications close 11:30 PM AEST 14 June 2026.
No extensions will be granted, and late applications will not be accepted.
Tell me more
For more information on the 2027 Graduate Development Program, please contact:
HorizonOne Recruitment – Campaigns Team
mdbagrads@horizonone.com.au | 02 5104 4577
2027 Graduate Program – Position Description – PDF
2027 Graduate Program – Position Description – DOCX
