Graduate Waste and Resource Recovery

We know you are driven by growth and opportunity, eager to progress quickly and determined to make an impact. That's why we offer a full time 12-month immersive graduate program designed to unlock your potential and equip you with the knowledge, skills and hands-on experience to excel in your chosen career.

Working alongside industry leaders, you will contribute to a range of projects and initiatives that help shape and connect our City, providing real world opportunities to grow, develop and progress. Through our tailored development program, valuable industry connections and the support of our Graduate Academy community, you'll build the skills, networks and confidence to create the career you want

Starting February 2026, our program provides professional development training and on-the-job experience pathways, designed to smoothly transition you from academic study into the workplace. As a graduate at the City, you will benefit from:

• opportunities to contribute to a range of projects and initiatives you won't find anywhere else.
• guidance and coaching from future-focused industry leaders, mentors and peers.
• flexibility to design your graduate experience and career direction.
• networking opportunities, city tours, exclusive CEO talks and graduate team events.
• work-based training and an extensive range of personal, professional and career development training designed to set you up for success.
• assistance and support on your path to accreditation.
• a healthy work-life balance including a 9-day fortnight, flexible working from home options and generous leave entitlements.

Located in the Environment, Heritage and Resilience Department, the Waste and Resource Recovery Branch is responsible for planning, operating and improving waste and resource recovery services around the City. We provide services to over 269,000 domestic and commercial properties across the City, operate two landfill sites and 12 Waste and Recycling Centres. We work with a number of delivery partners and internal support areas to deliver projects and services in accordance with the City's Towards Zero Waste Plan.

We love recruiting future Waste and Recycling Leaders Graduates will gain hands-on experience across operations, contributing to planning and implementation of Towards Zero Waste Plan, operations at landfill sites, Waste and Recycling Centres, waste collections and infrastructure projects. As a graduate, you will:

• contribute to projects focused on maximising resource recovery from waste and promoting circular economy principles.
• provide support for various waste management projects in the planning and delivery phase, including report writing, research, and stakeholder engagement.
• assist with data collection related to waste generation, recycling rates and other relevant metrics.
• provide support to all areas of the business and interact with community groups and schools on waste management initiatives.

The City is committed to developing skilled graduates into future City leaders who:

• are curious, motivated and driven to make a difference for the future of the Gold Coast.
• embrace innovation with a forward-thinking and creative mindset.
• seek continuous learning opportunities and are committed to ongoing professional growth.
• are willing to embrace new challenges, learn new skills and adapt quickly.
• can analyse information, think logically and solve problems creatively.
• possess excellent written, verbal and interpersonal skills and can convey ideas clearly, listen attentively and collaborate effectively.
• contribute positively to the team dynamic, respect diverse perspectives and foster a productive work environment.

To be considered for this opportunity you must hold a recognised bachelor's degree or post graduate qualification from a tertiary institution, completed within the last two years or be completing prior to the commencement of the program in February 2026. Applicants must have full working rights in Australia for the duration of the program and be able to work full-time.

The Graduate Waste and Resource Recovery welcomes graduates who have studied Bachelor of Environmental Science, Environmental Engineering, Civil Engineering or Business; and related fields.

Submit your academic transcript / qualification, CV and cover letter. In your cover letter please outline information about your career objectives, work experience, education, volunteering and any extracurricular activities, specialist skills or interests you may have.

The City of Gold Coast is an equal opportunity employer dedicated to promoting an inclusive and diverse workplace. We are committed to supporting an environment where all employees, regardless of their differences or similarities, feel valued, respected and supported.