2026 Graduate Development Program

An ongoing, entry level position, commencing at the APS 3 classification ($71,444 + 15.4% Super)
- Work on some of the most topical issues Australia is facing
- Commence the program February 2026

**Who we are**

The Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water (DCCEEW) 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 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.

For more information about us please visit our website.

**About our program**

The Graduate Development Program is a pathway for graduates into our department. Our 12-month program, commencing in February 2026, 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 progress to the APS 5 level and secure 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.

**Why join us**

We invest in our graduates and will provide you 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 from a dedicated professional graduate management team. We are committed to the growth of our most important resource - you.

Our program provides graduates with:

- **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 extensive career progression opportunities. Graduates start as an APS Level 3 and will 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 $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 be progressed to 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 Management Team prior to and during the program.
- ** Buddy program**: You will be paired with a buddy from a previous year’s graduate cohort who will support you and share their experiences and insights.
- ** Relocation assistance**: If you need to move interstate for your graduate role, you will receive a relocation assistance package.
- ** Flexibility**: You will have access to a number of flexible work practices