Graduate Program

Graduate Program Opportunities – City of Adelaide

Kick-start your career with purpose in the City of Adelaide's Graduate Program We're offering full-time graduate roles in Biodiversity, Civil Engineering, Housing Policy & Research, and Policy, Planning & Projects – all starting at $79, % super.

From shaping greener spaces to designing city infrastructure, developing housing strategy or driving policy, you'll gain hands-on experience, mentoring, and the chance to make a real impact on Adelaide's future.

Graduate Roles Available:

Biodiversity

Civil Engineering

Housing Policy, Projects & Research

Policy, Planning & Projects (Targeted)

About the Graduate Program

The City of Adelaide's Graduate Program is your chance to step into meaningful work that strengthens our city and community. Across four streams, you'll be supported to learn, grow, and contribute to projects that make a real difference while gaining professional experience that sets you up for a rewarding career.

This program is designed to provide:

• Practical, hands-on experience in real projects from day one
• Mentoring and guidance from experienced professionals across council
• Structured learning and development, with cross-organisational projects and training
• The opportunity to work on initiatives that matter – from climate and housing to infrastructure and planning

To help you along the way, we've created a Graduate Application Guide with handy tips on how to stand out – you can read it here.

City of Adelaide Graduate Program 2026

Graduate Roles in Detail

Biodiversity

Play a role in protecting and enhancing Adelaide's natural environment. From biodiversity surveys and site monitoring to weed control, revegetation, and restoration, you'll support projects that deliver the Integrated Climate Strategy and Adelaide Park Lands Management Strategy. Expect to work closely with partners like Green Adelaide and Bush for Life, support volunteers, and contribute to community engagement, funding applications, and nursery programs.

Housing Policy, Projects & Research

Support the delivery of strategies and initiatives that shape the way people live in Adelaide. You'll contribute to policy development, research, and projects linked to the Housing Strategy, City Plan 2036, Heritage Strategy, and Adaptive Reuse City Housing Initiative (ARCHI). Your work may include analysing housing data, supporting university partnerships, managing grants, and preparing reports that influence the city's housing landscape.

Policy, Planning & Projects (Targeted)

Rotate between the Reconciliation Team and Park Lands Planning Team to gain exposure to community engagement, site visits, policy research, and project delivery. You'll contribute to key strategies such as the City of Adelaide Strategic Plan, Kadaltilla Strategic Plan, Stretch Reconciliation Action Plan 2024–2027, and the Integrated Climate Strategy. This stream is all about developing a broad foundation in local government policy and planning.

Civil Engineering

Work hands-on in planning, designing, and delivering infrastructure projects that impact everyday city life – from footpaths and roads to drainage and water-sensitive urban design. You'll gain experience across the full project lifecycle: scoping, design, delivery, and evaluation. You'll also collaborate with stakeholders, apply engineering standards, and help deliver projects that keep Adelaide connected, accessible, and sustainable.

Who We're Looking For

These roles are designed for
graduates and early-career professionals
eager to begin a career with purpose. You'll bring curiosity, a willingness to learn, and fresh perspectives to help deliver positive outcomes for Adelaide.

If you already have significant industry experience or are seeking a senior role, this program won't be the right match – it's designed to support the next generation of professionals to gain hands-on experience and grow.

Why Join Us?

At the City of Adelaide, we're passionate about shaping a liveable, inclusive, and sustainable city.

As a graduate, you'll be part of a supportive organisation that values innovation, collaboration, and community impact.

We offer:

A structured graduate pathway with mentoring and professional development

Opportunities to work across diverse projects and teams

The chance to apply your studies to real-world challenges

A role where your contribution supports the future of Adelaide

Apply now to join the City of Adelaide's Graduate Program and start building a career that matters – where your skills, ideas, and passion meet community.