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 and receive excellent work conditions that promote work/life balance.
• Diversity and inclusion employee networks: Help contribute to a positive and inclusive workplace culture by joining one or more of our six Diversity Employee 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 whole selves to work, contribute meaningfully, and reach their full potential.

Our vision is to create a workplace where everyone feels valued, included, and able to contribute meaningfully. We embrace the diverse experiences, skills, and perspectives our people bring, knowing that together, we can drive innovation and achieve our goals.

The department has a range of strategies and initiatives to embed diversity and inclusion, including the following employee networks:

• Culturally and Linguistically Diverse Employee Network
• Disability and Carers Network
• Gender Equality Network
• Indigenous Staff Network
• Mental Health Awareness Network
• Neurodiversity Network
• Pride Network

Our Employee Networks are backed by passionate Senior Executive Service (SES) Champions who drive meaningful change and foster a more inclusive and diverse workplace. These Champions play a visible leadership role, working closely with our Networks and the broader department to create a cohesive, inclusive culture where everyone feels valued.

We welcome applications from people of all backgrounds, including Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, LGBTIQ+ communities, culturally and linguistically diverse individuals, mature-age workers, and people with disability. As an inclusive employer, we are committed to supporting transgender and gender-diverse employees.

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 study areas 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 and other requirements

Qualification - as a minimum, you must have a completed bachelor’s degree by February 2026 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 – you do, so 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.

Security Clearance - this position requires a Negative Vetting 1 security clearance. You will be required to obtain and maintain a clearance at this level. See Australian Government Security Vetting Agency (AGSVA) for more information.

Pre-employment checks - 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.

Location

Graduate placements are available across Australia, and may be offered in Canberra, Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Hobart and Perth.

As part of your application, you will be asked to indicate your preferred location(s).

Graduates who relocate to commence the program will receive a relocation assistance package to assist with:

• Removals and storage of household belongings
• Flights or a mileage allowance
• Short-term accommodation
• Reimbursement of meals and other costs associated with travel.