DCCEEW Graduate Development Program

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.

About our program

The Graduate Development Program is a pathway for graduates into our department. Our 12-month program 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 an APS 5 level 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, 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.

Our 2025 Graduate Development Program will commence in February 2025.

Why join us?

We invest in our graduates and will provide you the opportunities, tools and support network for you to achieve great things.

Our Graduate Development Program is not too big or small. We ensure 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. We are committed to the growth of our most important resource – you.

Our program provides a number of benefits to graduates including:

• 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: Your starting salary is $71,444 per annum plus 15.4% superannuation contributions. Graduates are eligible for salary/level advancement during and on successful completion of the program. 
• 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 the previous year’s graduate cohort who will support you and share their experiences and insights.
• Relocation Assistance: If moving interstate for your graduate role, you will receive a comprehensive 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 Employee Networks: Help contribute to a positive and inclusive workplace culture by joining one of more of our six Diversity Employee Networks.
• Community: Participate in Social Club activities and events to connect with colleagues across the department.

We pride ourselves on our positive, supportive and inclusive workplace culture that nurtures talent and encourages employees to achieve their full potential. We welcome applications from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, mature age people, people from diverse backgrounds and people with disability.

Who we are looking for

We are seeking graduates from a broad range of backgrounds, study areas and work 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

Qualification: As a minimum, you must have a degree 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.