Cadet Designer

Cairns Regional Council; Cairns Regional; On-site; AUD 64,000 - 87,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Flexible working arrangements

Fitness Passport - subsidised health &

Recharge with up to 5 weeks annual lea

Up to 3 weeks personal leave

Up to 14 weeks paid parental leave

Salary sacrifice opportunities

Up to $5,000 study assistance per year

Job summary

Cairns Regional Council is offering a Cadet Designer position in Cairns to launch your civil design career within a major infrastructure portfolio. The role combines hands‑on project work with training in AutoCAD, 12d Model and GIS, while you complete relevant studies.

The Cadet position supports fieldwork, design development, and documentation, with paid study leave and course fee reimbursements. A C‑class licence and commitment to community outcomes are essential.

Qualifications

• Completed Year 12 or hold a Certificate III in Engineering and be eligible for acceptance into an Associate Degree in Engineering (Civil) course or equivalent.
• Current C Class Driver's Licence and ability to drive between Cairns business locations as needed.
• Commitment to delivering high‑quality outcomes for Cairns community.

Responsibilities

• Undertake training in civil design software (AutoCAD, 12d Model, GIS).
• Assist with planning, development and delivery of civil design projects.
• Prepare detailed civil design drawings and estimates for multi‑disciplinary infrastructure projects with guidance.
• Support field investigations, traffic surveys and stakeholder consultation.
• Maintain database and document control using established procedures.
• Contribute technical knowledge and innovative problem solving to design activities.

Skills

Detail‑oriented

Analytical thinking

Team collaboration

Education

Year 12 or Certificate III in Engineering; eligible for Associate Degree in Engineering (Civil)

Tools

AutoCAD

12d Model

GIS

Job description

Cadet Designer

Requisition Number: 1400

Salary Range: $64,175.57 - $86,649.77 per annum

Position Type: Full Time Maximum Term for up to 6 Years

Cadet Position – This position is intended for up to a 6-year maximum term to allow for 2 years of bonded service to Council post-graduation.

Location: Council Chambers, 119-145 Spence Street, Cairns

Application Close Date: Wednesday, 25 November 2026 at 11.30pm AEST

Kick-start your career in Civil Design with one of the region’s largest and most diverse infrastructure portfolios!

We are seeking a motivated and enthusiastic Cadet Designer to join our Design & Survey Services team. This is an exciting opportunity to earn while you learn, gain hands‑on industry experience, and build a rewarding career in civil engineering and infrastructure design.

Our Ideal Candidate:

We are seeking a Cadet Designer who is eager to learn and willing to dedicate themselves to continuous development within a technically focused environment. The ideal candidate will have completed Year 12 or hold a Certificate III in Engineering and be qualified for acceptance into an Associate Degree in Engineering (Civil) course, or an equivalent qualification. They will demonstrate a detail-oriented mindset, strong analytical skills, and a willingness to integrate into and contribute positively to the established team culture. A current "C" Class Driver's Licence is required, with the ability to independently drive between business locations to meet operational needs. The successful candidate will also maintain a commitment to delivering high-quality outcomes for the Cairns community.

What You’ll Be Doing:

• Undertake training in the use of civil design software (AutoCAD, 12d Model and relevant GIS systems).
• Undertake training in the investigation, planning, development and delivery of civil design projects.
• Develop knowledge and understanding of relevant standards, guidelines and legislative documents (e.g. Austroads, Queensland Urban Drainage Manual, Queensland Streets, Main Roads technical publications and Australian Standards).
• Assist with field investigations, traffic surveys and stakeholder consultation associated with allocated projects.
• Preparation of detailed civil design drawings and estimates for a range of multi-disciplinary infrastructure projects with guidance and as directed.
• Provide general administrative assistance such as database maintenance and document control using established procedures.
• Develop an approach to contributing technical knowledge and innovative problem solutions to design activities.

Study Allowances

Council provides paid study and examination leave, along with course fee reimbursements, to support your professional development and ensure success in your university studies.

Why Join the Design Team?

Supportive Team Environment

Our team combines professionalism with a relaxed and supportive culture. We value collaboration, open communication, and the occasional good-natured banter. We pride ourselves on fostering an environment where people can enjoy coming to work and working together to achieve quality outcomes.

Professional Growth and Development

The team provides excellent opportunities for learning and career development. Graduates, cadets and even experienced professionals benefit from mentorship, knowledge sharing and support from highly experienced staff.

Unique Lifestyle Benefits

Based in Cairns, we benefit from the unique lifestyle provided by the area. Nestled between the reef and rainforest, the region offers an abundance of opportunities to enjoy the outdoors and maintain a healthy work-life balance.

Diverse and Meaningful Projects

Our project portfolio is varied and challenging, providing opportunities to work across multiple disciplines and asset types. No two projects are the same, and team members take pride in delivering infrastructure that benefits the local community.

Some benefits we offer:

• Achieve work / life balance with flexible working arrangements
• Fitness Passport - subsidised health and well-being memberships (gym/swimming pool)
• Recharge with up to 5 weeks annual leave
• Up to 3 weeks personal leave
• Cherish family time with up to 14 weeks paid parental leave
• Grow personally and professionally with learning and development opportunities
• Salary sacrifice opportunities
• Up to $5,000 study assistance per annum (inclusive of Fringe Benefits Tax) towards the cost of your Associate Degree in Engineering (Civil)

We are committed to:

• Fostering a collaborative and inclusive work environment
• Embracing innovation and continuous improvement
• Cultivating a culture of professional growth and support