Graduate Building and Planning Compliance

City of Gold Coast; Gold Coast City; On-site; AUD 71,000 - 87,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Graduate Academy

9-day fortnight

Job summary

City of Gold Coast is offering a 12-month Graduate Academy in Graduate Building and Planning Compliance, commencing February 2027. This fixed-term full-time role (9-day fortnight, 36 hours per week) provides hands-on learning, mentorship and rotations across building and planning compliance.

You will engage in regulatory assessments, stakeholder engagement and investigative work, building practical knowledge in local government compliance while developing professional networks and accreditation

Qualifications

• Recognised bachelor’s degree or postgraduate qualification completed within the last two years.
• Applicants must have full working rights in Australia for the duration of the program.
• Ability to work full-time during the program.
• Graduates who studied Building Surveying, Urban and Regional Planning, Laws or related fields are preferred.

Responsibilities

• Support research, investigations and regulatory assessments across Building and Planning Compliance.
• Engage with stakeholders and interpret relevant legislation.
• Contribute to enforcement processes and continuous improvement initiatives.
• Participate in structured rotations and mentoring within the Graduate Academy.

Skills

Curious

Continuous improvement

Learning mindset

Analytical thinking

Communication

Team collaboration

Stakeholder engagement

Education

Bachelor's degree

Postgraduate qualification

Building Surveying

Urban and Regional Planning

Law

Job description

Graduate Building and Planning Compliance

• Full Time Fixed Term | 9-day fortnight | 36 hours per week
• Salary: From $79,016 per annum plus superannuation
• Position Overview - Graduate Position Brief

We know you are driven by growth and opportunity, eager to build your career and ready to make an impact. That's why we offer a full time, 12-month Graduate Academy designed to unlock your potential and equip you with the knowledge, skills and hands-on experience to excel in your chosen career.

Working alongside industry leaders, you will contribute to a range of projects and initiatives that help shape and connect our City, with real world opportunities to learn, grow and progress. Through our tailored development program, valuable industry connections and the support of our Graduate Academy community, you will build the skills, networks and confidence to take your career further.

Start your career at the City

Starting February 2027, the Graduate Academy combines professional development with meaningful on-the-job experience, designed to support your transition from university into the workplace. As a graduate at the City, you will benefit from:

• opportunities to contribute to projects and initiatives you won't find anywhere else.
• guidance, coaching and support from experienced industry leaders, mentors and peers.
• a connected Graduate Academy cohort, giving you a network of peers to learn and grow alongside.
• work-based learning and a tailored program of personal, professional and career development.
• a range of Graduate Academy experiences, including City tours, exclusive CEO talks and cohort events.
• support on your pathway towards professional accreditation.

What's on offer

As a Graduate, you will work alongside experienced professionals across Building Compliance and Planning Compliance functions, supporting research, investigations, regulatory assessments, stakeholder engagement, legislative interpretation, enforcement processes and continuous improvement initiatives. Through structured rotations and mentoring, you will gain exposure to a diverse range of compliance matters, develop investigative and decision-making skills, and contribute to regulatory actions that improve service delivery outcomes for the community.

This role is ideal for graduates who are curious, analytical, customer-focused and interested in applying technical, planning or legal knowledge to real-world regulatory challenges. The position offers a unique opportunity to develop a broad understanding of local government compliance while working with a multidisciplinary team of building, planning and legal professionals.

What we are looking for

We are looking for graduates who are ready to learn, contribute and make a difference. You will:

• be curious, motivated and keen to contribute to the future of the Gold Coast.
• bring new ideas, perspectives and a continuous improvement mindset.
• take ownership of your learning and professional development.
• embrace new challenges and adapt as you build your experience.
• analyse information, think critically and approach problems with curiosity.
• communicate with confidence, build strong relationships and contribute to a positive team culture.
• work collaboratively and value different perspectives, experiences and ideas.

Who can apply?

To be considered for this opportunity you must hold a recognised bachelor's degree or postgraduate qualification from a tertiary institution, completed within the last two years or be completing prior to the commencement of the program in February 2027. Applicants must have full working rights in Australia for the duration of the program and be able to work full-time.

The Building and Planning Compliance Graduate position is recommended for but not limited to graduates who have studied Bachelor of Building Surveying, Urban and Regional Planning, Laws; and related fields. Please note, while a Bachelor of Laws is a relevant discipline, this is a compliance role and the successful graduate will not be practising or providing advice in a legal capacity.

Learn more on our Careers Page: Graduate Academy | City of Gold Coast.

Closing Date: Monday 5 October 2026 / 10:30pm AEST

The City of Gold Coast is an equal opportunity employer dedicated to promoting an inclusive and diverse workplace. We are committed to supporting an environment where all employees feel valued, respected and supported. We welcome applications from people of all backgrounds, experiences and identities, and encourage candidates to discuss any support or adjustments they may need throughout the recruitment process.