Graduate Waste and Resource Recovery

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

Benefits offered by this job

Graduate Academy

Professional development

Mentors and leadership

Job summary

The City of Gold Coast invites graduates to join a 12‑month Graduate Academy designed to unlock potential and build knowledge, skills and hands‑on experience. You will work across planning, operations and infrastructure projects, guided by industry leaders and mentors, with a focus on real‑world impact and career progression.

Starting February 2027, you will benefit from tailored development, professional accreditation support and a strong network through cohort activities, CEO talks, city tours

Qualifications

• Graduates must hold a recognised bachelor’s degree or postgraduate qualification completed recently or before February 2027.
• Applicants must have full working rights in Australia for the duration of the program and be able to work full‑time.
• Graduate entry with focus on Environmental Science, Environmental Engineering, Civil Engineering or Business and related fields.

Responsibilities

• Contribute to projects and initiatives that help shape and connect the City.
• Gain hands‑on experience across planning, operations and infrastructure projects.
• Analyse information and support data analysis, reporting and stakeholder engagement.
• Collaborate across operational and planning teams and engage with industry, communities and schools.

Skills

Curiosity

Motivation

Learning mindset

Communication

Teamwork

Education

Bachelor’s degree

Postgraduate qualification

Job description

• 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

Located within the Environment, Heritage and Resilience Department, the Waste and Resource Recovery business unit plays a critical role in delivering sustainable waste and resource recovery solutions for one of Australia's fastest‑growing cities. We provide services to more than 270,000 domestic and commercial properties, operate two landfill sites and 10 Waste and Recycling Centres, and lead the delivery of the City's Towards Zero Waste Plan 2025-28.

This role provides a unique opportunity to gain experience across one of Australia's largest local government waste and resource recovery operations, supporting projects that deliver tangible environmental outcomes for the Gold Coast community. You will gain hands‑on experience across planning, operations and infrastructure projects while contributing to initiatives that support a more sustainable and circular future for the Gold Coast. You will:

• contribute to projects that increase resource recovery, reduce landfill disposal and support circular economy outcomes.
• assist in the planning and delivery of waste and resource recovery initiatives through research, data analysis, report preparation and stakeholder engagement.
• analyse waste generation and recycling data to inform business improvement and strategic planning.
• work collaboratively across operational and planning teams and support engagement with industry, community groups and schools.
• gain practical experience across landfill operations, Waste and Recycling Centres, collection services and infrastructure projects.

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 Graduate Waste and Resource Recovery welcomes graduates who have studied Bachelor of Environmental Science, Environmental Engineering, Civil Engineering or Business; and related fields.

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.