Graduates

2021 Graduate Program, Department of Agriculture, Water and the Environment


As one of our graduates, you will make a valuable contribution to protecting Australia’s natural resources and developing strong agricultural industries.

Our work delivers policies and programs for a strong economy and a healthy environment. The work we do today, matters for tomorrow.

What to expect

Our Graduate Program will:

  • develop your existing knowledge and skills
  • enhance your confidence in the workplace
  • kick start a rewarding career in the Australian Public Service

Our graduates start as full-time, permanent employees at the APS 3 level. On successful completion of the program, we will assess you for advancement to the APS 4 or APS 5 level.

Read more about terms and conditions of employment.

Work streams

We have 6 career streams to choose from, helping our graduates to build world-leading careers.

Each stream supports our efforts to ensure our land, water and heritage are well-managed, protected and productive. For today and into the future.

Learn more about each stream:

We may also use applications to fill graduate positions in our other agencies. This includes:

Positions at the APVMA are based in Armidale, NSW.

Our commitment to diversity

Our vision is to foster a workplace where employees feel included and valued. We want all staff to have access to opportunities and resources that support full participation at work.

We embrace the variety of experiences, skills and perspectives that people bring to the workplace. We want to harness these to achieve our objectives.

Our employees bring unique perspectives to the workplace. This can include how they identify in relation to age, caring responsibilities, cultural background, disability, gender, Indigenous background, sexual orientation and socio-economic background.

Our Employee Networks play a key role in promoting an inclusive workplace. In our 5 networks, identifying staff and allies can:

  • share experiences
  • build relationships
  • promote awareness of diversity through events and other initiatives.

Who can apply

You must:

  • be an Australian citizen or have been granted citizenship prior to 1 January 2021
  • have completed a Bachelor’s degree (or higher qualification), before the start of the 2021 program

You can have completed your degree at any time before that date.

Read more about the application process.

How to apply

Apply for the 2021 Graduate Development Program.

You will be required to submit a 1000 word statement. It must outline:

  • your reason for applying
  • what personal qualities you will bring to the role
  • how you intend to apply those qualities in a professional capacity

You must also upload a copy of your CV and academic transcript. Read more about how to apply.

Find out more