Be part of something bigger.
Build your career while helping create a thriving, connected and sustainable community at the City of Charles Sturt.
We are seeking 3 passionate and motivated graduates to join our Graduate Program.
This 2 year development program offers hands-on experience, professional growth opportunities and exposure to the diverse services and projects that make a real difference to our community.
As one of South Australia's most progressive and community-focused councils, we're committed to helping emerging professionals develop the skills, confidence and networks needed to build a rewarding career in local government.
If you're curious, community-minded and ready to make an impact, we'd love to hear from you.
About the Graduate Program
The City of Charles Sturt delivers a wide range of services that support our community every day. As a graduate, you'll gain exposure to the projects, programs and services that help create a city where people want to live, work and thrive.
Working alongside experienced professionals, you'll have the opportunity to contribute to meaningful work while developing practical skills and professional networks.
Depending on your qualifications, interests and business needs, you may have opportunities to contribute to areas such as:
- Customer Experience
- Community Development
- Community Health and Safety
- Communications and Engagement
- Planning and Environment
- Human Resources
- Finance
- Engineering and Infrastructure
- Technology and Digital Services
- Data and Analytics
- Performance, Business Intelligence and Improvement
- Governance and Risk
Ready to shape the future with us?
Read below for more information, and complete your online application via our Job Board.
As part of the Graduate Program, you'll:
- Contribute to meaningful projects that deliver real community outcomes
- Gain exposure to different areas of local government
- Build professional, technical and leadership skills
- Receive mentoring, coaching and development opportunities
- Expand your professional network across Council
- Develop a strong understanding of how local government serves and supports communities
To be considered for the Graduate Program, you will need to:
- Have recently completed, or be in the final year of, a Bachelor's degree in a discipline relevant to local government.
- Be passionate about making a positive contribution to the community.
- Demonstrate initiative, curiosity and a willingness to learn.
- Have strong interpersonal and communication skills.
- Be committed to developing your capabilities within a progressive, values-driven organisation.
- Have unrestricted work rights in Australia for the duration of this contract.
Relevant disciplines may include:
- Business, Commerce and Finance
- Information Technology, Digital and Data Analytics
- Engineering, Infrastructure and Asset Management
- Planning, Environment and Sustainability
- Community Development and Social Sciences
- Human Resources, Psychology and Organisational Development
- Communications, Marketing and Public Relations
- Project Management and Business Improvement
- GIS, Spatial and Geospatial Sciences
- Other disciplines relevant to local government.
Successful graduates will be placed into an area of Council that aligns with their qualifications, skills, interests and organisational needs.
During the 2 year program, graduates will be placed within a business area that aligns with their qualifications, interests and organisational needs, enabling them to develop specialist skills while contributing to meaningful projects and outcomes.
While graduates are primarily based within one area, they will gain broad exposure across Council through:
- Cross-functional project work.
- Networking opportunities with employees from across the organisation.
- Participation in organisational initiatives and events.
- Learning experiences that provide insight into the diverse services delivered by local government.
- Regular engagement with leaders and subject matter experts from across Council.
This approach provides graduates with the opportunity to develop expertise in their chosen discipline while building a strong understanding of how different parts of Council work together to deliver positive outcomes for our community.
Ready to shape the future with us? Here's how to apply for the City of Charles Sturt Graduate Program:
1. Submit your application
Complete the online application via our Job Board and upload your resume and a cover letter responding to the following questions:
- Why would you like to join the City of Charles Sturt Graduate Program?
- What strengths, skills or experiences would you bring as a graduate?
- Which study discipline did you complete and what areas of local government most interest you?
- What do you hope to gain from participating in the Graduate Program?
2. Selection Process
Shortlisted applicants will be contacted following the close of applications. Interviews and assessment activities will follow shortly after.
3. Commencement
We are happy to work with the successful candidate(s) to agree on a suitable commencement date.