Graduate Disaster & Emergency Management

We know you are driven by growth and opportunity, eager to progress quickly and determined to make an impact. That’s why we offer a full time 12-month immersive graduate program 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, providing real world opportunities to grow, develop and progress. Through our tailored development program, valuable industry connections and the support of our Graduate Academy community, you’ll build the skills, networks and confidence to create the career you want!

Be part of the next gen of GC Shapers

Starting February 2026, our program provides professional development training and on-the-job experience pathways, designed to smoothly transition you from academic study into the workplace. As a graduate at the City, you will benefit from:

• opportunities to contribute to a range of projects and initiatives you won’t find anywhere else.
• guidance and coaching from future-focused industry leaders, mentors and peers.
• flexibility to design your graduate experience and career direction.
• networking opportunities, city tours, exclusive CEO talks and graduate team events.
• work-based training and an extensive range of personal, professional and career development training designed to set you up for success.
• assistance and support on your path to accreditation.
• a healthy work-life balance including a 9-day fortnight, flexible working from home options and generous leave entitlements.

What’s on offer

The Disaster and Emergency Management Unit (DEMU) is responsible for ensuring that the City of Gold Coast has effective disaster management arrangements to enable the City to prevent, prepare, respond and recovery from disaster events. The DEMU provides critical support to the Gold Coast Local Disaster Management Group (LDMG). This is achieved by working collaboratively with emergency services and other crucial partners to manage community impacts from disaster events. As a graduate in this team, you will contribute towards development and implementation of plans and programs that support the community to prevent, prepare, respond and recover from disaster events and build resilience by:

• assisting in the development of exercises, community plans, local disaster management plans and subplan.
• supporting the identification of risks, mitigation and response activities to support Queensland Disaster Risk Management framework.
• supporting the community engagement programs to build personal disaster awareness and education in the community.
• undertaking research and analysis to inform the action and implementation of the Disaster Resilience Scorecard.
• assisting in the project support for the Severe Wind resilience program.
• supporting in the development of applications and administration for State and Federal grant funding opportunities.
• demonstrating initiative, consistently working towards individual and team goals and staying calm under pressure while effectively problem-solving.

What we are looking for

The City is committed to developing skilled graduates into future City leaders who:

• are curious, motivated and driven to make a difference for the future of the Gold Coast.
• embrace innovation with a forward-thinking and creative mindset.
• seek continuous learning opportunities and are committed to ongoing professional growth.
• are willing to embrace new challenges, learn new skills and adapt quickly.
• can analyse information, think logically and solve problems creatively.
• possess excellent written, verbal and interpersonal skills and can convey ideas clearly, listen attentively and collaborate effectively.
• contribute positively to the team dynamic, respect diverse perspectives and foster a productive work environment.

Who can apply? 

To be considered for this opportunity you must hold a recognised bachelor's degree or post graduate qualification from a tertiary institution, completed within the last two years or be completing prior to the commencement of the program in February 2026. Applicants must have full working rights in Australia for the duration of the program and be able to work full-time.

The Graduate Disaster and Emergency Management welcomes graduates who have studied Global Development or Global Studies (with specialist streams in crisis management, climate change and disaster management, sustainable development, politics and planning), Emergency and Disaster Management, Humanitarianism and Development, Disaster Risk and Resilience and related fields. We also welcome post-grad studies for Master of Emergency and Disaster Management and Humanitarianism and Development (Disasters and Community Resilience); and related fields.

Apply Now!

Submit your academic transcript / qualification, CV and cover letter. In your cover letter please outline information about your career objectives, work experience, education, volunteering and any extracurricular activities, specialist skills or interests you may have. 

Ready to shape your future? Learn more on our Careers Page: Graduate Academy | City of Gold Coast, and for more information see the Graduate Position Brief (Click here) or contact careerpathways@goldcoast.qld.gov.au 

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, regardless of their differences or similarities, feel valued, respected and supported.