Graduate - Urban and Regional Planner

Shape your future with the City of Gold Coast’s Graduate Academy! 

Our 12-month immersive graduate program is designed to unlock your potential, achieve your career goals, and equip you with the knowledge, skills and hands-on experience necessary 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. With our comprehensive professional development programs, networking opportunities and supportive work environment, you'll be empowered to reach your full potential. 

Be part of the next gen of GC Shapers

Commencing in January 2025, our program provides professional development training and on-the-job experience pathways, designed to help bridge the gap from academic study to the work environment. As a graduate of the City, you will have many opportunities available to you:

• contribute to a range of projects and initiatives not available anywhere else
• freedom to carve your own path, with the flexibility to design your graduate experience and career direction
• networking opportunities, tours, exclusive CEO talks and exciting teams projects, promoting collaboration across all areas of the City
• tailored learning including 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
• support for your continued development journey with future opportunities at the City after the program
• work-life integration including 9-day fortnight, flexible working arrangements and generous leave entitlements.

What's on offer

The City Planning branch takes a strategic and holistic approach to long term planning and policy development. From planning for the growth and development of our City whilst also managing natural hazards, to protecting and conserving our natural resources and heritage. The Strategic, Urban and Regional Planning (SURP) Unit delivers strategic projects and planning policy to effectively manage growth and respond to the evolving needs of the community and stakeholders. 

This exciting position offers an opportunity to join the dynamic SURP team to contribute to the long-term growth and development of our city. This graduate opportunity will work across projects in each of our sub-teams. These include:

• City Plan amendments program
• City Shaping - locational specific projects and strategic policy for infill growth areas within the City
• Strategic City Projects - projects of State significance
• Regional Planning - monitoring the state of the City and responding to population growth through policy positions
• Infrastructure Planning and planning for natural hazards (floods, bushfire, coastal erosion and landslide hazards)

What are we looking for from you

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 professional development
• are willing to embrace new challenges, learn new skills and adapt quickly
• 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 degree or post graduate qualification from a tertiary institution, completed within the last two years or be completed prior to the commencement of the program in January 2025. Applicants must have full working rights in Australia for the duration of the program and be able to work full-time.

The urban and regional planner graduate position is open to university graduates who have studied Urban and Regional Planning, Built Environment, Urban Planning, Regional and Town Planning or equivalent. 

Here’s how to apply 

Submit your academic transcript / qualification, resume and a 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.

For further information about the program, you may review the position brief here. For queries or further information, email 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.