Graduate, Housing Policy, Projects and Research

• Gain first-hand insight into how local councils serve the community
• Full time, fixed term position until January 2028
• Commencing at $79,526 + 12% superannuation

About the Opportunity 

This is a fantastic opportunity to kick-start your career in housing policy, projects, and research through the City of Adelaide’s Graduate Program.

As a Graduate, Housing Policy, Projects & Research, you’ll be supported to learn and develop while making meaningful contributions that shape the future of our city. Over two years, your work will support the implementation of various strategies and programs, including the Housing Strategy, City Plan 2036, the Heritage Strategy, the Code Amendment Program, and the Adaptive Reuse City Housing Initiative (ARCHI).

This will involve a mix of policy development, research, and hands-on project support. You’ll contribute to research into housing data and innovative approaches from across Australia and overseas, help deliver key projects, and support collaborations with universities and community partners. You’ll also be involved in grant program administration, community engagement activities, and the creation of reports and publications that help share knowledge and outcomes.

Throughout the program, you’ll be encouraged to bring fresh ideas, grow your skills, and take an active role in your professional development. With structured learning, mentoring, and on-the-job experience, you’ll be well supported to build a rewarding career while contributing to projects that make a genuine difference to Adelaide’s housing landscape.

This is more than just the first step in your career, it’s a chance to play a part in shaping how people live, work and connect in our city.

To view a copy of the position description, please click here.

To help you along the way, we’ve created a Graduate Application Guide with handy tips on how to stand out – you can read it here.

City of Adelaide Graduate Program 2026

About You

To be eligible for this role you will have:

• Graduated within approximately the last 2 years, or are expecting to complete a degree in Urban Planning, Architecture or Geography within the next six months.
• Ability to work in an open, creative and collaborative project-based environment.
• Demonstrated ability to think conceptually and creatively and show initiative and self-discipline in daily tasks.
• High level of initiative and self-discipline with ability to and prioritise a broad program of works and make decisions relevant to position.
• Strong organisational skills, the ability to successfully manage competing priorities, maintain attention to detail and meet deadlines.

In your cover letter, we’d love for you to address the following points below:

• What attracted you to apply for this role at the City of Adelaide?
• What areas of housing policy, city planning, heritage, and/or adaptive reuse interest you the most, and why? What was your major area of research in your final year? Please describe your project and any highlights or challenges you faced with it.
• Do you have academic or practical experience in any of the following areas:

• Statutory planning processes (including application of the Planning and Design Code, National Construction Code)
• Strategic planning
• Adaptive reuse principles
• Heritage building conservation and/or heritage policy
• Preparing written reports/submissions/guidelines
• Research and data collection/analysis

• Do you have academic or practical experience with any of the following software tools?

• Geographic Information Systems (ESRI, ArcGIS)
• MS Office
• Adobe Creative Suite (InDesign)
• SmartyGrants

We encourage you to use this cover letter as an opportunity to tell us more about you, your passion, problem-solving skills, and creativity, not just list experiences.

Eligibility

This opportunity is designed specifically for early-career candidates who are looking to gain hands-on experience and start building their career in this industry.

As part of the application process, you’ll be asked a few short pre-screening questions to help us ensure this role is the right fit. These are designed to confirm your eligibility, and to make sure we’re giving genuine graduates the chance to step into a meaningful and development-focused opportunity.

If you’ve already had significant industry experience or are seeking a more senior position, this role likely won’t be the right match and your application may not progress further.

We appreciate your understanding as we do our best to support emerging talent and help the next generation of graduates gain real-world experience.

About Us

Located in the geographic heart of Kaurna Country, the City of Adelaide celebrates its cultural heritage, unique natural surrounds and structures its footprint in a way that allows it to adapt to the changing needs of the community and a dynamic global landscape. Our focus is on our community’s wellbeing and quality of life - investing in city improvements and on future planning, so we continue to design a liveable city where future generations can continue to live authentic and meaningful lives. This is an exciting opportunity to join our team and be a bigger part of our amazing city!

At the City of Adelaide, we thrive in an environment that is welcoming, inclusive and safe, and celebrates difference.  We value and embrace our diverse perspectives and recognise the value diversity has in fuelling innovation and enabling brilliant experiences for our diverse community.

For Further Enquiries & How to Apply

All enquiries regarding this position will remain private and confidential and can be directed to Ellen Liebelt on 08 8203 7276.

Please submit a Resume, a copy of your academic transcript, and a Cover Letter expressing the skills, experience and qualities you can bring to this position addressed to Ellen Liebelt, Project Manager, City Housing (Adaptive Reuse).

Please review the position description prior to submitting an application by following the prompts to apply. 

Applications close at 11.59pm, 12 October 2025.

Please be advised this is a full-time, fixed term opportunity until January 2028 with a starting salary at the Level 3 Classification commencing at $79,526 + 12% superannuation.

As part of the recruitment process candidates will be required to undertake a Working with Children Check and/or a National Police Check.

We continue to work hard to ensure our recruitment process is safe for people of diverse backgrounds.

Please note, applications received via the email address below will not be considered. We are committed to making reasonable adjustments to provide a positive, barrier-free recruitment process and supportive workplace. Our commitment to inclusivity means we welcome applications from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, people with disabilities, and candidates from with a range of lived experiences. If you require assistance with our recruitment process, you are more than welcome to connect with our People Services team on (08) 8203 7333 recruitment@cityofadelaide.com.au