Graduate, Policy, Planning & Projects (Targeted)

• Full time, fixed term position until January 2028
• Commencing at $79,526 + 12% superannuation
• Applications open to Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander people

About the Opportunity 

This is an exciting chance to begin your career in policy, planning and projects with the City of Adelaide’s Graduate Program.

As a Graduate, Policy, Planning & Projects, you’ll be supported to learn, grow, and contribute in meaningful ways while working alongside experienced professionals. Over two years, you’ll rotate between the Reconciliation Team and the Park Lands Planning Team, giving you the opportunity to gain hands-on experience, build your skills, and make a real difference in shaping our city.

You’ll be involved in a variety of work, from researching and developing policies, to assisting with community engagement activities, site visits, and events. You’ll also support projects that align with key strategic documents such as the City of Adelaide Strategic Plan, Kadaltilla Strategic Plan, Stretch Reconciliation Action Plan 2024–2027, Adelaide Park Lands Management Strategy, and the Integrated Climate Strategy.

Throughout the program, you’ll take part in projects, training, and development activities designed to set you up for success. You’ll also have the opportunity to contribute fresh ideas, support continuous improvements, and play a part in initiatives that positively impact our community.

This is more than just a job, it’s a supportive environment where your career journey begins, and where your contributions will help shape the future of Adelaide.

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

Eligibility for the targeted position 

• This recruitment process is open to Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander people to support diversity within CoA, in line with the actions within our Stretch Reconciliation Action Plan. Under the section 65 of the Equal Opportunity Act 1984 (SA) we are able to conduct targeted recruitment for Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islander people.

If you meet these eligibility requirements, please address this requirement in your cover letter.

CoA demonstrates its ongoing commitment to reconciliation in a number of ways, for more information, please have a look here.

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 Planning, Public Policy, Social Science, Environmental Science or Public Administration within the next six months.
• An understanding of project management.
• An ability to plan and coordinate work to arrive at the required result.
• Strong organisational skills, the ability to successfully manage competing priorities, maintain attention to detail and meet deadlines.
• An ability to take ownership and accountability for deliverables.
• A commitment to internal and external customer service demonstrated through the provision of timely, reliable advice on matters within area of responsibility.

Eligibility for the Graduate Program

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 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  Talisha King, Team Leader Reconciliation 08 8203 7933.

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  Talisha King, Team Leader, Reconciliation

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 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