Primary Industries graduate program
Cast your net and grow your career with the Primary Industries graduate program.
Program details
Applications for the 2025 intake will open in March 2025.
- Start date: July 2025
- Location: Placements available statewide
- Length: 2 years
- Placements: This program recruits for roles in the Department of Primary Industries only.
About this program
Cast your net and grow your career with the Primary Industries graduate program! Bring your passion for advancing the security and sustainability of Queensland's primary industries. Help us tackle some of the most important challenges facing Queensland and the world.
Our 2-year program supports early career professionals transition from study to full-time employment. You'll work in one of 4 areas – agriculture, biosecurity, fisheries or forestry. We'll help you grow and thrive through our comprehensive program where you'll have the chance to:
- build your capability with structured learning and training
- learn from experienced leaders in our mentoring program
- enjoy on-the-job experience and interesting project work
- explore unique career paths in regional and rural locations
- connect with our graduate network and industry experts
- accelerate your career through development opportunities.
Start your career with unique, interesting and rewarding work that has a tangible impact for today and tomorrow.
This is a temporary role for the length of the program. Graduates will receive dedicated support to secure ongoing employment within Queensland Government.
Meet Camille and Jordan, graduates in the program
[Upbeat introductory music]
[Camille – Graduate Policy Officer – Agriculture, Brisbane]
Agriculture is a lot broader than I thought it was. It's so much more than just, you know, growing a carrot or growing a cow for beef. It touches so many areas of people's lives.
[Jordan – Graduate Research Agronomist – Agriculture, Toowoomba]
The grad program, I saw it as an opportunity to gain access into the department and it allowed me that foot in to build a better career. The impact that I get to make within the projects, specifically around the practices that the farmers will undertake in the future.
[Camille]
The grad program offers a really fantastic transition into the workforce. Working on quite a few different projects and they're all aimed at enabling agricultural industries to operate in a sustainable way, to make sure that we're looking after the people in the communities that produce our food.
[Jordan]
I didn't expect the constant communication with my mentor and I didn't expect to be partnered with someone completely like-minded.
[Camille]
There's a little bit more understanding that's been really nice to have that kind of guidance and easing from uni into the workforce.
[Jordan]
The advice that I'd give graduates joining the program would be to stay open minded and just get your hands dirty and really gain those skills while you can. Because that will form the basis of your career.
[Camille]
Favourite legume would be chickpea. I think it would be chickpea. I've worked with them now for a few months and they're growing on me literally. [Laughs]
Our graduates are contributing on a local and global scale. What impact will you make?
Find purpose you feel, impact you see, and a legacy you bring to life.
Queensland Government #DPIcareers dpi.qld.gov.au/careers Department of Primary Industries
[Music fades]
Who we are looking for
We're looking for graduates in these fields to advance the security and sustainability of our primary industries:
- agriculture, fisheries, forestry, biosecurity and horticulture
- sciences including agricultural science and veterinary science
- agribusiness, business, commerce and finance
- economics and statistics
- data science, data analytics and mathematics
From time to time we also need people from other specialist fields. Don't hesitate to apply even if your field isn't mentioned.
Program eligibility
You are eligible to apply if you:
- have a university undergraduate degree in a discipline listed above
- have or will have completed the bachelor component of your degree between 1 July 2023 and July 2025
- are an Australian or New Zealand citizen
- are an Australian permanent resident
- have a visa with unrestricted working rights under Australian immigration law.
Additional information for international students
You are eligible to apply if you:
- can provide evidence of your visa type, status and entitlements to work prior to starting employment with us. Right to work must be maintained through employment. For more information on right to work and visa conditions visit the Department of Home Affairs
- have obtained overseas qualification recognition if you received your degree outside of Australia.
Program remuneration and benefits
- A competitive salary starting from at $73,906 per annum
- An employer super contribution of up to 12.75%
- Holiday bonus pay of 17.5%
- Flexible work arrangements and a 36.25 hour working week
- Generous leave entitlements including up to 4 weeks paid recreation leave
- Options for salary packaging
- Access to health and wellbeing programs including an employee assistance provider
- Support for your professional development with study, research and online learning options.
How to apply
Applications for the 2025 intake will open in March 2025.
Our recruitment process
You will need to submit an online application by creating a profile and uploading your:
- resume
- academic transcript/s
- evidence of working rights.
Your academic transcript and working rights will be verified to confirm your eligibility for the program.
Your experience, knowledge and professional skills will be assessed via phone screening, interviews and referee checks.
Our team will call successful candidates to make an offer, undertake any required pre-employment checks and organise your appointment to the program.
We plan to notify successful applicants in May to June 2025.
Get ready to start your journey as a Department of Primary Industries graduate. Your onboarding and induction activities will start in July 2025. You will participate in our graduate meet and greet event and the department's Welcome Event.
More information about this program
Find out more about the Primary Industries graduate program.
Expression of interest for Queensland Government graduate programs
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