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Department of Transport and Main Roads graduate program

Join a program that makes a real difference to people's lives.

Program details

Applications for the 2026 intake will open mid-2025.

  • Start date: February 2026
  • Location: Positions available statewide
  • Length: 2 years
  • Placements: This program recruits for roles in the Department of Transport and Main Roads only.

About this program

The Department of Transport and Main Roads (TMR) is seeking university graduates who want to make an impact. By joining our program, you'll work on projects that make a real difference to people's lives. Our graduate program gives you endless opportunities to shape the future of Queensland.

The program offers you a permanent job, competitive salary and a healthy work-life balance. It focuses on growth through diverse experiences and a tailored development program. You'll build connections, learn new skills and achieve results.

You'll face challenging tasks that come with real responsibility and accountability. The program aims to smooth your transition from student-life to full-time employment.

Find out how Isis is using her communications degree to make our waterways safer #wearetmrgrads

Hey, I'm Isis. I'm a digital communications officer for Maritime Safety Queensland (MSQ) and this is my office today.

I found out about TMR's Grad Program through Grad Connections which is a job listing similar to SEEK so I found that towards the end of my university degrees.

The best part about my role is helping develop creative content and working with amazing people.

A key project that I've worked on is the National Safe Boating Week. The whole premise of what I do is just to educate the boating public about being safe out on the waterways and right now we're doing the Summer Boating Safety Campaigns so very excited about it. I feel like my involvement creates a positive impact because we're creating content to educate the boating public about being safe out on the waterways like wearing a life jacket.

The grad program has been absolutely amazing. I've travelled to different areas in Queensland and working with MSQ and in the waterways has been so enjoyable.

Who we are looking for

We offer a variety of roles in some of the most beautiful regions of Queensland. Opportunities range from an Environmental graduate in Rockhampton, a Communications graduate in Nerang, to a Civil Engineer in Brisbane. Our program provides exposure to a wide variety of projects across the diverse landscape of Queensland.

We recruit graduates from a range of degrees including (but not limited to):

  • accounting
  • design and engineering
  • communications
  • data science and information communication technology
  • environment and cultural heritage
  • human resources and occupational health and safety
  • planning and transport modelling
  • policy and business
  • procurement and contract management
  • property
  • spatial and science survey.

Program eligibility

You are eligible to apply if you:

  • have a university undergraduate or postgraduate degree in a discipline listed above
  • have or will have completed a bachelor's degree or higher within the last 3 years and prior to commencing the program
  • are an Australian or New Zealand citizen
  • are an Australian permanent resident
  • have a visa with unrestricted working rights under Australian immigration law.

Important information for engineering graduates: Engineering qualifications must be 4-year Washington Accord accredited or undergo assessment for accreditation through Engineers Australia.

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

  • Annual salary starting at $73,876, increasing after 12 months
  • 36.25 hour working week
  • 12.75% employer superannuation contribution
  • 17.5% holiday bonus pay
  • Flexible work arrangements such as working from home, 9-day fortnight, different start/finish times, part-time and accrued time off
  • Discounted fitness membership programs, free employee assistance program and other health and wellbeing initiatives
  • Generous leave entitlements
  • Cultural leave
  • Salary packaging options
  • Access to unlimited accredited online learning programs and on-the-job learning and development opportunities to enhance your professional growth
  • Participation in training workshops for a comprehensive learning experience
  • Supportive, inclusive and respectful departmental culture where you can bring your true self to work

How to apply

Applications for the 2026 intake will open in mid-2025.

Our recruitment process

You will be required to create a GradSift profile and upload your:

  • resume
  • academic transcript
  • cover letter
  • video, telling us about you (optional).

The DTMR team will make sure you have the right qualifications and working rights for the program.

Experts from your chosen field will assess your:

  • experience
  • knowledge
  • acquired skills
  • personal qualities.

After the assessment stage, our interview process begins.

Referee checks are also done at this stage.

If you are successful, our team will call to make an offer!

Get ready to start your journey as a Department of Transport and Main Roads graduate. Your induction activities start in February 2026. You will:

  • complete a local induction, where you will learn the ins and outs of your business area and building
  • meet your new team
  • set up your technology
  • undergo mandatory training
  • connect with your Grad Buddy.

More information about this program

Find out more about the Department of Transport and Main Roads graduate program.

Expression of interest for Queensland Government graduate programs

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