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 28 July 2025.
- Start date: February 2026
- Location: Positions available statewide
- Length: 2 years, with ongoing permanent employment
- 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 are looking for employees with a connection to community and country to contribute to protecting our great lifestyle and growing in a sustainable way. We are looking for applications from students who listen, learn and will embed their experience into local projects.
We offer a variety of roles in some of the most beautiful regions of Queensland. 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):
- civil engineering
- electrical engineering
- mechanical engineering
- environment and cultural heritage
- town and transport planning
- property and property economics
- 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 from a recognised tertiary institution
- 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. You will be required to provide this as part of your submission.
Program remuneration and benefits
- Annual salary starting from $74,130
- Automatic pay increase 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, 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
Regional employees have access to benefits, which may include 5 weeks of annual leave, locality allowances and incentive schemes. Ask at the interview for more information and eligibility.
How to apply
Applications for the 2026 intake will open 28 July 2025.
Apply through the Department of Transport and Main Roads.
Our recruitment process
You will be required to create a GradSift profile and upload your:
- resume
- cover letter
- academic transcript
- evidence of Australian citizenship or Australian working rights
- video, telling us about yourself (optional).
The TMR team will make sure you have the right qualifications and working rights for the program.
Experts from your chosen field will use your online application to assess your:
- experience
- knowledge
- acquired skills
- personal qualities.
After the assessment stage, we may choose to invite you to an interview.
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 TMR graduate. Your induction activities commence 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
Sign up to our mailing list and select the Department of Transport and Main Roads as one of your preferred departments. This will mean you will be amongst the first to know when it's time to apply for this graduate program. You'll get the link to apply sent right to your inbox!