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 are open and will close on 1 September 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 howThishaun is putting his degree to work in regional Queensland #wearetmrgrads
I'm Thishaun. I'm a graduate civil engineer as part of the 2023 graduate program.
Currently I'm an RNBC area engineer which is based in the tropical, sunny, Far North Queensland in Cairns.
What made me choose the Department of Transport and Main Roads graduate program is I took a particular liking to roads and highways and as a graduate engineer we did quite a lot of quality control.
We're working in the wet tropics area, which is also unique to this area, capturing data to forward on to relevant authorities.
Working in the Cairns region I'm able to see my impact quite immediately. To be working out in the regions I'm very grateful because I'm able to wear different hats. It's part of my role working, especially rurally, we may not be able to get resources out there in time, especially when you're working 4-plus hours away from the city. So, to be able to wear these hats as a primary role and take on secondary roles as well, it's been really rewarding and increased my confidence in my career.
The connection between the local community and the work I do is quite rewarding. Everyone has a vested interest in seeing the region grow as a whole. To able to consult with various stakeholders, such as property owners, and for them to even be able to voice their concerns to us about some access problem that they may be having and to be able to improve capacity of our road.
I enjoy living in Cairns because of the strong sense of community especially when I clock in to work every day everyone says stops and says good day. If you want to start your career there's no place better than the far north.
You get to get more involved and the team, especially up in Cairns, really does support you. I've been very privileged enough, despite being a graduate engineer, to still be involved in some of these technical talks and learning from my mentors and from my team leaders.
So, to work in the regions you get extra leave which is 5 weeks of annual leave which is quite a plus point to be able to do more exploring or to spend time with family.
The most rewarding experience at the Department of Transport and Main Roads in regards to engineering is working on some of these slips and more remote parts of the of the region such as Cooktown. Getting to understand the complexities of the location especially is quite unique.
So, working in a holiday destination with beaches and mountains, everyone's quite laidback and everyone's in real holiday mood and in good spirits. So that energy rubs off on you in your work as well.
I'm sure like thousands of tourists spend money to come and drive up these roads, but here we are maintaining it and supporting the local community. So, that in itself is a holiday.
Who we are looking for
We are looking for employees with a connection to community and country to contribute to our department's vision and purpose. 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 science and surveying.
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 are open and will close on 1 September 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!