Launch your career and help shape the future of WA

Department of Planning, Lands and Heritage - 2027 Graduate Program

Level/Salary: Level 3 - starting salary from $89,464 pa

Work Type: Various

Location: Perth

Closing Date: Monday 31 August 2026 (AWST)

Kaya! Waiba! Ngali! Nyindi Barndi! Hello!

We're searching for talented graduates to join our 2027 Graduate Program!

About Us

At the Department of Planning, Lands and Heritage (DPLH), we plan and manage land and protect heritage for all Western Australians.

Our workforce includes people with qualifications in planning, environmental science, anthropology, archaeology, property management, geographic information systems (GIS), engineering, human resources and many other disciplines.

We invite applications from recent or upcoming university graduates who are enthusiastic, proactive and committed to ongoing learning and development.

The Department is an equal opportunity employer and may utilise measures available under the Equal Opportunity Act 1984 to achieve equality in employment outcomes.

We are focused on building a diverse and inclusive workforce that reflects the community we serve and encourage applications from people of all backgrounds and experiences.

Benefits of working with us

Successful applicants will work in a supportive environment that enables professional and personal growth while contributing to the Department's vision.

DPLH offers:

• flexible work arrangements;
• professional learning and development opportunities;
• exposure to a broad range of projects and stakeholders; and
• opportunities to work across business areas to broaden skills and experience.

Our headquarters are located at 140 William Street, Perth, on Whadjuk Noongar land, with offices on country across the State. 

For more information about the Department and the work we do, please visit the DPLH website.

About the Program

Commencing in February 2027, up to five Graduate Officers may be appointed through this recruitment process.

Successful graduates will participate in a structured 12-month Graduate Development Program that includes:

• rotational placements across business areas;
• formal and informal learning opportunities;
• professional development activities;
• networking opportunities; and
• ongoing support and coaching.

As part of the program, graduates will gain valuable experience contributing to projects that help shape communities, manage land and protect heritage across WA.

The DPLH Graduate Program provides permanent employment, subject to successful completion of a 12-month probationary period.

Following completion of the program, graduates will be placed in a suitable position aligned to organisational requirements and their qualifications, skills and experience.

Graduate streams

Applicants should have qualifications relevant to one of the following areas:

Stream 1 – Land Use Planning

Degrees in:

• urban and regional planning;
• planning and/or development; or
• approved equivalent disciplines.

Stream 2 – Heritage and Property Services

Degrees in:

• anthropology; or
• archaeology

Stream 3 – Land Use Management

Degrees in:

• environmental science;
• property management;
• agricultural science; or
• related disciplines.

Stream 4 – Strategy and Engagement

Degrees in:

• geographic information systems (GIS);
• civil engineering;
• traffic engineering;
• transport engineering;
• planning; or
• related disciplines.

Stream 5 – Business and Corporate Services

Degrees in:

• human resources;
• people and culture; or
• related discipline.

About you

We are seeking graduates with a variety of qualifications and backgrounds, who demonstrate behaviours aligned with the WA Public Sector's Leadership Expectations - Personal Leadership, including adaptability, collaboration, sound judgement, continuous learning and a commitment to achieving positive outcomes.

We are also looking for people whose values align with the Department's values and the Public Sector Code of Ethics.

Our values: Integrity | Respect | Collaboration | Professionalism | Innovation | Accountability

Public Sector Code of Ethics: Personal Integrity | Relationships with Others | Accountability

Eligibility criteria – please read carefully

You must meet all the following criteria:

• have completed, or be completing, a tertiary accredited degree in a relevant discipline between 2025 and 2026, or be completing your final year of study in 2026;
• be an Australian citizen or Australian permanent resident at the time of application; and
• be available to commence full-time employment in February 2027.

If you do not meet all eligibility criteria, your application will not be considered.

What you need to submit

You must upload all three documents:

1. Current curriculum vitae (maximum 3 pages) outlining your work experience, achievements, extra-curricular involvements and/or leadership roles you have undertaken, including details and email addresses of two (2) referees. Please also include any relevant proficiency in Microsoft Office applications (e.g. Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook and Teams).
2. One-page written application

• Outlining your interest in the Graduate Program and working in the WA Public Sector.
• Providing examples of how you have
• adapted to change or learnt from experience (Lead Adaptively); and
• sought to understand the needs or perspectives of others to achieve a positive outcome (Dynamically Sense the Environment).

Please use examples from your study, work, volunteering or extracurricular activities.

1. Academic transcript

Provide:

• your most recent academic transcript; and
• evidence of degree completion or current enrolment.

Important: Incomplete applications or applications that do not include all required documents will not be assessed.

Further job-related information

If you would like to learn more about the Graduate Program, please visit the DPLH website or contact:

Ann Mianulli
Capability Team Lead
Phone: (08) 6551 9263
capability@dplh.wa.gov.au

Jasmine King
Recruitment Team Lead
Phone: (08) 6551 7944

A comprehensive Applicant Information Pack is available and provides further information about the Department, the Graduate Program and the recruitment process.

Accessibility: If you have communication or access requirements that require adjustment to enable your participation in this recruitment process, contact our Recruitment team on (08) 6551 9419 or email recruitment@dplh.wa.gov.au.

We can also be contacted via the National Relay Service on the below numbers:
TTY/voice calls – 133 677
Speak and Listen – 1300 555 727 or SMS relay – 0423 677 767.

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander applicants – For a confidential discussion about the recruitment process, please reach out to Jake Louthean or Barb Culbong from our Aboriginal Employment and Engagement team. You can contact Jake at 0428429486 or Barb at 0408 895 002 or alternatively email us at aboriginalemployment@dplh.wa.gov.au.

The Department is an equal opportunity employer and as a measure to achieve equality under sections 51, 66R and 66ZP of the Equal Opportunity Act 1984, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, young people (24 years of age and under) and people with disability who meet the requirements of the position, may be prioritised for appointment.

If you experience technical issues when submitting your application contact ramshelpdesk@bigredsky.com.

DPLH reserves the right to close this vacancy prior to the advertised closing date should circumstances around the vacancy change.

Applications close at 9am on Monday 31 August 2026 (AWST)