Join the Geological Survey of Western Australia Industry Ready Graduate Program 2027 that will supercharge your geoscience skills and data awareness before entering the resources sector. Our two-year program will support your university learning journey, followed by on-the-job applied geoscience training.

First year: Your Honours or Masters studies will be supported by a stipend of $35,000 - $50,000 (depending on the type of degree)

Second Year: After the successful completion of your Honours or Masters degree, you will work at Geological Survey Western Australia (GSWA) as a full-time employee with a starting salary of $90,256 p.a. plus 12% superannuation.

The Geological Survey of Western Australia is part of the Department of Mines, Petroleum and Exploration (DMPE). As a trusted, world leading geological survey, we provide objective and authoritative geoscientific data, information and services to support the responsible use of the State’s mineral and energy resources. At DMPE we value diversity and appreciate every individual’s perspective, bringing together a diverse and inclusive workforce to drive innovation and success.

The Industry Ready Graduate Program

We have created a bespoke two-year graduate program that will give you the competitive edge in the resources sector. The program provides you with a broad range of advanced and applied geoscience skills, as well as a deep dive into how to access and how to use geoscience data.

You will experience unique knowledge sharing and on-the-job applied geoscience training and acquire technical skills that are applicable across all industry sectors rather than being industry or task specific. This competitive edge will enable you to enter the resources sector with confidence and make a positive difference.

Upon joining our team, you will embark on a learning experience through assigned research and project activities designed to equip you with the expertise required to excel in the resources sector.

To find out more about this program, please visit the Geological Survey of Western Australia Graduate Program.

Eligibility

The program will sponsor up to three geoscience or data science students per year, each for a total of two years. We accept applications from students in their penultimate year of an Honours or Masters degree at Western Australian universities in Semester 2 of 2027.

In the first year, you will remain at university and will receive a stipend to complete their BSc Honours program or complete a Masters with Honours-equivalent research degree. During the second year you will take on a full-time, fully paid, one year placement within GSWA.

To work for DMPE, you must consent to a Nationally Coordinated Criminal History Check and obtain a clearance before you start. If deemed suitable, DMPE will coordinate and pay for your NCCHC as part of your pre-employment checks.

As a successful candidate, you will be required to sign a deed to ensure that you complete the two-year program. Failing to do so would require any received funds to be returned.

More information about eligibility requirements can be found on the Job Description Form.

Further information

Please contact Klaus Gessner on (08) 9222 3631 or Klaus.GESSNER@dmpe.wa.gov.au; or visit our website. You can also keep up to date on DMPE achievements and activities by following us on LinkedIn.

How to apply

We ask for you to provide:

1. A detailed resume outlining your education, relevant skills and achievements.
2. A covering letter of no more than two (2) pages, addressing the following points:
• Why are you applying for this GSWA Graduate Program?
• How do your career aspirations relate to the resources sector.
• Share your research experience and what excites you about science.
• Your knowledge and experience developed through your studies or work (this may include work experience or volunteer work) including examples how you communicate effectively with stakeholders.
3. A copy of your academic transcript to date, including your enrolment details for your Honours or Masters in 2027.

Shortlisted applicants will have their skills and experience in relation to the remaining role specific requirements and leadership behaviours assessed in further stages of the recruitment process. The complete list of role specific requirements and expected leadership behaviours can be found in the attached Job Description Form.

In the attached Applicant Information Pack, we offer further information on how to apply and the range of incentives offered to employees who work with DMPE. If you have any questions about employment conditionS, the application process or require any technical support when submitting your application online, please contact Madeline Rogers, Recruitment Officer on (08) 9222 3657 or email recruitment@dmpe.wa.gov.au.

To submit your application, click on the “Apply for Job” button at the bottom of this page. You will be asked to complete several questions, before attaching your resume and covering letter (where appropriate).

Supporting diversity and inclusion

The department is committed to building and maintaining an inclusive and supportive workplace.  That’s why championing diversity and inclusion is so important to us; when we embrace different perspectives and give everyone the chance to be the best they can be, we can think in new, creative ways that grow and enhance our department.  Our department is an equal opportunity employer, supported by the Equal Opportunity Act 1984 (WA), preference may be given to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, people with disability, people of diverse sexualities and youth.

We are proud to be recognised as an Inclusive Employer for 2023-2024 by Diversity Council Australia. Learn more about our commitment to diversity and inclusion here.

We use the National Relay Service (NRS) to ensure we are accessible to people who are deaf or have a hearing or speech impairment. NRS can help you connect with us on:

• TTY/voice calls – 133 677
• Speak & Listen – 1300 555 727
• SMS relay – 0423 677 767

If you have any access needs that may require adjustment to allow you to fully participate in the application and interview process, including alternate methods of communication, or to request a document in an alternative format please contact us at recruitment@dmpe.wa.gov.au

CLOSING DATE: 4.00pm (WST) on Monday, 17 August 2026.

Please ensure you allow yourself sufficient time to lodge your application online as late applications will not be accepted. It is your responsibility to ensure your application is submitted on time.

We look forward to receiving your application and considering you for this exciting opportunity to join our team.