We know you are driven by growth and opportunity, eager to progress quickly and determined to make an impact. That’s why we offer a full time 12-month immersive graduate program designed to unlock your potential and equip you with the knowledge, skills and hands-on experience to excel in your chosen career.

Working alongside industry leaders, you will contribute to a range of projects and initiatives that help shape and connect our City, providing real world opportunities to grow, develop and progress. Through our tailored development program, valuable industry connections and the support of our Graduate Academy community, you’ll build the skills, networks and confidence to create the career you want!

Be part of the next gen of GC Shapers

Starting 2 February 2026, our program provides professional development training and on-the-job experience pathways, designed to smoothly transition you from academic study into the workplace. As a graduate at the City, you will benefit from:

• opportunities to contribute to a range of projects and initiatives you won’t find anywhere else.
• guidance and coaching from future-focused industry leaders, mentors and peers.
• flexibility to design your graduate experience and career direction.
• networking opportunities, city tours, exclusive CEO talks and graduate team events.
• work-based training and an extensive range of personal, professional and career development training designed to set you up for success.
• assistance and support on your path to accreditation.
• a healthy work-life balance including a 9-day fortnight, flexible working from home options and generous leave entitlements.

What’s on offer

Step into a safety role that goes beyond ticking boxes. As a Graduate Safety Assurance Officer, you’ll join a team embracing a Safety-II approach; focusing on what goes right, learning from everyday work, and helping build safety systems that support adaptability and resilience to handle inevitable challenges and "surprises".  The team asks thoughtful questions, listens deeply and digs beneath the surface to understand the realities of work, not just the theory. 

In this role, you will:

• partner with senior team members to review, test and improve safety systems
• get involved in field-based assurance activities like site visits, inspections, control verifications and deep-dive reviews
• work with safety data to spot patterns, test assumptions and uncover insights that lead to smarter decisions and safer outcomes
• build relationships with teams across the organisation, supporting a genuine culture of learning and safety leadership.

This isn’t traditional assurance. It’s curiosity over compliance, learning over judgment, and improvement where it matters most. We’re not just looking for someone to sit behind procedures and checklists, we are looking for a curious, values-driven graduate who wants to understand how safety truly plays out on the ground. You’ll gain exposure to both strategic safety planning and practical application in complex environments, helping shape a culture that values adaptability, collaboration, and continuous improvement. 

What we are looking for

The City is committed to developing skilled graduates into future City leaders who:

• are curious, motivated and driven to make a difference for the future of the Gold Coast.
• embrace innovation with a forward-thinking and creative mindset.
• seek continuous learning opportunities and are committed to ongoing professional growth.
• are willing to embrace new challenges, learn new skills and adapt quickly.
• can analyse information, think logically and solve problems creatively.
• possess excellent written, verbal and interpersonal skills and can convey ideas clearly, listen attentively and collaborate effectively.
• contribute positively to the team dynamic, respect diverse perspectives and foster a productive work environment.

Who can apply? 

To be considered for this opportunity you must hold a recognised bachelor's degree or post graduate qualification from a tertiary institution, completed within the last two years or be completing prior to the commencement of the program in February 2026. Applicants must have full working rights in Australia for the duration of the program and be able to work full-time.

The Graduate Safety Assurance Officer welcomes graduates who have studied Bachelor of Occupational Health & Safety, Occupational Health & Safety Science, Business/Commerce (Audit, Management), Risk Management or has a strong interest in WHS legislation, compliance, industrial relations; and related fields.

Apply Now!

Position closes 4 January 2026 at 10:30pm AEST

Submit your academic transcript / qualification, CV and cover letter. In your cover letter please outline information about your career objectives, work experience, education, volunteering and any extracurricular activities, specialist skills or interests you may have. 

Ready to shape your future? Learn more on our Careers Page: Graduate Academy | City of Gold Coast, and for more information see the Graduate Position Brief (Click here) or contact careerpathways@goldcoast.qld.gov.au 

The City of Gold Coast is an equal opportunity employer dedicated to promoting an inclusive and diverse workplace. We are committed to supporting an environment where all employees, regardless of their differences or similarities, feel valued, respected and supported.