Who we are
The Department of Planning, Lands and Heritage plays a key role in shaping communities, managing land and protecting heritage across Western Australia.
Our work influences how communities grow, supports responsible land management and helps preserve places of cultural and heritage significance.
Our key focus areas include:
- Aboriginal heritage and lands management
- Crown land administration
- historic heritage conservation services
- integrated land and infrastructure policy development
- land use planning and policy development.
About the program
Our Graduate Program is a structured 12 month development program designed to support graduates as they transition from university into the workplace. Graduates commence in February 2027 and participate in a range of learning experiences that build capability, confidence and professional networks.
During the program, graduates work across different business areas, gaining insight into the department's role in shaping communities, managing land and protecting heritage across Western Australia. Through practical experience and exposure to a variety of projects, graduates develop a broad understanding of the department and the public sector.
Graduates are supported throughout the program with learning and development opportunities, mentoring, coaching and guidance from experienced professionals. On successful completion of the program and probation period, graduates continue their careers with the department in a role aligned to organisational requirements and their qualifications, skills and experience.
Program highlights
- Permanent employment opportunity.
- Convenient Perth CBD office location.
- Flexible work arrangements.
- Four rotational placements across key business areas.
- In-house mentoring and coaching.
- Professional learning and development opportunities.
- Networking opportunities across the department.
- Exposure to diverse projects that help shape communities across Western Australia.
- Opportunities to work across business areas to broaden skills and experience.
- Ongoing support from managers and colleagues.
What we're looking for in candidates
- We are seeking graduates who demonstrate:
- adaptability and a willingness to learn;
- strong communication and interpersonal skills;
- sound judgement and problem-solving abilities;
- a commitment to collaboration and positive outcomes; and
- behaviours aligned to the WA public sector Leadership Expectations – Personal Leadership.
We welcome applications from a range of disciplines, including:
- urban and regional planning;
- planning and development;
- anthropology;
- archaeology;
- environmental science;
- agricultural science;
- property management;
- geographic information systems;
- civil engineering;
- traffic engineering;
- transport engineering;
- human resources;
- people and culture; and
- related disciplines.
Application information
Applications for our 2027 Graduate Program are now open. Applications close at 9:00 am, Monday 31 August 2026 (AWST).
To apply, you must:
- have completed, or be completing, a tertiary qualification in a relevant discipline between 2025 and 2026, or be completing your final year of study in 2026;
- be an Australian citizen or permanent resident; and
- be available to commence full-time employment in February 2027.
Contact us
Ann Mianulli
Team Leader, Capability
capability@dplh.wa.gov.au
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