Software Developer - Digital Graduate Program (Feb 2027)

About you

We are looking for graduates with a willingness to learn, a growth mindset, and a positive attitude. You will play a role in contributing to projects, programs, initiatives and ongoing business that keeps Queensland communities safe, healthy, happy and thriving. Our graduates are integral to the Queensland Government.

Remuneration and career growth

We provide graduates with support and professional development to give them the tools and confidence to transition from digital graduates to digital professionals.

As one of the largest employers in the state, the Queensland Government provides graduates the opportunity to tailor their career development and enhance their career opportunities.

We offer:

• a starting salary of $76,217 at 1 July 2025 per annum plus superannuation
• Fixed‑term 2‑year contract
• flexible work‑life balance opportunities, with a 36.25 hour working week
• generous leave provisions and salary packaging
• a structured leadership development program
• career development guidance and a supportive graduate team
• access to networking opportunities and social events
• a mentor and connection to a supportive graduate cohort
• a wide variety of digital graduate roles to choose from.

Career progression

Due to their experience and training, our graduates can progress their careers very quickly. Eighty‑seven percent of graduates completing the program stay on to be employed by the Queensland Government post‑program. Our graduates' salaries can increase up to $27,000 (based at AO5 level) or more after completing the 2‑year program.

1. The exact salary will be determined as per the applicable enterprise bargaining agreement. As an indicator, the minimum AO3 rate under the State Government Entities Certified Agreements 2023 as at 1 July 2025 is $76,217.

2. Working week hours may vary depending on the applicable enterprise bargaining agreement.

“The program significantly accelerated my career development. It provided me with invaluable opportunities to enhance my skills, gain practical experience, and build a strong network within the public sector. The structured learning and mentorship enabled me to quickly adapt to new challenges and responsibilities, helping me to grow professionally at a much faster pace than I could have anticipated on my own.”

Ashutosh – 2024 Graduate – Department of Education

What you’ll be doing

Software developer graduates assist to interpret business, system and service requirements into technical specifications, and then create, test and implement computer and software programmes. They may also be responsible for website, intranet and application security development. These graduates are creative problem solvers who convert ideas into working applications that help the Queensland Government deliver better services to the community.

Responsibilities

Responsibilities in a software developer role may include:

• translating business requirements into detailed technical and programming specifications
• designing, deploying, testing and supporting software, website and database systems
• undertaking programming for the development, maintenance and enhancement of IT systems
• identifying and resolving integrity issues within software and database systems
• providing advice and guidance on the design and capability of software.

Ideal candidate

Ideal candidates for a software developer role will:

• be able to produce detailed and accurate work
• be creative, multi‑task and work to time frames
• possess effective communication and problem‑solving skills and be able to work as part of a team.

Technical skills

Knowledge of:

• relational database technologies (e.g. Oracle, SQL) and web services (e.g. XML)
• procedural programming languages (e.g. C) and object‑oriented programming languages (e.g. VB, .Net, C#, C++, Java)
• testing tools and techniques, and development tools (e.g. version control software)
• software development methodologies and life cycles.

Qualifications

A degree in:

• Information technology
• Software engineering
• Computer systems.

Eligible and who can apply?

The Queensland Government prides itself on embracing diversity. We value people from all walks of life and are committed to creating a vibrant, inclusive, and diverse workplace.

We encourage applications from:

• women
• people with disability
• Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples
• members of the LGBTIQA+ community
• people from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds
• mature‑age Queenslanders.

We also welcome international students who meet unrestricted working rights in Australia.

Support and reasonable adjustments can be provided to applicants throughout the selection process as required. Email our graduate manager [email protected] discuss further.

Eligibility

To be eligible for the Digital Graduate Program, you must:

• Have completed (or will complete) a Bachelor’s, Graduate Certificate, or Master’s degree between January‑2023 and December 2026. If you have an overseas qualification, it must be recognised in Australia prior to applying. Learn more about the Qualifications Recognition process (https://internationaleducation.gov.au/services-and-resources/pages/qualifications-recognition.aspx)
• Hold a degree in one of these fields:
  • Information Technology and related fields: Information technology, cloud computing, cyber security, computer science, data analytics, robotics, information management, mathematics, software or systems engineering.
  • Emerging Technologies and AI: Artificial intelligence, automation development.
  • Strategic Management and Business: Business, marketing, or project management.
  • Design and Creative Industries: Web and multimedia design, user experience (UX) or interactive design.
  
  
• International students currently residing in Australia must also have:
  • Unrestricted working rights in Australia until at least February 2029. This includes:
    • Permanent Residency, citizenship, or work‑related visas (e.g., Temporary Graduate 485 Visa) that permit full‑time, unrestricted work.
    • Evidence of transitioning to unrestricted working rights (if on a bridging visa).
    
    
  
  

Successful applicants

If you are successful you must:

• relocate to Brisbane (or other Queensland locations) at your own expense.
• be ready to start by February 2027. Earlier start dates may be accommodated based on agency‑specific needs.