People & Culture Graduate

• Sydney CBD location

• Full Time/Term Contract opportunity for 2 years

• $88,594.00 per annum plus superannuation

About the role

HR Graduate Program

Two years. Four rotations. One exceptional career launch.

Ready to start your career in Human Resources and make a real impact from day one?

The City of Sydney is looking for an ambitious and curious HR Graduate to join our People & Culture team. This is a unique opportunity to accelerate your development through a structured two-year graduate program designed to provide broad exposure across the People & Culture profession while contributing to meaningful work that supports one of Australia's leading local government organisations.

You'll gain hands-on experience, work alongside experienced HR professionals and build the skills, networks and confidence needed for a successful career in People & Culture.

About the Program

Over two years, you'll complete four rotations across a combination of the following areas:

• Business Partnering

• Recruitment

• Organisational Development

• Learning & Development

• HR Systems

• Payroll

Each rotation will provide practical experience, structured learning opportunities, mentoring and exposure to real projects that contribute to organisational success.

This is not a program where you'll spend two years taking notes. You'll be trusted to contribute, learn, challenge yourself and help deliver outcomes that matter.

What You'll Do

Throughout the program, you'll:

• Support the delivery of people and culture initiatives, projects and services.

• Build workforce analytics, reports and insights to support decision-making.

• Contribute to recruitment, organisational development, learning and workforce initiatives.

• Work with leaders, employees and stakeholders across the organisation.

• Assist with process improvement and digital transformation activities.

• Develop your understanding of employment practices, workforce trends and contemporary HR approaches.

• Build relationships with professionals across multiple People & Culture disciplines.

What You'll Gain

This program has been designed to provide a strong foundation for a long-term career in Human Resources.

You'll receive:

• Four structured rotations across key HR disciplines.

• Mentoring and coaching from experienced People & Culture leaders.

• Exposure to senior leaders and strategic workforce initiatives.

• Ongoing learning and development opportunities.

• A broad understanding of the employee lifecycle.

• Practical experience in a large and complex organisation.

• Support to pursue future permanent career opportunities at the completion of the program.

About You

We're looking for graduates who are:

• Curious and eager to learn.

• Strong communicators who enjoy working with people.

• Analytical and interested in solving problems.

• Organised and able to manage competing priorities.

• Collaborative and committed to building strong relationships.

• Passionate about creating positive workplace experiences.

Essential Requirements

• A completed degree in Human Resources, Business, Psychology, Commerce, Law, Organisational Development or a related discipline.

• A genuine interest in pursuing a career in People & Culture.

• Strong written, verbal and interpersonal communication skills.

• Ability to analyse information and work confidently with technology and data.

• Ability to manage competing priorities and maintain confidentiality.

Why Join the City of Sydney?

At the City of Sydney, our people help shape one of the world's most vibrant, sustainable and inclusive cities.

You'll join a People & Culture team committed to developing future HR professionals, fostering innovation and creating exceptional employee experiences.

This is an opportunity to build your career while contributing to work that positively impacts employees, communities and the future of Sydney.

If you're ready to build a career in Human Resources and want exposure to every aspect of the People & Culture profession, we'd love to hear from you.

Apply now and start your People & Culture career with the City of Sydney.

This role has the option of a rostered day off each month, known as a 19-day month.

The recommended applicant must complete a pre-employment health declaration, and a criminal history check. 

Download position description. 

What we can offer you

You’ll work with passionate, welcoming and supportive people who care for our communities and create a future for all.

Flexible working

• 3 days of care and cultural leave each year for health and wellbeing activities, cultural and religious days or events of significance 

• Collaborative approach to flexible working

• City centre head office, with many public transport options.

Professional development

• Leadership and management development program

• Further education program providing reimbursement of course fees, and study and exam leave

• Opportunity to attend external courses and conferences

• Long service and employee recognition awards

• Employee assistance program offering free, confidential counselling

Supporting families

• We provide 26 weeks of paid parental leave for all new parents, supporting diverse and inclusive families

• Paid and unpaid adoption and long-term fostering leave

• Paid superannuation for up to 52 weeks of parental leave

• Part-time and job-sharing options available

• Supportive return-to-work environment

Inclusive culture

• Recognised as an Inclusive Employer by the Diversity Council of Australia

• Active employee networks including City Women, City Pride, DiverseCity, Inclusive City, Young Professionals and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander network

• Recognised family inclusive workplace

• Veteran employment supporter

Find out why a career at the City of Sydney might be right for you.

How to apply

Select ‘apply now’ to submit your resume and selection criteria.

Applications must be submitted online by 11:59pm, Sunday 13 September 2026.

For more information, contact Emma Simpson, HR Advisor - Recruitment on 02 •••• •102 or ESimpson@cityofsydney.nsw.gov.au.

We welcome candidates from all backgrounds in a workplace as diverse as our communities. We’re passionate about gender balance, with an executive team two-thirds female and half of leadership roles held by women. 

All applicants, including Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, people with disability, veterans and people of diverse sexualities and genders, and those from culturally diverse backgrounds are encouraged to join us. 

We’re a disability confident recruiter. If you identify as a person with disability and require support for your application or the recruitment process, contact us at  recruitment@cityofsydney.nsw.gov.au or 02 •••• •333. 

Caring for our city, creating a future for all

Our people are passionate about their communities and connected to their teams. They’re motivated by our genuine commitment to diversity and inclusion, and our clear, compelling plan for our global city: Sustainable Sydney 2030 – 2050 Continuing the Vision. 

Be part of a purpose-led organisation with care at its core. You’ll make a difference by acting in the best interests of our communities and city. Be better together with collaborative and inclusive partnerships. Embrace possibilities and be open to new ideas and creating bold solutions.