Own your future with a Traineeship at Port Stephens Council (PSC) – ready for commencement in January 2026
The opportunity
Our Civil Design team are ready to welcome a new Trainee Civil Designer into their team after the successful promotion of their recently graduated Trainee.
Not only will you gain invaluable on the job work experience from the team, you will also undertake a Diploma of Civil Construction Design
As our Civil Design Trainee, you will play a key role in supporting the delivery of Council's Capital Works Program through the provision of civil design services. You'll combine your studies with work experience to build the perfect foundation for your career, all while receiving professional and financial support in a paid role.
Joining our Civil Design team means you're joining our wider Capital Works Section, giving you access to a wide range of teams across Community Projects, Civil Projects and our Construction Management teams – all while you get to design road and drainage projects, manage consultants during the design phase, and provide advice and information during consultation.
What does a career at PSC look like for me post-Traineeship?
Whilst we can't guarantee a permanent position post-traineeship, this is what a career path could look like with a qualification behind you:
* Civil Designer within the multiple civil industries such as Local government, Mining and commercial.
* You could move into a mentorship role such as our Senior Civil Designer,
* Or move into a leadership position such as a Civil Design Team Leader..
* The skills learnt and developed within this role can be a great lead into other career pathways positions such Project manager and Civil Engineer.
This is a contract opportunity– working full-time 35 hours / week + access to a flexi-time arrangement + access to study leave to attend courses at your formal education provider during work hours
Base Hourly Range:$26.70 to $34.16 (T4 - T7) + 12% superannuation + $2,464 retention allowance
Under 18 years of age:$19.85 (T2) + 12% superannuation + $2,464 retention allowance
You will be working from PSC Administration Building, Raymond Terrace
Some of the key responsibilities within this role are listed below however you can view the full list here – view the position description.
* Develop skills and knowledge through on the job training and the completion of a recognised tertiary course in Civil Design
* Civil Design advice to internal and external stakeholders as advised by the Team Leader and Senior Civil Designer
What does it mean to be a Trainee at PSC?
Throughout your Traineeship, you'll receive;
* Financial support in a paid role, including full payment for your studies
* Time in your work week to attend your formal training
* Progression through your salary levels with each year of successful completion
* You will also have the opportunity to participate in our internal networking events, where you can meet and socialise with other Apprentices, Cadets and Trainees at PSC
* Opportunities to develop your own professional and social networks through collaborating with other teams across PSC
Check out more information in our Apprentice, Cadet and Trainee guide here
We're all about putting the right people, in the right role Here's what we're looking for:
* Demonstrated commitment to the completion of a Diploma of Civil Construction Design
* An understanding of Work Health and Safety (WHS)
* Access to reliable transport for attendance at both work and external training providers
* Ability to work in a team environment
This is life at PSC
* Work/Life balance with generous leave entitlements, flexible work options and leave in lieu
* Long service leave when you've been with us for just over 5 years
* Health & Wellbeing leave to recharge when you need it
* Industry leading Paid Parental Leave accessible for all employees – regardless of how you became a parent, we offer 14 weeks that can be taken within 2 years from the birth, adoption, or long-term foster care of your child.
* PSCare Day available to all employees to take in addition to your regular leave entitlements
* Confidential support (including mental health) through our employee assistance program
* Award winning health and wellbeing program PSCare, Workers Health Initiative with access to a broad range of gyms in the area, and discounted health insurance
* Free parking on site and a convenient local shopping centre
* Coffee and food to keep you sustained at our on-site café
* And lots more…
Enough about us, we want to hear about you So tell us about…
* Why you want a career in Civil Design?
Ready to Apply? Here's what you need to know
To complete your online application, you will be asked to upload;
* a copy of your resume
* provide responses to the question above
Applications Close: Midnight, Sunday, 21 September 2025
For position related enquiries, contact: Steven Startin, Civil Design Team Leader, on
For Application enquiries,contact: Brooke Tisdell, Talent Acquisition Advisor, on
For information on the Traineeship and study requirements, contact: Tiahna Sanderson, Learning & Development Officer, on
For information on our recruitment process, and what we look for in an application, please visit our Careers page on our website for 'How to Apply'
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