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Applications for 2027 are now open

Location: Armidale, Brisbane or Newcastle | Program start date: February 2027 | Applications close: 31 August 2026

Are you passionate about creating real-world change in the face of social and environmental challenges? Do you want to work with purpose, contribute to projects that matter, and be part of a team that believes in doing things differently?

Step into your future with Onward

Since 2018, Onward has been at the forefront of solving some of Australia’s most complex social and environmental challenges. As a values-driven consultancy, we partner with organisations across the resource, renewable energy, and infrastructure sectors, helping to bring projects to life.

Our Graduate Program offers you the opportunity to kickstart your career alongside a team of expert advisors and consultants who are passionate, curious, and committed to delivering exceptional outcomes for clients and communities.

About the Onward Graduate Program

The Onward Graduate Program is designed to guide recently graduated students through their first two years of employment in environmental and community consulting. Participants in the program will rotate through Onward’s five key disciplines, gaining practical experience across a range of industry sectors:

  • Assessment and Approvals

  • Auditing and Compliance

  • Engagement and Social Planning

  • Environmental Management

  • Spatial Services

Program objectives

The program provides a structured and supported pathway to help you grow into a confident and capable consultant. You’ll have access to:

  • ongoing professional development

  • mentoring by experienced advisors

  • valuable industry exposure and networking opportunities

  • skills training in consulting and project management

This comprehensive development approach helps build a strong foundation for your future career, while also supporting Onward’s commitment to cultivating emerging talent and growing our team of outstanding professionals.

Eligibility criteria

The program is open once per year to new starters at Onward who are approaching the end of their studies or who:

  • have successfully completed their Bachelor degree within the past four years, and

  • have less than two years of prior work experience in the environmental or community field

Successful applicants will be offered permanent employment (full-time or part-time) commencing in February 2027 as an environmental consultant.

What you’ll gain

  • Real-world impact: Contribute to projects that influence the future of communities and landscapes across Australia.

  • Mentorship and support: Learn from some of the country’s most experienced and passionate advisors.

  • Diverse experience: Rotate across multiple disciplines to discover your strengths and develop a broad consulting skillset.

  • A purpose-driven career: Do meaningful work that reflects your values and builds a better future.

Why Onward?

At Onward, we don’t just consult – we bring projects to life. We believe in doing work that matters, supporting each other, and growing future leaders who will help shape a better tomorrow.

We also offer the following benefits:

• 9-day fortnight (you get a rostered day off every second week!)

• Health and Wellbeing Reimbursement Program

• flexible work options including WFH

• Employee Share Option Plan (eligibility criteria apply)

• purchased leave options (eligibility criteria apply)

• Kudos Korner – our internal rewards and recognition program

Ready to start your Onward journey?

Apply now and help us deliver the next generation of thoughtful, impactful, and sustainable projects. We have opportunities available in our Armidale, Brisbane, and Newcastle offices.

Send your resume and a one-page cover letter telling us why you want to join the Onward Graduate Program, which office you would like to be based in, and why you’re interested in becoming an Environmental Consultant.

Email your application to opportunities@onward.au