Designed for the driven, the Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and Attractions’ (DBCA) Graduate Development Program is an exciting and challenging development pathway. Graduates participate in a rotational program within a DBCA region to gain a comprehensive understanding of the department, its program delivery and internal and external collaboration.
Last offered 12 years ago, this reinstated program is a two-year dive into the day-to-day role of a Parks and Wildlife Service officer, with graduates based across the regions working out of Albany, Broome, Busselton, Collie, Jurien Bay, Karratha, Kununurra, Manjimup, Narrogin, Perth and Walpole.
This year's graduates come from a range of backgrounds, with degrees including wildlife conservation science, environmental science, zoology, physics, environment, heritage, marine biology and freshwater science.
The previous graduate program finished in 2012, establishing a pipeline of talent for districts and regions. It is due to the rewarding work, endless opportunities and exclusive experiences that many of our previous graduate recruits are still with us today.
Many of the graduates are educated in environmental, conservation and marine science. Photo – Miles Brotherson/DBCA
APPLICATION PROCESS
To encourage authentic and genuine applications, this year the process centred around a two-minute video. We asked the prospective graduates to reflect on their reasons for applying, provide background on who they are, what they had studied, evidence of their suitability against the job requirements, and importantly, why they were passionate about conservation.
Out of 149 applicants, 62 attended in-person interviews. Those who were shortlisted were invited to the next stage of assessment over a two day ‘Selection School’ in Dwellingup. Activities focused on team building and were designed to assess technical, interpersonal, teamwork, and leadership skills. DBCA regional and district managers from across the state attended to observe and assist with selection, allowing them to get to know applicants and match successful graduates with suitable regions. Selection School provided the opportunity for graduates to build strong bonds, and this peer network is a cornerstone of what the program aims to achieve.
The graduates have bonded over their time with the program. Photo – Miles Brotherson/DBCA
Meg Williams, Capability Development Coordinator, explained how graduates in this program want more than just a job.
“The graduates want something bigger for themselves. It’s not driven by money. It’s not driven by expedited advancement. They genuinely want to look after this great State.”
An incredibly successful Selection School saw 14 applicants offered two-year graduate officer placements throughout WA and the establishment of a pool of competitive candidates for short-term roles with the Parks and Wildlife Service.
ORIENTATION WEEK
The first week of our Graduate Officers’ journey at DBCA began in sunny Exmouth for Orientation Week. This week was an unforgettable hands-on experience out on Country, solidifying bonds between the cohort. They were also introduced to leaders across the department and gained insight into future career pathways, as well as a clear understanding of expectations working for the public sector.
“The calibre of the staff and also the other grads has been exceptional,” said Graduate Officer, Taylor Whyatt. “Just meeting people with similar interests and such a passion for conservation has been really great.”
The graduates got hands-on during Orientation Week in Exmouth. Photo – Miles Brotherson/DBCA
Graduates will rotate through services from conservation, parks and visitor services, fire management, joint management, sustainable forest management, and marine.
Alongside on the job training, the program features a unique training model where graduates participate in intensive two-week blocks twice a year, focusing on technical and soft skills. Held at Jarrah Forest Lodge in Dwellingup – the original Graduate Program site – graduates come together to foster deep learning and strong peer connections.
Over the course of the two years, graduates will gain insights and experiences that are unique to regional WA, whilst being immersed in diverse work areas and receiving expert training to build sustainable leadership skills.
For some of the 2025 graduates, being able to try such a variety of tasks was a major appeal of the program.
Graduate Officer, Anai Gelmi said “the combination of working on Country, working in forest and marine environments and knowing that you are making a tangible impact on conservation was a real drawcard of the program.”
The graduates on Country in Exmouth. Photo – Miles Brotherson/DBCA
The program aims to support succession planning to ensure a steady pipeline of skilled staff for DBCA’s future operational needs through development of skills, knowledge and on the job experience.
While there will be some challenges for the graduates to establish new networks and gain experience in unfamiliar regions, it’s also a program that hopes to positively shape their careers both now and far into the future.
“Some of the people here have worked in the industry for a while. They live and breathe it,” said Ella Coxall, Graduate Officer. “Their passion for their work speaks volumes to the agency's ethics and motivation, which is really important.”