Cadet Project Officer

Term Contact: Up to 6 years

Qualifications: studying a Bachelor of Engineering, Construction Management, Project Management, Architecture, Planning, or another related discipline

Salary: starting from $1,153.93 to $1,322.76 per week plus 12% superannuation

Commencing: January 2027

Ready to launch your career in Engineering, Construction Management, Planning, Architecture, Project Management or another related discipline? Join Lake Macquarie City Council as a Cadet Project Officer and gain practical experience, professional mentoring, and support to complete your studies while making a real difference in our community.

ABOUT THE JOB

Kick-start your career while completing your studies with a hands-on Cadetship that combines paid work, professional mentoring, and university learning. Throughout the program, you'll gain valuable experience delivering community infrastructure projects that make a real difference to our region. You'll work alongside experienced professionals across our Project Delivery, Engineering, and Quality & Surveillance teams, building practical skills in project management, construction, contract administration, stakeholder engagement, and infrastructure delivery.

In this role, you'll:

• Contribute to the delivery of community infrastructure projects.
• Gain experience in project planning, procurement and contract management.
• Work with consultants, contractors and project teams.
• Assist with technical research, reporting, and project documentation.
• Learn how projects are delivered safely, sustainably, on time and within budget.
• Develop knowledge of quality assurance, compliance and regulatory processes.
• Build your professional skills through mentoring, training and real-world experience.

WHAT WE OFFER

• Payment of your university tuition fees and student amenities fees for the remainder of your approved undergraduate studies!
• Paid study leave and time to attend compulsory classes, helping you successfully balance work and university commitments
• Hands-on experience working on real planning projects that help shape our community
• Ongoing mentoring and support from experienced planning professionals
• A structured learning and development pathway to help you build a successful career
• Annual salary reviews and progression opportunities based on performance
• A 35-hour working week with a 9-day fortnight, giving you more time for life outside work
• Four weeks of paid annual leave each year
• A supportive, collaborative and innovative team environment where your ideas are valued
• Access to a wide range of employee health, wellbeing and lifestyle benefits – click here for more.

ABOUT YOU

We're looking for a motivated and enthusiastic student who is passionate about shaping communities and building a career in Engineering, Architecture, Construction Management, Project Management, Planning, or a related field.

To be successful in this role, you'll:

• Be eligible to enrol in the second year (or later year) of a relevant Bachelor's degree in 2027, such as Engineering, Architecture, Construction, Planning, or a related discipline.
• Have strong written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to build positive relationships with a variety of people.
• Demonstrate problem-solving skills and the ability to manage competing priorities.
• Be comfortable using Microsoft Office applications and other digital systems.
• Have an interest in infrastructure delivery, project management, design, construction, or community development.
• Be committed to completing the study and training requirements of the cadetship.
• Enjoy working collaboratively as part of a supportive and high-performing team.
• Hold a White Card (NSW General Construction Induction), or be willing to obtain one.
• Hold a minimum Provisional Driver Licence.

The position is based in Speers Point; however, the initial work location will be Council's temporary Administration Building in Wallsend, unless otherwise advised. The role will also involve travel throughout the Lake Macquarie local government area.

Read the Position Statement and Capability Framework to learn more about this exciting opportunity.

Candidates who have already completed a degree-level qualification or higher in Engineering, Construction Management, Project Management, Architecture, Planning, or another relevant discipline are not eligible to apply.

HOW TO APPLY

If this job sounds like you, we would love to hear from you! Get your application in by midnight, Monday 12 October 2026.

• Check out the FAQs and Guide to Applying before starting your application.
• Click the ‘Apply Now’ button below to start your application. You will need to upload a resume and provide responses to application questions based on the position statement.
• Please see the attached recruitment timeline, which outlines the key dates and activities for the recruitment process. We recommend downloading and saving a copy for future reference.

We welcome and encourage applications from all ages and genders, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, people from culturally diverse backgrounds, the LGBTIQ+ community, refugees, and people with disability. We understand the skills and attributes veterans can bring to our Council.

As part of the recruitment process, prior to an offer of employment being made, recommended candidates may be subject to a medical assessment which may include alcohol and other drugs testing.