Local Land Services graduates have the opportunity to put what they've learned at university into practice in a dynamic and supportive team focused on improving community outcomes across NSW.
2025 graduate intake
Applications for the 2025 intake closed on 15 September 2024 for graduates with degrees in:
- agriculture, agricultural science or farm management, or
- environmental science, environmental management or similar, or
- veterinary science degree recognised by the Veterinary Practitioners Board of NSW.
The 10 successful candidates will commence commenced with LLS in February 2025 for a 12-month period.
Applications for the 2026 cohort are scheduled to open in August 2025. Keep an eye on our website or email organisational.development@lls.nsw.gov.au to be notified of dates.
About the Local Land Services graduate program
We are proud of our Graduate Program which is a commitment to the regions we service, helping to develop and keep professionals in regional NSW.Bringing the latest skills and knowledge into our communities while working alongside our experienced teams.
The primary purpose of the program is to support succession planning through attraction of highly skilled and qualified graduates from agricultural, environmental and veterinary science, creating a pipeline of talent into the future.
Our graduates get special support and chances to grow through:
- on-the-job experience
- mentorship
- training
- engagement with landholders and stakeholders.

Local Land Services Graduate Program
The Local Land Services Graduate Program provides valuable on-the-job training where graduates work closely with experienced Local Land Services staff to support...
The application process
Local Land Services’ graduate roles are assessed against the GSE Comparative Assessment process.
The Comparative Assessment process involves 5 discrete assessment steps:
- written application
- pre-screening video interview
- interview with a three person panel
- presentation at interview
- referee checks.
Stage 1: Initial application
Applications for the 2025 intake closed on 15 September 2024.
Stage 2: Pre-screening
Eligible candidates undertake an online pre-screening interview.
Stage 3: Interviews
Candidates who progress to this stage will be invited to a virtual interview with the recruitment panel.
The panel interview will include:
- a 5-minute presentation on a topic that will be provided at least 72 hours prior to the interview
- a small number of behavioural style questions to assess the candidate against the capabilities described in the graduate role description.
More info on behavioural questions can be found at Interviews - NSW Public Service Commission.
Stage 4: Post-interview checks
Referee checks will be undertaken for preferred candidates.
Stage 5: Offers of employment
Preferred candidates may receive an offer of employment. This offer will be subject to satisfactory pre-employment checks (citizen, visa, qualifications and criminal history). Candidates may also be asked to undertake a pre-employment health check.
Some candidates may be placed into talent pools that can be used when future employment opportunities at this grade arise.
Past graduate programs
In 2023 LLS launched the inaugural graduate program, welcoming 10 graduates to agriculture, district veterinary and natural resource management teams.
The 2024 program was launched in Wagga Wagga where 13 graduates were inducted over 3 days.
The success of the 2023 and 2024 programs led to increased interest in 2025 with Local Land Services now recognised as an employer of choice in our industry. For the 2025 recruitment round, we received over 120 applications which led to the employment of another 10 graduates across Agriculture, NRM and Veterinary Science in February 2025.


I’ve had countless opportunities to learn new things and break out of my comfort zone. I have felt warmly welcomed into the Ag team and have had the privilege to learn from some of the best experts in their fields. The invaluable experience of learning to project manage, combined with the practical outdoor work on the farm and the opportunity to network with others, has been extremely rewarding.
Sarah Ireland 2024 Ag Graduate - Central Tablelands
In 2023 LLS launched the inaugural graduate program, welcoming 10 graduates to agriculture, district veterinary and natural resource management teams.
