Empowering Your Future at the Fisheries Research and Development Corporation: A 60-Second Insight for Aspiring Public Servants ⚓️
Ever wondered how you can blend innovation, sustainability, and public service into a fulfilling career? Look no further than the Fisheries Research and Development Corporation (FRDC). In this quick rundown, you’ll discover the department’s financials, core responsibilities, and the unique skill sets that could catapult you toward a dynamic government career. Whether you’re fresh out of school or an experienced professional, FRDC offers a fascinating pathway into the Australian Public Service.
AT-A-GLANCE
Name of Department / Council: Fisheries Research and Development Corporation (FRDC)
Location: Head Office in Canberra, ACT (operates Australia-wide)
CEO: Dr Patrick Hone (Managing Director)
Total Revenue: AUD 43.81 million
Total Number of Employees: 26
THE QUALIFICATION, CERTIFICATIONS, TRADES, PROFESSIONS, WORK EXPERIENCES & SKILLS MOST SUITED TO
Top 5 Academic Qualifications Most Suited:
Marine Science/Environmental Science: Enables ecosystem-focused research and aids sustainable fishing practices.
Commerce/Business Management (Bachelor’s or Master’s): Useful for managing departmental budgets, contracts, and investments.
Public Policy/Public Administration: Equips you for government frameworks, policy-making, and stakeholder consultations.
Data Analytics/Data Science: Helps interpret complex data, essential for resource allocation and long-term planning.
Fisheries Science/Aquaculture: Provides sector-specific insight for guiding R&D programs in both wild capture fisheries and aquaculture.
Top 5 Certifications Most Suited:
Project Management (e.g., PMP, PRINCE2): Streamlines diverse R&D projects.
Workplace Health & Safety (WHS): Ensures safe environments for lab and field operations.
Financial Management (e.g., CPA, Basic Bookkeeping): Oversees funding and grant allocations responsibly.
Digital Literacy/IT (e.g., Microsoft Office, Cloud Services): Crucial for modern data collection and collaboration platforms.
Stakeholder Engagement (Community Consultation Certificates): Builds productive relationships with fishers, researchers, and broader communities.
Top 5 Trades/Professions Most Suited:
Communications/Media Specialists: Translate technical findings into relatable public information.
Extension Officers: Facilitate on-the-ground application of research outcomes in diverse fishing communities.
Finance/Accounting Professionals: Crucial for budget oversight, procurement, and compliance.
IT Systems Administrators: Maintain digital infrastructure for analytics and remote sensing technologies.
Recruitment/HR Specialists: Vital for strengthening the workforce to meet evolving departmental needs.
Top 5 Skills Most Suited:
Analytical Thinking: Vital for understanding scientific data and shaping effective policies.
Stakeholder Engagement: Fosters trust with commercial fishers, Indigenous communities, and recreational fishing groups.
Adaptability & Resilience: Enables smooth navigation of policy changes and environmental shifts.
Problem-Solving: Offers innovative solutions for sustainability, resource management, and process improvement.
Communication (Written & Verbal): Distills complex reports into actionable insights for legislators and the public.
Top 5 Work Experiences Most Suited:
Government Program Delivery: Familiarity with public-service processes boosts your readiness for FRDC’s project oversight.
Field Research or Lab-Based Science: Practical, hands-on experience in data gathering and analysis.
Community Engagement or Extension Work: Demonstrates capacity to collaborate with local and regional stakeholders.
Policy Development: Helps translate scientific findings into laws, regulations, and guidelines.
Budget Management/Financial Oversight: Ensures effective and transparent handling of R&D funds.
THE KEY FACTS
Name of Department: Fisheries Research and Development Corporation
Name of CEO: Dr Patrick Hone (Managing Director)
Location: Australia-wide (Head Office in Canberra, ACT)
Year Founded: 1991
Main Mission and Purpose of the Department:
The FRDC invests in, coordinates, and manages research and development for Australia’s fisheries and aquaculture sectors. For example, FRDC funds projects to improve stock assessments, helping ensure healthy fish populations and robust seafood supplies.Main Duties of the Department:
The FRDC commissions research, fosters partnerships across industries, and promotes the practical adoption of R&D outcomes. A real-world illustration is the Snapper Science Program, aiding stock recovery and sustainable fishery management in Australia.Key Projects, Key Strategic Priorities, Future Plans and Initiatives:
Key Projects: Snapper Science Program, climate resilience studies, advanced data analytics for fisheries management.
Key Strategic Priorities: Enhancing sustainability, adopting digital tools, building workforce capability, and promoting innovation in aquaculture.
Future Plans: Greater focus on circular economy solutions, advanced genomics, and strengthening ties with state/territory agencies.
Did You Know? The FRDC maintains over 400 active research projects annually, bridging the gap between scientific discovery and on-the-ground application.
THE EMPLOYEES & REVENUE
Total Number of Employees: 26
Total Number of Employees at Each Pay Level: Not publicly disclosed
Salary Bands: Commonly within APS 4–EL 2 (approx. AUD 60,000–200,000+ per year, role-dependent)
Average Salary in the Department: (Estimated based on APS/EL rates; not officially disclosed)
Total Revenue: AUD 43.81 million
Average Revenue per Employee: Approx. AUD 1.69 million (43.81 million ÷ 26)
GETTING A JOB AT THE FRDC
Which Academic Subjects Are Likely to Be Most Sought After, and of Value?
Certificate / Diploma Level:
Certificate III/IV in Business Administration: Offers vital administrative and project support skills.
Diploma of Laboratory Technology: Facilitates practical sample collection and environmental testing.
Diploma of Project Management: Great for running research and community outreach projects.
Bachelor / Master Level:
Marine/Fisheries Biology or Environmental Science: Essential for understanding ecosystems and resource management.
Commerce/Business Administration: Manages funding, contracts, and strategic partnerships.
Data Analytics: Interprets research findings and guides policy recommendations.
PhDs:
Advanced Marine/Fisheries Research: Pushes the frontier of sustainability and stock assessment techniques.
Environmental Policy/Sustainability: Informs sophisticated policy-making and legislative reform.
Aquaculture Systems: Advances technical innovations in breeding, disease control, and production efficiency.
Which Trades and Professions Are Likely to Be Most Sought After, and of Value?
Marine and Field Technicians
IT Systems Administrators (especially data-centric roles)
Science Communicators
Research Assistants (lab-based or field-based)
Project Managers with government or environmental experience
Which Work Experiences Are Likely to Be Most Sought After, and of Value?
Government or agency program delivery experience
Field experience in fisheries or environmental management
Policy analysis, particularly in resource allocation or sustainability
Budget oversight and financial controls in public service
Previous roles involving Indigenous engagement or community outreach
Which Skills Are Likely to Be Most Sought After, and of Value?
Soft Skills: Communication, negotiation, teamwork, adaptability, and time management.
Technical Skills: Data modelling (📊), GIS mapping, advanced laboratory techniques, aquaculture engineering, and remote-sensing technology usage.
General Skills: Tender writing, stakeholder relationship management, and proficiency in digital collaboration tools.
Which Hobbies and Interests Align with the Work of this Department?
Recreational fishing or water-based sports (improves practical sector understanding)
Volunteering in marine conservation (demonstrates commitment to sustainability)
Tech or coding projects (applies well to data analytics in fisheries)
Biology or ecology clubs (perfect for building foundational knowledge)
Public speaking groups (refines communication skills for community outreach)
Want more information on this department?
Contact the department:
Address: 25 Geils Court, Deakin ACT 2600, Australia
Telephone: +61 2 6122 2100
Email: frdc@frdc.com.au
Website: https://www.frdc.com.au
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