Inside the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry: Your 60-Second Guide to Landing Your Dream Role 🌱
Ever wondered what it’s really like to work at the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry?
We’ve read their annual report so you don’t have to! In this quickfire overview, you’ll discover everything you need to know about this department—from its key functions and financials to the skills and qualifications they’re seeking in new recruits. Whether you’re a seasoned public servant or a fresh graduate, this guide will equip you with the knowledge to navigate your path to a rewarding government career.
AT-A-GLANCE:
Name of Department / Council: Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry
Location: Headquartered in Canberra, with offices Australia-wide
CEO (Secretary): Adam Fennessy PSM
Total Revenue (2023–24): Approximately $1.31 billion (combining $607.1 million own-source revenue and $699.4 million appropriation)
Total Number of Employees: 5,888 staff (as at 30 June 2024)
THE QUALIFICATION, CERTIFICATIONS, TRADES, PROFESSIONS, WORK EXPERIENCES & SKILLS MOST SUITED TO
🎓 Top 5 academic qualifications most suited:
Agricultural Science or Agronomy – Helps analyse crop and soil health, providing science-based insights to support sustainable farming.
Environmental Management or Biology – Vital for assessing ecological impacts and protecting Australia’s diverse flora and fauna.
Economics or Finance – Useful for policy development and analysis of market trends in agriculture, fisheries, and forestry.
Public Policy or Law – Crucial for drafting legislation and ensuring compliance within government frameworks.
Information Technology or Data Analytics – Powers the department’s modernisation, delivering data-driven insights to shape strategic decisions.
📜 Top 5 certifications most suited:
Project Management (e.g., PRINCE2, PMP) – Ensures smooth coordination of initiatives and resource allocation.
Biosecurity Compliance Certification – Equips you to oversee quarantine protocols and manage pest and disease risks.
Work Health and Safety Certification – Ensures safe operational practices in labs, field inspections, and office environments.
Government Procurement and Contract Management – Valuable for managing supplier relationships and tender processes.
Digital Literacy Certifications (e.g., cybersecurity basics) – Enhances tech capabilities crucial to modern governance.
🔧 Top 5 trades / professions most suited:
Laboratory Technicians – Support the department’s testing, diagnostics, and research into pest and disease management.
Surveyors / Field Inspectors – Conduct on-ground assessments of agricultural, fisheries, and forestry sites for compliance.
Mechanics / Maintenance Specialists – Maintain specialized equipment used in labs, research stations, and quarantine facilities.
Logistics / Supply Chain Professionals – Oversee import/export processes, ensuring smooth movement of goods in line with biosecurity requirements.
Electricians / Technical Trades – Install and maintain equipment at remote sites, research centers, and quarantine facilities.
⚡️ Top 5 skills most suited:
Soft skills:
Communication & Stakeholder Engagement – Essential for liaising with farmers, industry groups, and other government bodies.
Problem-Solving & Critical Thinking – Needed to address complex challenges like pest incursions or market access issues.
Technical skills:
Data Analysis & Research – Informs evidence-based policy and regulatory decisions.
Policy Interpretation – Ensures correct application of regulations and legislation.
General skills:
Time Management & Adaptability – Crucial in a dynamic environment where priorities can change quickly (e.g., sudden biosecurity threats).
Collaboration & Teamwork – Government projects often cut across multiple agencies and specialist teams.
Customer Service Mindset – Helps when providing services to exporters, regional communities, and other stakeholders.
🔑 Top 5 work experiences most suited:
Policy or Regulatory Roles – Familiarity with drafting, interpreting, or applying legislation around environment, agriculture, or trade.
Research or Scientific Experience – Supports evidence-based decision-making and innovation.
Project or Program Management – Keeps complex government initiatives on track and within budget.
Compliance & Inspection – Highly relevant to biosecurity checks, import/export control, and trade certification processes.
Community or Regional Engagement – Offers insight into local challenges, enabling better-targeted policy or service delivery.
THE KEY FACTS
Name of Department: Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry
Name of CEO (Secretary): Adam Fennessy PSM
Location: Australia-wide (headquartered in Canberra)
Year Founded: Formed in its current structure on 1 July 2022 (though earlier versions date back over a century)
Main mission and purpose of the department:
The department aims to safeguard and grow sustainable agriculture, fisheries, and forestry for all Australians. For instance, by coordinating biosecurity measures, they protect our environment and economy from pests and diseases, helping farmers export their produce globally while ensuring consumers have a stable food supply.Main duties of the department:
Overseeing import and export regulations for agricultural products
Managing biosecurity policies and border inspections
Supporting rural industries with research, innovation grants, and strategic advice
Coordinating responses to pests, diseases, and natural disasters affecting agriculture
Developing policy that fosters sustainable growth of agriculture, fisheries, and forestry
Real-world example: When a new pest outbreak is detected, the department coordinates a rapid response with farmers and state governments to contain and eradicate it, saving crops and livelihoods.
Key Projects, Key Strategic Priorities, Future Plans and Initiatives:
Strengthening Australia’s biosecurity system with cutting-edge surveillance and rapid-response teams
Promoting sustainable agriculture and fisheries practices to support a low-emissions future
Enhancing market access and export opportunities
Supporting regional communities through drought-resilience funding and strategic investments
Did you know?
Australia’s agriculture, fisheries, and forestry production is valued at around $88.3 billion (the fourth-highest result on record in 2023–24) , highlighting the sector’s massive economic contribution.
THE EMPLOYEES & REVENUE
Total Number of Employees: 5,888
Total Number of Employees at Each Pay Level (approximate)
APS (Administrative roles, levels 1–6): ~70% of staff
Executive Level (EL1 & EL2): ~25% of staff
Senior Executive Service (SES): ~5% of staff
Salary Bands:
APS 1–2: from around $50,000 up to $65,000
APS 3–6: from around $65,000 up to $98,000
EL 1–2: from around $100,000 up to $155,000
SES (Senior Executive): $160,000+
(Exact figures may vary; these are broad estimates to illustrate earning potential at different levels.)
Average Salary in the Department: Approximately in the $90,000–$100,000 range (estimate).
Total Revenue (2023–24): About $1.31 billion (own-source revenue plus appropriation)
Average Revenue per Employee: Around $222,000 per employee (calculated by dividing total revenue by total employees).
GETTING A JOB AT THE DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE, FISHERIES AND FORESTRY
When applying, be sure to showcase both your qualifications and your ability to work in a dynamic environment. Here are some specifics:
📊 Which academic subjects are likely to be most sought after, and of value, to this department?
Certificate / Diploma Level:
Certificate III/IV in Agriculture or Laboratory Techniques – Hands-on competencies for fieldwork and lab testing.
Diploma in Project Management – Essential for efficiently managing government programs.
Bachelor / Master Level:
Bachelor of Science (Agriculture, Environmental Science, Biology) – Central to biosecurity and ecological integrity.
Bachelor of Economics, Finance, or Business – Key for trade negotiations, budgeting, and market analysis.
Master of Public Policy or Administration – Valuable for strategic planning and governance.
PhDs:
PhD in Biological Sciences / Agriculture / Environmental Management – Delivers advanced research for managing complex biosecurity risks and promoting sustainable resource management.
🤔 Which trades and professions are likely to be most sought after, and of value, to this department?
Surveyors and Field Technicians – Essential for on-ground data collection and compliance.
Lab Technicians (biological testing, pathology) – Critical for disease and pest diagnostics.
Skilled IT/Tech Professionals – Supporting data-driven biosecurity measures, AI-based risk assessments, and more.
Environmental Consultants – Guiding sustainable management and conservation efforts.
Research Officers / Scientists – Contributing to plant health, fisheries stock assessments, and cutting-edge research.
💡 Which work experiences are likely to be most sought after, and of value, to this department?
Policy Writing or Legislative Drafting in government settings
Operational / Field Work (border security, quarantine, environmental surveys)
Program / Project Management (especially in large-scale government programs)
Stakeholder Engagement (working with farmers, exporters, or industry bodies)
Research & Data Analysis in agricultural or ecological contexts
🎯 Which skills are likely to be most sought after, and of value, to this department?
Soft skills:
Clear Communication – Builds trust with communities, industry, and international partners.
Collaboration & Negotiation – Vital in cross-agency coordination and engagement.
Technical skills:
Scientific Testing & Diagnostics – Essential for identifying potential pests and diseases.
Regulatory Compliance & Policy Interpretation – Ensures global standards are met and local industries protected.
General skills:
Analytical Thinking – Drives evidence-based policy decisions.
Adaptability – Critical in responding swiftly to emerging threats like exotic plant or animal diseases.
IT Literacy – Facilitates import/export documentation and compliance data analysis.
🏆 Which hobbies and interests align with the work of this department?
Gardening or Farming – Offers real-world insight into crop care, pests, and practical challenges.
Outdoor Exploration (hiking, camping) – Cultivates an appreciation for natural ecosystems.
Cooking or Culinary Interests – Connects you with the farm-to-fork journey, a core aspect of agriculture.
Tech Enthusiasm (coding, robotics) – Sparks innovative solutions for data collection and precision agriculture.
WANT MORE INFORMATION ON THIS DEPARTMENT?
Contact the Department:
General Inquiries / Recruitment: To enquire about job openings or the recruitment process, visit the APS Jobs website or phone 1800 900 090.
Office Address: 18 Marcus Clarke Street, Canberra ACT 2601, Australia
Website URL:
https://www.agriculture.gov.au
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