Stepping Into AgriFutures Australia: Your 60-Second Pathway to a Government Career 🎯
Ever wondered how you could help shape Australia’s rural industries while enjoying a stable, rewarding government career? Look no further than AgriFutures Australia! We’ve dissected their annual report so you don’t have to. In this swift overview, you’ll discover everything from their mission and finances to the skills they value most. Whether you’re a fresh graduate or an experienced professional, here’s why AgriFutures Australia might just be your next big move! 🚀
AT-A-GLANCE:
Name of Department / Council: AgriFutures Australia
Location: Headquartered in Wagga Wagga, New South Wales
CEO (Managing Director): John Harvey
Total Revenue: Approximately $49 million (2023–2024 annual report)
Total Number of Employees: ~65
THE QUALIFICATION, CERTIFICATIONS, TRADES, PROFESSIONS, WORK EXPERIENCES & SKILLS MOST SUITED TO
Top 5 Academic Qualifications Most Suited:
Bachelor of Agricultural Science – Offers a strong grasp of farming systems and sustainability.
Bachelor of Commerce (or Business) – Supports budgeting, financial analysis, and stakeholder engagement.
Bachelor of Science (Environmental or Biological Sciences) – Equips you with research acumen and data interpretation skills.
Certificate IV in Project Management Practice – Ideal for coordinating multiple R&D projects in rural settings.
Master of Public Policy or Agribusiness – Invaluable for shaping government strategies that benefit rural communities.
Top 5 Certifications Most Suited:
Project Management Professional (PMP) – Ensures large-scale, high-impact research projects run smoothly.
Certificate in Government (PSP) – Builds familiarity with public sector governance and compliance requirements.
Financial Management Certifications (e.g. CPA, CIMA) – Critical for overseeing and allocating research funds responsibly.
Work Health and Safety (WHS) Certificate – Vital for safeguarding staff across different project environments.
Data Analytics Certifications (e.g., SQL, Power BI) – Enhances the ability to interpret and apply complex research findings.
Top 5 Trades / Professions Most Suited:
IT Specialists / Technicians – Develop and maintain innovative digital platforms for agritech R&D.
Communications / Media Professionals – Help share success stories from research projects and community initiatives.
Extension Officers / Field Technicians – Bridge lab research with on-farm application for best practice adoption.
Procurement and Contract Specialists – Manage funding, tender processes, and transparent use of public funds.
Data Scientists – Crunch big datasets from various agricultural research streams to drive informed policymaking.
Top 5 Skills Most Suited:
Analytical Thinking – Essential for evaluating the feasibility and impact of R&D investments.
Stakeholder Engagement – Promotes collaboration with farmers, government bodies, and industry partners.
Project Management – Keeps intricate initiatives aligned, on budget, and outcome-focused.
Adaptability – Allows quick pivots when priorities shift or new research opportunities arise.
Communication – Translates detailed research into accessible, impactful messages for all audiences.
Top 5 Work Experiences Most Suited:
Agricultural or Primary Industry Background – Direct exposure to real-world challenges fosters practical innovation.
Research and Development Roles – Experience in pilot projects, labs, or field studies aids high-quality outcomes.
Government or Public Sector Positions – Familiarity with public frameworks and governance ensures robust compliance.
On-Farm Coordination – Community-level coordination helps tailor solutions to local needs and conditions.
Financial / Budgeting Experience – Maximizes cost-effectiveness of taxpayer-funded initiatives.
THE KEY FACTS
Name of Department: AgriFutures Australia (formerly Rural Industries Research and Development Corporation)
Name of CEO (Managing Director): John Harvey
Location: Primarily based in Wagga Wagga, NSW
Year Founded: 1990 (renamed AgriFutures Australia in 2017)
Main Mission and Purpose:
Invest in research, development, and extension (RD&E) to promote long-term prosperity in Australian rural industries.
Real-World Example: AgriFutures Australia supports carbon initiatives that help farmers reduce emissions and tap into eco-conscious markets.Main Duties of the Department:
Investing in Levied Industries: Oversee RD&E for established sectors like chicken meat, rice, and honey bee pollination.
Nurturing Emerging Industries: Cultivate high-potential areas—think sesame, hemp, and native botanicals.
Collaborative Projects: Coordinate cross-sector partnerships to tackle issues like workforce shortages and climate resilience.
Leadership & Capacity-Building: Run scholarships, awards, and training for women, students, and early-career professionals.
Real-World Example: Hosting industry events (like evokeAG.) to connect Australian producers with global innovators in agritech.
Key Projects, Key Strategic Priorities, Future Plans and Initiatives:
AgriFutures evokeAG. – An annual global meeting of minds in agrifood tech and innovation.
AgriFutures growAG. – An online platform linking startups, scientists, and funders worldwide.
Carbon Initiative – Researching carbon offsets, emission reduction, and revenue opportunities for rural industries.
Future Workforce Programs – Addressing urgent workforce needs, from apprenticeships to leadership pipelines.
Did You Know?
AgriFutures Australia has turned its attention to cutting-edge sectors like seaweed for livestock feed, which can cut methane emissions and unlock new markets. 🌱
THE EMPLOYEES & REVENUE
Total Number of Employees: ~65
Total Number of Employees at Each Pay Level (Approx.):
APS 4: 10
APS 5: 15
APS 6: 20
EL 1: 10
EL 2: 5
SES: 5
Salary Bands: $60,000 (entry-level) to $230,000+ (senior executives)
Average Salary in the Department: ~$100,000
Total Revenue: Approximately $49 million
Average Revenue per Employee: ~$753,000 (Total Revenue ÷ Number of Employees)
(Figures are approximations derived from the 2023–2024 annual report.)
GETTING A JOB AT AGRIFUTURES AUSTRALIA
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 Horticulture – Hands-on know-how valuable for extension and field roles.
Diploma in Project Management – Strengthens oversight of research initiatives.
Bachelor / Master Level:
Bachelor of Science / Agricultural Science – Key for agronomy, animal science, and environmental projects.
Bachelor of Commerce / Business / Economics – Critical for sound financial and economic analysis in policy.
Master of Data Analytics – Enables data-driven decisions to boost rural industry performance.
PhDs:
PhD in Agritech / Crop Science / Animal Science – Drives forward advanced research programs.
Which trades and professions are likely to be most sought after, and of value, to this department?
Mechanics & Technicians | Comms/Media Specialists | IT & Cybersecurity
(All support the practical and digital needs of modern research and public engagement.)
Which work experiences are likely to be most sought after, and of value, to this department?
On-farm production, government policy roles, R&D labs or field trials—anything blending real-world insights with innovation.
Which skills are likely to be most sought after, and of value, to this department?
Soft Skills: Collaborative leadership, problem-solving, adaptability
Technical Skills: GIS, advanced analytics, agronomy, supply-chain analysis
General Skills: Budgeting, reporting, communication, negotiation
Which hobbies and interests align with the work of this department?
Enjoying the outdoors, following agricultural trends, experimenting with tech (e.g., drone mapping), or volunteering in community development.
Want more information on this department?
Contact the department:
Address: Building 007, Tooma Way, Charles Sturt University, Locked Bag 588, Wagga Wagga NSW 2650
Telephone: 02 6923 6900
Email: info@agrifutures.com.au
Website: agrifutures.com.au
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