The Ultimate Department of Industry, Science and Resources Career Guide: Salary, Skills & Success Paths 📈
Ever wondered what it’s really like to work at the Department of Industry, Science and Resources? We’ve got you covered! In this quickfire overview, you’ll discover key insights about the department’s functions, finances, and the skills they seek in prospective hires. Whether you’re eyeing a government job from scratch or hoping to climb the career ladder, this guide provides the essential details for pursuing a rewarding role in Australia’s public sector.
AT-A-GLANCE:
Name of Department / Council: Department of Industry, Science and Resources
Location: Headquartered in Canberra, with offices Australia-wide
CEO (Secretary): Meghan Quinn PSM
Total Revenue: AUD 612.8 million (departmental appropriation, 2023–24) plus additional cost-recovery and service-based revenue
Total Number of Employees: Approximately 4,300 staff, including ongoing and non-ongoing employees, as at 30 June 2024 (based on workforce statistics published by the department)
THE QUALIFICATION, CERTIFICATIONS, TRADES, PROFESSIONS, WORK EXPERIENCES & SKILLS MOST SUITED TO
Top 5 Academic Qualifications Most Suited:
Economics / Commerce – For policy analysis, financial oversight, and shaping industry strategies.
Public Policy / Administration – Builds expertise in regulatory processes and strategic government planning.
Science / Engineering / STEM Fields – Applies to emerging tech, energy, and resource management roles.
Law / Legal Studies – Assists with drafting and interpreting the regulatory framework for Australian industries and resources.
Data Analytics / Computer Science – Vital for evidence-based decision-making and digital innovation.
Top 5 Certifications Most Suited:
Project Management (e.g., PRINCE2®, PMBOK®) – Demonstrates ability to deliver complex projects on time.
Contract Management Certification – Crucial for overseeing grants, tenders, and major departmental agreements.
Government Procurement Certification (e.g., CIPSA) – Ensures compliance with public sector procurement requirements.
Cybersecurity Certifications (e.g., CompTIA Security+, CISSP) – Helps protect sensitive data and systems in an increasingly digital environment.
Stakeholder Engagement / Community Consultation Courses – Fosters collaborative relationships across industry, government, and the public.
Top 5 Trades / Professions Most Suited:
IT Professionals – Develop and maintain the department’s digital ecosystem.
Technical Officers (Engineering, Laboratory roles) – Contribute to measurement services, resource analysis, and major infrastructure projects.
Communications Specialists – Translate technical content into clear public messages.
Policy Officers – Plan and implement policy initiatives that shape Australia’s industrial and resource landscape.
Finance & Accounting Experts – Manage budgets, plan resource allocations, and ensure compliance with financial regulations.
Top 5 Skills Most Suited:
Analytical Thinking – Essential for data modeling, economic assessments, and scientific research.
Communication & Collaboration – Key to coordinating projects that span multiple government agencies.
Leadership & Team Management – Needed at all levels to guide teams and deliver on high-impact programs.
Adaptability & Resilience – Important when tackling evolving government priorities.
Digital Literacy – Beneficial for everything from online grant systems to harnessing AI in service delivery.
Top 5 Work Experiences Most Suited:
Policy Development – Showcases ability to navigate government frameworks and craft impactful policies.
Project Delivery in the Public Sector – Demonstrates familiarity with procurement, stakeholder engagement, and strict compliance standards.
Industry / Science Research – Applies rigorous evidence-based thinking to shape departmental outcomes.
Grants Management – Hands-on experience in awarding funds, assessing proposals, and monitoring program effectiveness.
Regulatory or Compliance Roles – Equips you to oversee legislation or ensure guidelines are followed across government programs.
THE KEY FACTS
Name of Department: Department of Industry, Science and Resources
Name of CEO (Secretary): Meghan Quinn PSM
Location: Australia-wide, headquartered in Canberra ACT
Year Founded: Re-established in mid-2022 under current name (building on earlier machinery-of-government changes)
Main Mission and Purpose:
To support a productive, resilient, and sustainable Australian economy enriched by science and technology.
Example: Overseeing programs such as the National Reconstruction Fund, which drives innovative manufacturing here in Australia.
Main Duties of the Department:
Manages policy and programs in advanced manufacturing, resources, science, AI, robotics, space, and more.
Example: They help ensure Australian businesses can commercialise their ideas, maintain robust supply chains, and adopt cutting-edge tech.
Key Projects, Key Strategic Priorities, Future Plans & Initiatives:
Future Made in Australia Agenda – Focusing on net zero transition, supply chain resilience, and local manufacturing.
National Robotics Strategy – Strengthening robotics and automation for productivity gains.
Critical Minerals Strategy – Ensuring Australia is a key source of essential minerals used in renewable energy and advanced technologies.
Did You Know? 🤔 The department supports Questacon, which has reached hundreds of thousands of people with interactive science exhibits—sparking STEM enthusiasm nationwide!
THE EMPLOYEES & REVENUE
Total Number of Employees: Roughly 4,300 staff at 30 June 2024.
Total Number of Employees at Each Pay Level: Ranges from APS 1–APS 6, EL (Executive Level) 1 & 2, through to Senior Executive Service (SES). Roles vary across policy, program management, science, IT, finance, and more.
Salary Bands:
APS Level salaries generally span AUD 50,000–110,000
EL 1 & EL 2 can range from AUD 115,000–160,000
SES can exceed AUD 180,000, contingent on seniority and responsibilities
Average Salary in the Department: Typically within the higher APS or lower EL bands (about AUD 80,000–130,000, depending on role).
Total Revenue:
AUD 612.8 million in core departmental appropriations for 2023–24, plus additional revenue from cost-recovery and fee-based services
Average Revenue per Employee: Roughly AUD 142,000 if you allocate the department’s appropriations across ~4,300 employees (this is an approximation).
GETTING A JOB AT
Which Academic Subjects Are Likely to Be Most Sought After?
Certificate / Diploma Level:
Business Administration (Cert IV, Diploma) – Perfect for office management or support roles.
Information Technology (Cert III, IV) – Helps in tech support, digital solutioning, and system maintenance.
Laboratory Techniques / Electrotechnology – Useful for practical lab and engineering support tasks.
Bachelor / Master Level:
Economics, Public Policy, STEM, Engineering, and Computer Science – In-demand for policy work, data analysis, research, and program oversight.
PhDs:
Advanced Research in Sciences (physics, materials science, chemistry) – Integral to specialized research and technology policy.
PhDs in Political Science / Public Policy – Contribute to shaping strategies for Australia’s resource and industrial sectors.
Which Trades and Professions Are Likely to Be Most Sought After?
Electricians, Lab Technicians, Data Analysts, IT Technicians, and Project Managers – These professions help power the department’s infrastructure, lab testing, data management, and technology initiatives.
Which Work Experiences Are Likely to Be Most Sought After?
Policy and Regulatory – Experience shaping or enforcing legislation.
Project Delivery – Demonstrated record of on-time and on-budget project execution.
Grants Administration – Knowing how to assess eligibility, distribute funding, and track outcomes.
Digital Transformation – Expertise in modernizing systems and processes using emerging technologies.
Which Skills Are Likely to Be Most Sought After?
Soft Skills: Effective communication, negotiation, and problem-solving.
Technical Skills: Programming (e.g., Python, R), data analytics, GIS, and advanced lab processes.
General Skills: Report writing, stakeholder engagement, budgeting, and leadership.
Which Hobbies and Interests Align with the Work of This Department?
Tech Enthusiasm (AI, Robotics) 🤖 – Perfect for roles involving cutting-edge projects.
Environment & Sustainability – Matches the department’s focus on sustainable resource use and net zero initiatives.
Science Outreach – Volunteering for science fairs or community events can show your passion for education and public engagement.
Want More Information on This Department?
Contact the Department:
HR / Recruitment: careers@industry.gov.au
Telephone: +61 2 6213 6000
Address: GPO Box 2013, Canberra ACT 2601
Website: industry.gov.au
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