Unlocking the Secrets of ARPANSA: Your 60-Second Guide to a Government Career 🚀
Ever wondered what it’s really like to work at the Australian Radiation Protection and Nuclear Safety Agency (ARPANSA)? We’ve done the heavy lifting and dissected 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 their core functions and financials to the skills and qualifications they look for in new recruits. Whether you’re a seasoned public servant or a fresh graduate, this guide will set you on the path to a rewarding government career.
AT-A-GLANCE
Name of Department / Council: Australian Radiation Protection and Nuclear Safety Agency (ARPANSA)
Location: National offices in Victoria (Yallambie) and New South Wales (Miranda), plus a smaller presence in Adelaide
CEO: Dr Gillian Hirth AO
Total Revenue: Approximately AUD 39 million (financial year 2023–24)
Total Number of Employees: ~170 (including ongoing, non-ongoing, and statutory roles)
THE QUALIFICATION, CERTIFICATIONS, TRADES, PROFESSIONS, WORK EXPERIENCES & SKILLS MOST SUITED TO
Top 5 Academic Qualifications Most Suited
Bachelor of Science (Physics, Chemistry, or Biology): Builds essential knowledge in radiation effects and environmental impacts.
Bachelor of Engineering (Nuclear, Electrical, or Mechanical): Equips you to handle system designs, assess safety, and maintain nuclear facilities.
Master of Public Health (Radiation Health or Environmental Health): Ideal if you want to blend scientific expertise with public health policy.
Diploma or Degree in Medical Radiation Science: Valuable for roles involving medical imaging, radiotherapy, and dosimetry.
PhD in Radiation Physics or Health Physics: Perfect for shaping research projects and pioneering policy or technical innovation.
Top 5 Certifications Most Suited
Certified Radiation Safety Officer (RSO): Demonstrates strong expertise in safe radiation practices and compliance.
Project Management Professional (PMP): Aids in planning technical and policy projects under strict timelines.
Certified Quality Auditor (CQA): Ensures high standards in laboratory analysis, calibration, and auditing protocols.
ISO/IEC 17025 Laboratory Competence Certification: Maintains internationally recognized testing and calibration practices.
Security Clearance (e.g., Baseline, NV1, NV2): Critical for handling sensitive or classified materials linked to government programs.
Top 5 Trades / Professions Most Suited
Laboratory Technicians: Perform sample collection, radiological testing, and data recording.
Maintenance and Engineering Technicians: Oversee the upkeep of critical scientific equipment and nuclear installations.
IT Specialists (Network and Software): Develop secure databases and digital tools for regulatory data management.
Environmental Field Technicians: Gather environmental samples, measure radiation, and help in environmental impact studies.
Health Physics Technologists: Translate complex radiation safety standards into practical protocols for various facilities.
Top 5 Skills Most Suited
Technical Problem-Solving: Handy for troubleshooting specialized equipment and optimizing processes.
Regulatory Compliance Knowledge: Ensures alignment with national codes, standards, and public health guidelines.
Risk Assessment and Analysis: Helps identify and mitigate potential hazards in radiation-related settings.
Stakeholder Engagement and Communication: Facilitates collaboration across departments and with the public.
Data Management and Reporting: Essential for maintaining accurate records on radiation levels and safety performance.
Top 5 Work Experiences Most Suited
Laboratory or Field Monitoring: Demonstrates firsthand exposure to radiation detection and measurement protocols.
Regulatory or Compliance Roles: Indicates familiarity with government frameworks and safety standards.
Project Management in Technical Environments: Shows capacity to juggle engineering or scientific deliverables effectively.
Medical or Clinical Setting (e.g., Radiotherapy): Informs direct patient care aspects or calibration of medical imaging equipment.
Emergency Response or Incident Management: Equips you to assist with radiological or nuclear incident readiness.
THE KEY FACTS
Name of Department: Australian Radiation Protection and Nuclear Safety Agency (ARPANSA)
Name of CEO: Dr Gillian Hirth AO
Location: Primarily in Victoria (Yallambie) and New South Wales (Miranda), with national responsibilities
Year Founded: Commenced operations on 5 February 1999
Main Mission and Purpose: To protect the Australian people and the environment from the harmful effects of radiation.
Real-World Example: ARPANSA monitors radiation near nuclear installations to keep surrounding communities safe, and it also tracks ultraviolet (UV) levels to help Aussies prevent skin cancer.
Main Duties of the Department:
Regulate radiation use and nuclear safety for Commonwealth entities
Conduct research on ionising and non-ionising radiation
Collaborate with international bodies for radiation protection, nuclear safety, and security
Provide commercial services (e.g., personal dosimetry and UV monitoring)
Real-World Example: ARPANSA verifies that hospital radiotherapy equipment is calibrated correctly so patients receive the right radiation dose.
Key Projects, Strategic Priorities, Future Plans & Initiatives:
Ongoing oversight of the Australian Government’s nuclear-powered submarine enterprise
Expanded UV and environmental monitoring, along with research on electromagnetic energy (EME)
Digital systems upgrade for more efficient data and regulatory processes
Did You Know? ARPANSA’s real-time UV monitoring network provides minute-by-minute data, helping you decide exactly when it’s time to slip, slop, slap!
THE EMPLOYEES & REVENUE
Total Number of Employees: ~170
Total Number of Employees at Each Pay Level: Not publicly disclosed in detail
Salary Bands: Broad APS pay scales, from entry-level to executive positions
Average Salary in the Department: Not explicitly published; aligns with standard APS classifications
Total Revenue: Approximately AUD 39 million (2023–24)
Average Revenue per Employee: ~AUD 229,000 (39 million ÷ 170 employees)
GETTING A JOB AT ARPANSA
Which Academic Subjects Are Likely to Be Most Sought After, and of Value?
Certificate / Diploma Level:
Laboratory Techniques or Environmental Monitoring—Great for collecting/analyzing radiation data
Work Health and Safety—Key for enforcing protective measures and audits
Bachelor / Master Level:
Health Physics, Medical Radiation Science, or Physics—Core for medical, research, and regulatory roles
Engineering (Mechanical, Nuclear, or Electrical)—Supports specialized facility maintenance and reactor operations
PhDs:
Radiation Physics, Nuclear Safety, Environmental Radioactivity—Positions you to lead advanced research, policy, and technical projects
Which Trades and Professions Are Likely to Be Most Sought After?
Technical / Engineering Trades (Fitter, Electrician, Instrumentation)
IT / Cybersecurity Professionals
Laboratory and Calibration Technicians
Which Work Experiences Are Likely to Be Most Sought After?
Regulatory Compliance
Emergency Preparedness or Incident Response
Medical Imaging or Radiotherapy
Which Skills Are Likely to Be Most Sought After?
Soft Skills:
Collaboration and Communication
Adaptability
Technical Skills:
Data Analysis and Modelling
Equipment Maintenance and Testing
General Skills:
Project Management
Report Writing and Presentation
Which Hobbies and Interests Align with the Work of This Department?
Environmental Conservation / Outdoor Activities
STEM Enthusiasm (Science, Tech, Engineering, Math)
Public Health and Community Engagement
Want more information on ARPANSA?
Contact the department:
Address (Victoria HQ): 619 Lower Plenty Road, Yallambie VIC 3085, Australia
Telephone: +61 3 9433 2211
Email: info@arpansa.gov.au
Website: arpansa.gov.au
FAST-TRACK YOUR GOVERNMENT CAREER ⚡️
Want to skip the frustration of crafting the perfect government job application? Join the waitlist for Gov Job Pro and turn your dream of a government career into reality in just 15 minutes. Our AI-powered platform creates:
Tailor-made two-page Selection Criteria Responses
Tailor-made government Resumes
Tailor-made Cover Letters
Be among the first to access our game-changing application tool!
DISCLAIMER: The information provided in this article is for informational purposes only and is based on publicly available information, including annual reports. While we strive to provide accurate and up-to-date information, we make no representations or warranties of any kind, express or implied, about the completeness, accuracy, reliability, suitability, or availability with respect to the information on this article. Any reliance you place on such information is therefore strictly at your own risk. In no event will we be liable for any loss or damage including without limitation, indirect or consequential loss or damage, or any loss or damage whatsoever arising from loss of data or profits arising out of, or in connection with, the use of this article.