Unlocking the Secrets of DCCEEW: Your 60-Second Guide to a Government Career 🌱
Ever wondered what it’s really like to work at the Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water (DCCEEW)? We’ve read through their latest annual report, so you don’t have to! In this quickfire overview, you’ll discover everything you need to know about DCCEEW—from their core mission and financials to the skills and qualifications they look for in new recruits. Whether you’re fresh out of school or a seasoned professional, this guide will give you a roadmap to navigating a rewarding government career.
AT-A-GLANCE
Name of Department: Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water
Location: Headquartered in Canberra, with offices across Australia
CEO (Secretary): David Fredericks PSM
Total Revenue: Approximately AU$1.13 billion in 2023–24 (departmental revenue from government: AU$1,131.3 million)
Total Number of Employees: 5,140
(Note: The department also manages more than AU$300 million in administered revenue for government programs. However, for departmental operational purposes, the revenue figure of about AU$1.13 billion is most relevant.)
THE QUALIFICATIONS, CERTIFICATIONS, TRADES, PROFESSIONS, WORK EXPERIENCES & SKILLS MOST SUITED TO DCCEEW
Top 5 Academic Qualifications Most Suited
Bachelor of Environmental Science – Ideal for analysing and managing Australia’s natural resources.
Bachelor of Business or Commerce – Supports budgeting, project finance, and stakeholder management.
Bachelor of Public Policy or Political Science – Shapes and implements policy strategies across climate, energy, and environment.
Diploma of Project Management – Provides rigorous frameworks for overseeing diverse government initiatives.
Master of Data Analytics or Data Science – Interprets large datasets, from emissions to biodiversity, to guide evidence-based decision-making.
Top 5 Certifications Most Suited
Project Management Professional (PMP) – Enhances project delivery for climate, environment, and energy programs.
PRINCE2 or Agile Certification – Enables structured yet flexible management of government projects.
Environmental Management Systems (ISO 14001) – Ensures sustainable department-wide practices.
Government Procurement & Contracting (e.g., Certificate IV) – Critical for managing tenders and external funding agreements.
Work Health and Safety (WHS) Certification – Crucial for ensuring safe fieldwork, especially in remote areas like Antarctica.
Top 5 Trades / Professions Most Suited
Electricians / Renewable Energy Technicians – Contribute to green-energy infrastructure upgrades.
IT Specialists / Software Developers – Develop and maintain mission-critical platforms for environmental monitoring.
Engineering Professionals (Civil, Environmental, Chemical) – Oversee large-scale projects in energy systems and climate adaptation.
Communications / Media Specialists – Translate data and policy into engaging, public-friendly materials.
Scientific / Laboratory Technicians – Handle biodiversity sampling, carbon measurement, and compliance testing.
Top 5 Skills Most Suited
Policy Analysis – Converts research findings into actionable recommendations.
Stakeholder Engagement – Fosters collaboration with communities, industries, and NGOs.
Data Interpretation and Research – Guides policy via accurate, up-to-date insights.
Project Coordination – Manages timelines, budgets, and diverse teams.
Regulatory Compliance – Ensures departmental work meets legislative standards.
Top 5 Work Experiences Most Suited
Public Sector Administration – Familiarity with government systems and processes.
Community Outreach or Environmental Advocacy – Bridges public understanding of environmental programs.
Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) – Offers a lens on sustainability and public engagement.
Research and Academia – Cultivates subject-matter expertise in climate science, ecology, or energy.
Project / Program Management – Demonstrates ability to handle complex, multi-year initiatives.
THE KEY FACTS
Name of Department: Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water
Name of CEO (Secretary): David Fredericks PSM
Location: Australia-wide, though headquartered in Canberra
Year Founded: 2022 (bringing together policy areas of climate, energy, environment, and water)
Main Mission & Purpose:
To ensure Australia’s prosperity by driving down emissions, transitioning to clean energy, safeguarding natural habitats, and responsibly managing water resources.
Example in action: Through its Nature Positive Plan, DCCEEW helps conserve biodiversity while also supporting renewable-energy industries.
Main Duties:
Develop policies to meet Australia’s net-zero goals, including legislation and investment frameworks.
Protect biodiversity and heritage through compliance checks and on-ground conservation measures.
Manage Australia’s water security, such as by reforming the Murray–Darling Basin.
Build Australia’s international leadership on climate and environment.
Example in action: DCCEEW actively works on offset programs and invests in clean technology, helping Australia cut emissions without compromising economic growth.
Key Projects, Strategic Priorities & Future Plans:
Transitioning Australia’s Energy System: From fossil fuels to renewables (e.g., large-scale solar, onshore and offshore wind).
Nature Positive Plan & Nature Repair Market: Encourages conservation projects while attracting private funding.
Murray–Darling Basin Water Reforms: Ensures the long-term ecological health of Australia’s largest river system.
Antarctic Research & Conservation: Safeguards Australia’s strategic and environmental interests in the icy south.
Did You Know?
DCCEEW manages the RSV Nuyina, a world-class Antarctic research and supply vessel, supporting critical scientific and strategic work in Antarctica.
THE EMPLOYEES & REVENUE
Total Number of Employees: 5,140
Total Number of Employees at Each Pay Level:
APS 1–APS 6: ~AU$49k to ~AU$114k base
Executive Level (EL) 1–EL 2: ~AU$112k to ~AU$260k
SES (Senior Executive Service) 1–3: ~AU$225k to ~AU$431k
Salary Bands: From AU$48,952 (APS 1) to AU$431,438 (SES 3)
Average Salary in the Department: ~AU$100k–AU$120k
Total Revenue: ~AU$1.13 billion from departmental operations
Average Revenue per Employee: ~AU$220,000 (total departmental revenue ÷ total staff)
GETTING A JOB AT DCCEEW
Which Academic Subjects Are Likely to Be Most Sought After?
Certificate / Diploma Level:
Certificate in Business (Administration, Government) – Useful for office coordination and admin tasks.
Diploma of Project Management – Essential for handling diverse government projects.
Certificate in Government Investigations – Great for regulatory and compliance roles.
Bachelor / Master Level:
Bachelor/Master of Environmental Science – Crucial for biodiversity, climate adaptation, and resource management.
Bachelor/Master of Engineering (Renewable Energy, Environmental) – Vital for designing and evaluating sustainability projects.
Master of Public Policy – Offers insight into the legislative and strategic frameworks needed to implement government initiatives.
PhDs:
Doctorate in Climate Science, Marine Biology, or Ecology – Builds authoritative expertise for advanced policy-making and research.
PhD in Economics or Public Policy – Helps model financial impacts and shape large-scale reforms.
Which Trades and Professions Are Likely to Be Most Sought After?
Electricians, Carpenters, and General Trades for infrastructure projects related to renewable energy or water management.
Park Rangers and Field Officers for hands-on conservation across Australia’s national parks.
IT Professionals capable of data and cybersecurity measures, ensuring secure handling of environmental data.
Laboratory Technicians for chemical analysis, sample testing, and biodiversity research.
Media and Communications Specialists to manage public outreach and stakeholder engagement.
Which Work Experiences Are Likely to Be Most Sought After?
Government Program Delivery – Understanding APS processes and how to navigate them efficiently.
Infrastructure or Construction – Especially in renewable energy setups (solar, wind).
Community Engagement and Outreach – Collaborating with local communities or NGOs to drive impact.
Research and Academic Publications – Deep subject knowledge in environmental or climate fields.
Policy Development in Private or NGO Sectors – Transferable skills in drafting briefs, submissions, and regulatory advice.
Which Skills Are Likely to Be Most Sought After?
Soft Skills:
🤝 Collaboration and Negotiation – Bring diverse stakeholders together for cohesive outcomes.
📣 Communication and Presentation – Distill complex data into accessible insights.
Problem-Solving – Innovate in uncertain or rapidly evolving contexts.
Technical Skills:
GIS (Geographic Information System) – Map critical habitats or climate impacts.
Data Analysis – Handle large datasets (e.g., emissions inventories) to inform policy.
Environmental Impact Assessment – Identify potential risks and mitigation measures.
General Skills:
Policy Writing – Craft comprehensive yet concise government documents.
Financial Analysis – Understand budget impacts, track revenue streams, and evaluate economic feasibility.
Stakeholder Engagement – Work effectively with industry, Indigenous communities, and multiple agencies.
Which Hobbies and Interests Align with the Work of DCCEEW?
🌳 Bushwalking, Hiking, or Outdoor Activities – Demonstrates a personal commitment to nature and conservation.
💡 DIY Renewable Energy Projects – Showcases enthusiasm for hands-on innovation in sustainability.
✍️ Science Writing or Blogging – Highlights the ability to convey technical concepts to a broader audience.
Community Volunteering – Illustrates willingness to contribute to public or social good.
Want More Information on This Department?
Contact the Department:
Postal: GPO Box 3090, Canberra ACT 2601
Telephone: 1800 920 528
Email: Contact via web inquiries
Website: dcceew.gov.au
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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.