Unlocking the Secrets of Geoscience Australia: Your 60-Second Guide to a Government Career đ
Ever wondered what itâs really like to work at Geoscience Australia? Weâve broken down their latest annual report, so you donât have to! In this quick overview, youâll learn about this exciting government entityâits core functions, how much revenue it earns, and the kinds of skills it values. Whether youâre an experienced public servant or just graduated from school, this article will put you on the fast track to a rewarding career in the Australian Public Service.
AT-A-GLANCE:
Name of Department / Council: Geoscience Australia
Location: Headquartered in Symonston, ACT, with projects nationwide
CEO: Dr James Johnson
Total Revenue: ~AUD $349.4 million (2023â24)
Total Number of Employees: Approximately 900
THE QUALIFICATION, CERTIFICATIONS, TRADES, PROFESSIONS, WORK EXPERIENCES & SKILLS MOST SUITED TO
Top 5 academic qualifications most suited:
Bachelor of Science (Geology, Geophysics, Earth Sciences): Provides a strong foundation in studying Earth materials and processes.
Bachelor of Geospatial Science / Surveying: Equips you to capture and analyze data for digital mapping.
Diploma / Advanced Diploma in Project Management: Essential for coordinating major government and research projects.
Certificate / Diploma in Laboratory Techniques or Field Operations: Offers practical, hands-on experience for resource and hazard-related work.
Master of Data Science or Related Discipline: Helps manage big datasets and apply analytics to real-world geoscience problems.
Top 5 certifications most suited:
Project Management Professional (PMP): Validates ability to oversee and deliver projects on time and on budget.
Certified Professional Logistician: Helps streamline fieldwork and data-gathering logistics across remote areas.
GIS Certifications (e.g., Esri Technical Certification): Demonstrates skill in advanced geospatial analytics.
PRINCE2 Foundation/Practitioner: Widely used in public-sector project frameworks.
Information Security / Cybersecurity Certification (e.g., CompTIA Security+): Protects the agencyâs vital geospatial and Earth monitoring data.
Top 5 trades / professions most suited:
Geotechnician / Field Technician: Performs ground sampling and maintains geoscientific equipment.
Surveyor: Critical for high-accuracy mapping and Earth measurement projects.
Data Analyst / Data Engineer: Transforms extensive datasets into key insights for government policy.
IT Support Specialist / Systems Administrator: Keeps essential data systems and networks secure and running smoothly.
Laboratory Technician (Mineral Testing / Soil Testing): Analyzes geological samples that inform resource development.
Top 5 skills most suited:
Data Analysis & Interpretation: Central for evaluating resource, groundwater, and hazard data.
Project Coordination: Manages diverse teams and timelines across multiple programs.
Research & Report Writing: Translates complex findings into clear, usable government advice.
Technical Problem-Solving: Addresses unique field and scientific challenges.
Stakeholder Engagement: Collaborates with government agencies, industry, and communities effectively.
Top 5 work experiences most suited:
Resource Exploration Projects: Demonstrates handling of geological surveys and drilling campaigns.
Environmental Impact Assessments: Shows ability to evaluate sustainability and compliance.
GIS and Remote Sensing Roles: Experience in satellite imaging, crucial for nationwide mapping.
Earthquake/Seismic Monitoring: Aligns with Geoscience Australiaâs role in community safety.
Government Policy or Research Experience: Familiarizes you with public-sector procedures and decision-making.
THE KEY FACTS
Name of Department: Geoscience Australia
Name of CEO: Dr James Johnson
Location: Australia-wide (headquartered in Symonston, ACT)
Year Founded: 1946 (originally established as the Bureau of Mineral Resources)
Main mission and purpose of the department:
Geoscience Australiaâs mission is to inform government, industry, and community decisions regarding Australiaâs natural resources. For example, their âExploring for the Futureâ program identified new mineral, groundwater, and energy potentialâattracting investment and creating regional jobs.Main duties of the department:
Conduct Earth science research (geology, seismology, etc.)
Provide critical spatial data (e.g., Digital Atlas of Australia)
Support hazard monitoring (bushfires, earthquakes, tsunamis)
Manage marine and coastal mapping (AusSeabed program)
Advise on resource exploration and community safety
Example: The National Earthquake Alerts Centre delivers real-time earthquake alerts, protecting Australian and Indo-Pacific communities.
Key Projects, Key Strategic Priorities, Future Plans and Initiatives:
Resourcing Australiaâs Prosperity Initiative: Speeds up discovery of critical minerals to meet net-zero targets.
Digital Atlas of Australia: Free, user-friendly tool consolidating hundreds of national datasets (e.g., roads, water, environment).
SouthPAN (Satellite-Based Augmentation System): Delivers high-accuracy positioning services across Australasia.
Marine Data & Mapping (AusSeabed): Offers bathymetric data for sustainable marine resource management.
Did you know? Geoscience Australiaâs Digital Earth Australia program has curated satellite imagery spanning more than 35 years, one of the most extensive Earth observation archives in the Southern Hemisphere.
THE EMPLOYEES & REVENUE
Total Number of Employees: Approximately 900
Total Number of Employees at each pay level: Uses standard Australian Public Service classification (APS1 through Senior Executive Service). Specific numbers are not published in the summary.
Salary Bands: Generally align with APS scales (~AUD $55,000 to $250,000+).
Average salary in the department: Mirrors APS-wide averages, though it varies by technical specialization.
Total Revenue: ~AUD $349.4 million (2023â24)
Average Revenue per Employee: Roughly $349.4 million á 900 â $388,222 per employee
GETTING A JOB AT GEOSCIENCE AUSTRALIA
(Use keywords like âGovernment jobs Australiaâ and âAustralian Public Service careersâ when you search!)
Which academic subjects are likely to be most sought after?
Certificate / Diploma Level:
Certificate III/IV in Laboratory Skills or Spatial Information Services (supporting geology, remote sensing, or data projects).
Bachelor / Master Level:
Geology / Geophysics / Environmental Science (fundamental for Earth processes and resource management).
Data Science / Computer Science / Software Engineering (ideal for big data, remote sensing, and advanced analytics).
PhDs:
Earth Science / Space Geodesy / Remote Sensing (leading-edge research and scientific innovation).
Which trades and professions are likely to be most sought after?
Surveyors & GIS Technicians for large-scale mapping
Drilling & Sampling Specialists for resource exploration
IT & Cybersecurity Professionals for safeguarding data
Project & Contract Managers for multi-year, cross-agency initiatives
Field Operations Technicians for remote and offshore data collection
Which work experiences are likely to be most sought after?
Geological or Geophysical Surveys
Satellite Data Analysis or remote sensing
Public-Sector Project Management
Environmental Compliance and sustainable resource use
Emergency Response or Natural Hazard Monitoring
Which skills are likely to be most sought after?
Soft skills:
Effective communication with various stakeholders
Critical thinking for data interpretation
Collaboration in cross-disciplinary teams
Technical skills:
Proficiency in GIS software (ArcGIS, QGIS)
Coding (Python, R) for data processing
Satellite & remote sensing technology
General skills:
Project scheduling & risk management
Clear report writing for technical and policy audiences
Flexibility to adapt to changing research priorities
Which hobbies and interests align with the work of this department?
Rock collecting, mineralogy, or fossil huntingâdirectly relevant to geological research.
Hiking, camping, or bushwalkingâuseful for field survey readiness.
Landscape photographyâassists in remote sensing and capturing field data.
Volunteering in environmental causesâexhibits a passion for sustainability and stewardship.
Astronomy or satellite trackingâties in with Earth observation missions.
Want more information on this department?
Contact their HR/Recruitment Team:
Address: Cnr Jerrabomberra Ave & Hindmarsh Dr, Symonston, ACT 2609
Telephone: +61 2 6249 9111
Email: clientservices@ga.gov.au
Website: www.ga.gov.au
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