Entry Programs

I've always loved food and been interested in where it comes from. And our department has so many touch points with the food industry. I also wanted my work to actually make a difference to those around me, which is why I decided to become a public servant. I'd say if you're passionate about maintaining and protecting Australia's agricultural industry, then the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry is a great place to start your career. I've had the opportunity to meet lots of new people, travel and work on interesting topics that provide benefit to Australians and our mob. We have such interesting people working here who truly care about what they do. The department makes space for you to explore and to undertake new projects of interest. I love my job. I'm constantly learning about all the work our department is doing to help farmers and industries across Australia and how we all contribute to one DAFF. If you're thinking about joining DAFF through one of our entry pathways, you should definitely do it. The grad program opens so many new doors. You just have to take a step through it.

My name is Campbell Jones. I'm a business partner in our Financial Management and Investments division, which involves a great deal of stakeholder engagement with meat inspectors, overseas counsellors, residue testing and policy program areas. I wanted to join a graduate program after I finished university and I was captivated by the department. I was lucky enough to be successful and I joined as a graduate in December. There is an incredibly broad range of jobs on offer in the department. The beauty of a graduate program is you get to experience a range of those areas before you choose where you want to start your career. Now that I've finished the graduate program, I like to think of my role as being a problem solver for different areas. I help them find the information they need, whether it be a report, answering finance queries or connecting them with another team that can help.

There is a huge amount of professional expertise in the department, so I'm constantly learning. The people are so welcoming and happy to share their knowledge. I feel like there are unending opportunities for me to grow and learn. Knowing my work makes Australia better through our biosecurity operations and our agricultural support is incredibly important to me. I get to see the real tangible difference we make each day and that makes me proud to do the work that I do. I love my job. I'm constantly learning about all the work our department is doing to help farmers and industries across Australia and how we all contribute to One DAFF.

My name is Montana Hickey and I work as a plant pathologist in the operational science and surveillance team. My work focuses on the diagnosis of plant pathogenic organisms as well as the identification of plant and seed material coming through the Australian border. Every day is different and I am always learning something new. The majority of what we look at is from overseas, so we see a lot of species that you wouldn't usually encounter here in Australia. Growing up, I always loved the Australian Biosecurity TV show and through my university studies I grew a strong love for understanding and investigating diseases of plants. To have those two worlds collide in my current role has been a very cool experience. We have such interesting people working here who truly care about what they do. The department makes space for you to explore and to undertake new projects of interest and to learn from other teams or industry professionals. I found the graduate program to be a really valuable experience for me, to learn from a broad range of people and to work across the department. I started as a plant pathologist in Brisbane, then moved to Canberra to start the graduate program where I worked in a policy officer role looking at import conditions and permit assessments for fresh produce. Followed by a rotation with the emergency preparedness and response team before then offered my current role in Sydney as a plant pathologist. Working in all of these groups has given me a really valuable insight into all the various stages of Australia's biosecurity continuum and how our work across the department fits together for the purpose of creating a sustainable, secure Australia.

My name is Gregory Kwok. I'm a Human Resources graduate in the Enterprise Bargaining Team. My work consists of engaging with multiple teams to provide fair and clear work conditions and environments for the employees within the department. My role is to make sure the employees in that department are operating under favourable working conditions. If the employees are satisfied, then the work they do will be more effective and the department will become more efficient. I've been with the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry for about three months having entered through the APS HR graduate program. I've always loved food and been interested in where it comes from and our department has so many touch points with the food industry. I also wanted my work to actually make a difference to those around me, which is why I decided to become a public servant. The department has so many functions and programs in place to help overcome not only career challenges but any challenge. If I'm suddenly interested in learning a new skill, the department will look for ways to facilitate my learning of that skill. The work the department handles is so important to the economy of Australia. If there was to be a biosecurity risk or there are issues with agriculture, the consequences have a ripple effect on our nation and on the globe. Our teams are working day and night to ensure that risks are mitigated and to resolve the issues before they impact the public. There are so many opportunities that the department offers in professional development. If you're lucky enough to be accepted into the graduate program, you'll be joining with a cohort of people who are all passionate and supportive. The grad program opens so many new doors. You just have to take a step through it.

Hi, I'm Savannah. I joined the Department through the Indigenous Apprenticeship Program back in 2020. I'm now a senior policy and program officer within the Agricultural Traceability Branch. I wanted to find a job that offered me opportunities to try new things and grow my ability. The DAFF Indigenous Apprenticeship Program has offered me that in spades. Since joining DAFF I've worked with our biosecurity and trade areas.

I've had the opportunity to meet lots of new people, travel and work on interesting topics that provide benefit to Australians and our mob.

After completing the Indigenous Apprenticeship Program, I have gone on to work with the National Security Committee to deliver Australia's first ever national biosecurity strategy, which I received a 2023 Australia Day award for. I'm now working in collaboration with agricultural industries and state and territory governments to implement national traceability reforms to strengthen our systems and better protect Aussie farmers from pests and disease. DAFF's inclusive and supportive culture has supported me to try new things and build my skills and capability, all while making positive impact for Australian farmers, businesses and communities. There are lots of different entry pathways available for joining DAFF, with so many exciting opportunities available. If you're thinking about joining DAFF through one of our entry pathways, you should definitely do it.

My name is Elena Theodorus, and I'm a HR advisor at the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry. As a HR advisor, I support all employees and management by assisting with general work, enterprise agreement related queries, and providing expert advice on a range of topics. I became interested in the role after hearing about how great the government sector is, the amount of support and care they put into their staff. I've been in the department for about three months now, and it's been great to experience it for myself. I had finished my studies in community service before joining the department, and I was unsure if I wanted to continue studying or look into work in the private sector. I wanted a new work culture that would motivate me to excel, but also enhance my learning. The best part of working in the department is getting to work with people who have so much insight, knowledge, and guidance when learning new skills. The department's objective is important, as they have a focus on supporting the industry's growth, strengthening our national biosecurity system, and increasing the contribution to agriculture to keep Australia safe. I'd say if you're passionate about maintaining and protecting Australia's agricultural industry, then the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry is a great place to start your career.