2025 ABARES Graduate Program

• APS 4 (Training Broadband) $74,882 - $81,521 per annum plus superannuation
• ABARES Division
• Canberra, ACT

• Are you looking for an engaging and influential career in economics, statistics, data science and/or applied mathematical modelling?

• Apply your skills to explore complex problems, opportunities and constraints facing Australia’s agriculture, fisheries and forestry sectors.

• Face-to-face learning and development opportunities, with access to unique and highly rewarding networking experiences and events.

Who we are
Australian Bureau of Agricultural and Resource Economics and Sciences (ABARES) work underpins the development of Australian Government policy as well as decision-making from the farm gate to national industries and international markets.

Our graduates directly contribute to the robust evidence base required for policy makers to effectively manage the use of Australia’s valuable natural resources and agricultural industries.

The Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry (DAFF) relies on us for rigorous analysis and informed advice, with most of our staff trained and experienced economists, scientists, social scientists, statisticians, or modellers.

We explore wide-ranging issues including the management of Australia’s forestry and fisheries resources, water markets in the Murray Darling Basin, sustainable agricultural production, managing biosecurity risks and global food security.

Climate change is a particularly important issue and represents considerable risks for Australias agriculture sector. ABARES research examines the potential impacts of climate change, provides information and analysis that helps the sector to adapt, and considers possible future outcomes for agricultural production under different climate scenarios.

The Graduate Program
ABARES is looking for graduate and early career economists, statisticians, data scientists and mathematicians through its Graduate Development Program. The Program focuses on developing each individual’s research and analysis skills in a proactive environment of highly experienced people passionate about exploring the issues faced by Australia’s agriculture, forestry and fisheries sectors.

Highlights of the program
In our Graduate Development Program, you will:

• work as part of a team in a proactive and integrated research environment
• be immersed in research to provide evidence and advice to underpin policy and industry decision-making
• extend your skills and knowledge through a range of formal and on-the-job training activities designed to guide your career and provide you with the tools to develop as a valuable member of the ABARES team including:
• an in-house agricultural policy course where subject matter experts teach you skills essential to working in ABARES

• writing, presentation, data analytics and modelling training

• involvement in ABARES seminars and conferences, including National Outlook

• opportunities for workplace rotations within ABARES and the Department, to experience the breadth of work undertaken by DAFF.

Please note that graduates commence at the APS 4.1 level ($74,882 per annum plus 15.4% superannuation) and progress to the APS4.2 ($79,931 plus 15.4% superannuation) on 1 September following their first successful performance review. On satisfactory completion of the 12-month program graduates will advance to the APS5.1 level ($84,794 per annum plus 15.4% superannuation). Please note the starting salary will increase to $77,728 on 13 March 2025 in line with the current Enterprise Agreement, and the APS5.1 salary will increase to $88,834 on 12 March 2026.

Eligibility
Mandatory Qualifications
A degree in economics, mathematics, statistics, or data science is required. Evidence must be shown of completion prior to the program commencing.