Yes, these are real people that work at ABARES!
What kind of work does ABARES do?
ABARES is the Australian government’s agricultural commodity forecaster and the research arm of the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry.
We deliver high-quality scientific & economic research, analysis & advice on issues affecting Australia's agriculture, fisheries and forestry sectors.
Working at ABARES
Read the essential guide to life and work at ABARES (PDF 876 KB).
If you have difficulty accessing this file, contact the ABARES team for assistance.
ABARES staff (affectionately known as Bears), enjoy a relaxed, safe, and inclusive working environment.
- We value differences and welcome people with diverse backgrounds and working styles.
- We encourage continuous learning and provide a wide range of development opportunities.
- We’re collaborative and work across teams within the bureau, department and sometimes, other organisations!
- We understand that everyone works best in different ways. Our teams enjoy flexible working arrangements to best support collaborative and balanced working patterns.
- We provide the evidence base for future policy development for the Australian Government. Your work will directly contribute to this from the get-go.
The bureau is the ideal workplace to develop research and analytical skills, and build strong and collaborative relationships in the agriculture, fisheries and forestry sectors.
Our work is diverse. It ranges from producing forecasts on a quarterly cycle to long term projects that take years to complete.
“Working for ABARES allows you to dig into problems. You get a chance to sit down and think about the many complexities while also developing technical skills."
Charlie Xia, Agricultural Forecasting and Policy Branch
People working at ABARES are employed by the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry (DAFF). To check eligibility, benefits and conditions and our RecruitAbility scheme please visit the DAFF People and jobs page.
What skills does ABARES look for?
ABARES has a number of professional streams to suit your career. A good foundation in economics, science, statistics, or data science is invaluable – as is the ability to network, communicate and present technical research.
“Our research is only useful if we can explain it to the right people and influence policy development.”
Peter Gooday, Farm Performance, Biosecurity and Information Branch
- Effective communication - It is vital that we can explain our research to the right people, so that we can influence the development of government policy.
- Technical skills and the desire to learn - Many of our staff are subject matter experts. Some arrived as experts, but many started as generalists and became experts with guidance in a supportive environment. These staff are called upon from within government and the private sector to shape policy and provide input to industry decisions.
- An inquisitive nature - Our teams are curious and want to dig into a problem to get to the bottom of it.
- Open-mindedness - Draw on the expertise of your team and seek collective and thoughtful solutions to issues.
Apply to work at ABARES
We’re always looking for passionate economists, scientists, analysts and team members with relevant skills. If you want to work at ABARES, we want to hear from you! Email ABARES Recruitment.
All ABARES job opportunities are posted on APS Jobs and on the Department’s jobs portal.
ABARES also offers a 12-month entry level professional program for graduate economists, modellers, scientists and statisticians and other talented people with relevant skills. Learn more about the ABARES Graduate Program.