Project officer job description
Where we source our data
Let's get real. Job information online can often be overly optimistic — conveniently glossing over the raw bits. But when you're making decisions about your future, you need all the facts.
That's why we anonymously surveyed project officers about their job, with hopes of getting an honest insight into what it's really like.
While we did our best to ensure respondents were Australians and verified their job titles with proof of employment, we can't guarantee complete accuracy — or that your experiences in the field will reflect theirs. So, we suggest that you take these insights as a guide only and try to talk to people in the field before making an important decision.
Tasks and responsibilities for a project officer
Project officers can work across a broad range of industries, and this determines the types of project officer duties they do on a day to day basis,
Project officer responsibilities include:
- Supporting the senior team with administration duties
- Scheduling meetings and taking minutes
- Producing project reporting data
- Formatting project documentation
- Facilitating communication
- Assisting with project planning
How to become a project officer
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Study
Completing a qualification in project management is a great way to understand how projects are run efficiently. Accredited VET courses like a Certificate IV in Project Management Practice (BSB40920) or a Diploma of Project Management (BSB50820) provide the base skills and knowledge to enter a starting role in project management administration or coordination. Online courses are available, can be taken on part-time or full-time and can often fit around work or other life responsibilities.
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Further study
After gaining some work experience as a project officer, you might choose to study further and advance your career in project management. A course like a Graduate Certificate in Project Management can help develop your skills and prepare you for more senior roles in your industry.
Pathway options
A career as a project officer can be great long term, and it can also open doors to more senior positions in project management or even opportunities for new career pathways.
Possible career path:
Junior
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Project coordinator
Most common qualification: Certificate IV in Project Management Practice (BSB40920)
Mid
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Project manager
Most common qualification: Diploma of Project Management (BSB50820)
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Project officer
Most common qualification: Diploma of Project Management (BSB50820)
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Project administrator
Most common qualification: Certificate IV in Project Management Practice (BSB40920)
Senior
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Construction project manager
Most common qualification: Diploma of Building and Construction (Management) (CPC50320)
Explore related qualifications
Nationally accredited VET qualifications provided by TAFE or an RTO are a great way to train for a job as a project officer. These industry recognised and high-level project management courses are flexible and often offer 100% online learning.
Certificate IV in Project Management Practice (BSB40920)
This project management course is a great way to get the skills, knowledge and practical tools to start a role as a project officer. This course prepares the learner to work autonomously and within a project team. They don’t usually have direct responsibility for the overall outcome of a project.
The average duration for this course is one year. This course can be taken online with some providers and may have flexible learning conditions.
0 providers offer this course
Diploma of Project Management (BSB50820)
This project management qualification prepares an individual for more advanced roles in project management that you can apply across various sectors. Course outcomes can lead to positions in project team leadership or management.
People in these roles are usually responsible for achieving specific project objectives. They have an advanced knowledge and skill base and use their specialised, technical and managerial techniques for their work and can supervise the work of others.
The average duration for this course is one year. This course can be taken online with some providers and may have flexible learning conditions.
