Types of Agriculture Jobs in Australia
Australia has a robust agricultural industry, offering extensive career opportunities to those interested in farm business and contributing to the Australian economy. Here are some of the top agriculture jobs to choose from, whether you’re in Queensland, Western Australia, or somewhere in between.
Australia’s Agriculture Industry
Agriculture is a vital component of Australia’s primary industries, employing thousands of Aussies and feeding the whole nation. Australian agriculture is also widely exported, with our quality goods being highly sought-after internationally. The most recent figures show that our major agricultural commodities are grains and oilseeds (29.8%), meat (24.0%), industrial crops i.e. sugar, cotton and wine (13.5%), wool (7.0%), dairy (6.6%), and horticulture (4.5%).
This makes the agricultural industry an incredibly rich and diverse field to work in. You could find yourself truffle farming in Tasmania, herding cattle in outback Northern Territory, or even working in supply chain management in New South Wales – the opportunities are just as bountiful as Australia’s agricultural commodities!
Working in the agriculture sector can be an incredibly rewarding and stable career path. In fact, Australia needs 2000 agriculture graduates every year to keep the industry thriving, which means it could be the ideal industry for you to find your new job in. If you are interested in an agricultural career, there are a few possible pathways you can take:
Production
Working in agricultural production means working directly on farms as a farmworker, or in agribusinesses that provide to farms. This could mean working as a farm consul
Research, development and extension
Agricultural research and development involve plant and animal breeding; pest, weed, and disease management; farm business economics, and nutrition. Roles in this field help to continuously expand and strengthen Australia’s agricultural industry, making it an incredibly rewarding pathway to explore.
Natural resource management
With climate change and sustainability challenging the agricultural industry, natural resource management has never been more important. In this field, you might find yourself managing pests and weeds, natural vegetation, water systems, or soil to create a stronger agricultural landscape.
Food services
Once food has been produced, it must be processed, packaged, marketed, transported, and sold, which is all managed by the food services industry.
Education and training
Education and training is needed to keep Australia’s agricultural industry thriving, with there being options to teach agricultural subjects in schools, universities or adult education centers.
Policy
A background in agriculture can come in handy if you are seeking a role in policy, as agricultural knowledge is required to form and manage policies like trade policy, bio-security, industry policy and commercial agricultural advice.
Types of Agriculture Jobs to Consider
Considering the above pathways, it’s not hard to picture the plethora of agriculture jobs out there. From hands-on farm work to office jobs relating to the agricultural sector, here are some popular roles to consider:
Agricultural consultants often come from diverse educational backgrounds, like chemistry or business. An agricultural consultant’s duties typically involve consulting farmers on ways to improve production, deal with pests or weeds, improve soil health, or manage their business better. The role will typically involve traveling or staying stationed on client properties.
Agricultural and forestry scientists advise farmers, rural industries and local governments on different aspects of farming, from land management policies to productivity techniques. According to Job Outlook, there is a lot of room for growth in this field, making it a valuable pathway to consider when choosing agricultural courses or training.
Biosecurity officers help to protect natural landscapes, prevent and respond to pests and diseases, and manage contaminants that could threaten the economy or environment. This could involve protecting state borders (such as preventing the spread of the Queensland fruit fly to southern states like NSW and Victoria), or working alongside quarantine officers.
Farm managers oversee the day-to-day functions on a farm, taking on administrative responsibilities, selling crops or responding to environmental threats. To succeed as a farm manager, consider a degree in agriculture, agribusiness or animal science, or work on building hands-on skills relating to crop production or animal husbandry. Remember that as a farm manager, you’ll likely also be living on the farm yourself!
Seasonal farm jobs are common in Australia, offering short-term opportunities to backpackers and students. As a general farm hand, your duties may include fruit picking or menial labour on the farm.
Curious about life as an agronomist, what it’s like to launch an agribusiness or any other facet of the agricultural industry? This guide is your go-to source for information on the Australian agricultural industry. Learn all the steps you need to take to start your own agricultural career.
Excited by Agriculture?
Agriculture is a rewarding field to enter, offering a variety of job pathways for those interested in farming, the environment or business. Could it be the right industry for you?
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