Harmsen began with the ABC as a reporter in Queensland, before moving to Sydney, then arriving in Adelaide in 2005.

She became a reporter and substitute presenter, before becoming weekend presenter following the departure of Michael Smyth.

In 2010, Harmsen became weeknight presenter following Dominique Schwartz's move to the ABC's New Zealand bureau.

In 2014 she went on maternity leave and was replaced by Emma Rebellato, returning in January 2016.

She began presenting shortly after marrying state political correspondent Nick Harmsen. On 20 November 2014 Jessica Harmsen gave birth to a baby girl named Amelia Penelope Harmsen.

• "Jessica Harmsen". ABC News (Australian Broadcasting Corporation). 4 April 2007. Retrieved 12 December 2010.
• Washbrook, Cyril (2 September 2010). "Schacht appointed to weeknights on ABC News SA". The Spy Report. Archived from the original on 2 November 2013. Retrieved 12 December 2010.