The search is on for a ‘few’ good men and women to deliver the 2026 Census – 16,000 of them to serve as field officers, the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) says.
Held every five years, Census Night will be held this year on Tuesday, August 11.
National Census spokeswoman Emily Walter says their field officers will be hired locally, where ever possible, to tap into their local knowledge.
“Field officers are crucial to the success of the 2026 Census,” she says.
“We need people to join the team to help us to ensure everyone in Australia on Census Night is counted.
“Field officers will answer the public’s questions, deliver letters and forms and follow up with those who have not responded.”
Field officers will also help those in need of extra help to complete their Census form.
“We’re looking for people who are willing and motivated to help others and can communicate sensitively and respectfully,” Walter says.
Other jobs, including field managers and mobile field representatives, are open as well.
Visit www.census.abs.gov.au/jobs for more information, to apply for jobs or to sign up to be notified about future jobs.
NEED TO KNOW
The statistics bureau says field officers need to have strong verbal and written communication skills, build rapport with others, strong organisational skills, the ability to work either in a team or independently, communicate respectfully with those from other cultures, be able to remain calm under pressure and adapt to changing circumstances and/or situations.
Positions are available in all major cities and regional areas.
The ABS says the hourly rate for field officers is $31.19 (with 25% casual loading) plus superannuation.
Applicants need to be complete paid online training before starting work, expected to be between July and early August.
For more information or to apply now, visit www.census.abs.gov.au/jobs
Census data informs planning and policy development, and supports decision making across government, businesses, organisations, researchers and the public.
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SEARCH REACHES NORFOLK ISLAND
Even remote Norfolk Island needs four officers on the island.
Census Manager for Norfolk, Paul Jones says officers will begin work in July.
“They will be responsible for dropping off and picking up Census forms and providing on ground support to people who need it,” he says.
“We are planning another visit to Norfolk Island in May to help staff prepare the community for the Census.”
For more information about the jobs and how to apply, visit census.abs.gov.au/jobs
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