20,000 Field Officer jobs available nationwide for the 2021 Census

The Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) is currently recruiting 20,000 Census Field Officers across the country to help deliver the 2021 Census.

Field Officers are a crucial workforce that will help people throughout Australia to participate in the upcoming 2021 Census.

Field Officers assist the ABS at a local level by delivering Census instructions and forms and by visiting households that have not yet responded.

The ABS will recruit locally to ensure Field Officers are familiar with the local area.

Andrew Henderson, Census Executive Director and National Spokesperson said, “Field Officers play a vital role as they promote Census participation and answer peoples’ questions.

“Helping members of the public who need special support to complete the Census is a key role for our Field Officers.

“We want to recruit motivated people who are keen to tell their community’s story through the successful collection of Census data. Previous experience isn't a requirement and training will be provided prior to commencing the job.

“We are also recruiting people who can speak a language other than English as part of the job,” Mr Henderson said.  

The roles are short-term and available in all cities, towns and regional areas nationwide. The flexible working hours are variable and will include weekdays, weekends and evenings.

Applicants are encouraged to view the applicant information kit and apply early as jobs are expected to fill quickly.

It takes approximately 15 minutes to apply at www.censusjobs.adecco.com.au.

These roles are among 38,000 temporary jobs created to successfully deliver the 2021 Census.

The 2021 Census is on Tuesday 10 August 2021. It is Australia’s 18th Census.

More information

Information about these roles is available at www.census.abs.gov.au

What skills do Census Field Officers need?

The ability to work independently with a positive attitude and a willingness to help others and support your community. Field Officers must be able to work flexibly in a busy environment with attention to detail and a keen eye for accuracy. The Field Officer should have local area knowledge and an ability to read and navigate maps.

Access to a computer or a tablet with internet connection is required in order to complete online training, including having a mobile device with a reliable internet connection for work in the field. The Field Officer must have a current driver’s licence, and access to a registered and insured vehicle.

How many positions are available and where?

There are 19,791 Census Field Officer positions available in all major cities and regional areas nationwide. The breakdown of positions by state are:

• New South Wales and Australian Capital Territory – 6,292
• Victoria – 5,060
• Queensland – 4,057
• Western Australia – 2,160
• South Australia – 1,423
• Tasmania – 589
• Northern Territory – 210

What is the hourly rate for Field Officers?

Census Field Officers will earn $24.80 per hour (inclusive of 25 per cent loading), plus superannuation.

How do people apply?

The ABS has appointed Adecco Australia to assist with the recruitment of temporary staff to support the 2021 Census. To view job information and apply, visit www.censusjobs.adecco.com.au.

What is the Census?

The Census is the most comprehensive picture of Australia’s population and housing. Census data tells us about the economic, social and cultural make-up of the nation.

How is the data used?

Census data informs important decisions about transport, schools, health care, infrastructure and business. It also helps plan local services for individuals, families and communities. For example, knowing the number of people living in regional and remote areas informs where doctors are needed, and understanding local births and languages spoken at home links Australians to the community services they need.

Learn about how community organisations use Census data through our Census stories.