Census jobs: Where they are, what they pay and how to apply

The Australian Bureau of Statistics is on a hiring spree to find 20,000 workers for this year’s Census. Here’s where the jobs are.

Almost 20,000 jobs are up for grabs to support the 2021 Census in August – no experience or qualifications required.

Field officers, earning $24.90 an hour plus superannuation, are needed in cities, towns and regional areas across all states and territories to visit households and remind people to complete their Census form.

Australian Bureau of Statistics Census executive director Andrew Henderson said they wanted applicants who could work independently with a positive attitude.

“Field officers must be able to work flexibly in a busy environment with attention to detail and a keen eye for accuracy,” he said.

“(They) should have local area knowledge and an ability to read and navigate maps.

“Previous experience isn’t necessary for many of our roles.

“We’re looking for motivated people who are available to work variable hours including weekdays, weekends and evenings.”

Recruiters are looking for people who can work independently, with a positive attitude. Picture: Supplied

Mr Henderson said they also sought applicants who could speak a language other than English or had experience working with diverse groups, such as Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, people from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds, people with a disability, people experiencing homelessness, older Australians and youth.

There are 19,791 field officer roles available for this year’s Census – the majority of the 38,000 total temporary roles.

They include 6010 field officers in New South Wales, 5060 in Victoria, 4057 in Queensland, 2160 in Western Australia, 1423 in South Australia, 589 in Tasmania, 282 in the Australian Capital Territory and 210 in the Northern Territory.

About 2665 field managers are also being hired across Australia to train and support field officers for $36.90 an hour plus superannuation.

Most of these positions have already been filled but applications are still being accepted for future vacancies, including replacements for staff turnover.

Various one-off roles are also still being advertised in areas such as data verification and warehousing operations.

Australian Bureau of Statistics’ Andrew Henderson says previous experience is not necessary for many field officer roles. Picture: Supplied

This year’s Census will differ from previous years with the addition of new questions about long-term health conditions and service with the Australian Defence Force, as well as changes to existing questions.

Respondents who do not identify as either male or female will for the first time be able to select a non-binary option when asked their sex.

This year will also be unique as the Census is conducted in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Mr Henderson said plans were in place to protect staff – and the community – in the event of an outbreak.

“We’re constantly monitoring health and government advice to ensure our safety measures are current and best practice,” he said.

“We will be actively adapting our approach to the circumstances prevailing in any given location.”

To apply for a Census job, fill out the online form here.

Originally published as Census jobs: Where they are, what they pay and how to apply