Australians looking for flexible work opportunities are being encouraged to apply for temporary roles supporting the 2026 Census, with the Australian Bureau of Statistics set to hire more than 30,000 people across the country.
Applications have opened for several field-based positions, including Field Officers, Community Field Officers, Field Managers and Local Engagement Officers, as preparations ramp up for the national population count.
The Census workforce will support households and communities to take part in the survey, which is conducted every five years and helps inform decisions on services, infrastructure and funding across Australia.
The Australian Bureau of Statistics said the workforce would reflect the diversity of communities around the country, with jobs available in metropolitan, regional and remote areas.
Many of the roles are temporary, ranging from a few weeks to more than six months, with flexible hours offered to fit around existing commitments.
More than half the positions do not require prior experience.
The recruitment drive comes as the ABS expands efforts to improve participation and community engagement ahead of the 2026 Census, particularly in culturally diverse and remote communities.
Open positions currently include Field Officer, Field Manager, Community Field Officer, Remote Area Management Team Leader, Remote Area Management Team Member, Mobile Field Representative, Local Engagement Officer and Census Engagement Manager roles.
Applicants may be invited to complete interviews either in person or virtually, depending on the role. Some positions may also require a national police check, although the ABS said a criminal history would not automatically exclude someone from consideration.
The agency has also warned jobseekers to remain alert to scams impersonating the ABS during the recruitment process.
“The ABS will never ask you for money to process your application,” information published on the Census recruitment site states.
People who receive suspicious messages claiming to be from the ABS are being urged to contact the Recruitment Support Line on 1300 100 557 or report the matter through the official Census website.
The ABS said support was available for applicants requiring assistance with online applications or assistive technologies.
Information about Census jobs and applications is available through the official 2026 Census recruitment portal.
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