Please note: this is an archived news article release

This article was published on Saturday, 14 May, 2016. The information contained within may be out of date or inaccurate. News articles and media releases older than 60 days are archived for future reference.

Become a Census Field Officer and make a difference

Field Officers will be strong communicators who know their community well, and are comfortable using technology. Field Officers will follow up with households that don’t participate on Census night and support the collection and delivery of traditional paper forms in communities across Australia.

Victoria Census Director, Annette Kelly, said Field Officers are as important as ever in the 2016 Census, even though 65 per cent of Australians are expected to complete their Census online.

“Field Officers will be a critical part of the ABS’ efforts to count close to 10 million dwellings and approximately 24 million people across Australia on Census night,” Ms Kelly said.

“While most people will complete the Census online, Australia isn’t any smaller and we will still need Field Officers in every street, in every suburb and every town to both remind and help people complete their Census.

“Being a Field Officer is a great opportunity to get outside, make a difference to your local community and help shape the future of Australia.”

Pardaman Singh, who worked as a Field Officer on the 2011 Census agrees, saying it was a great opportunity.

“I was interested in working in the government sector and fortunately when I was looking for jobs I saw the Census advertisement. I was not able to hold myself back and applied even though I am a chef.

“It was a great experience which will help me when I look for jobs in the future," Mr Singh said.

The roles and responsibilities of field staff will reflect the changes to the 2016 Census and the digital-first approach.

“Field Officers will need to be comfortable using a computer, tablet or mobile device and have the ability to work from home. They will also use their own vehicle to move around a work area,” Ms Kelly said.

Field Officers will earn up to $21.61 per hour, receive motor vehicle allowances and enjoy flexible working hours for up to 3 months.

Applicants must be Australian citizens or have the legal right to work in Australia, and hold a valid driver’s licence. To view the applicant information kits and to apply online, visit www.abs.gov.au/careers. Applications close on 29 May 2016.

Background information on the 2016 Census of Population and Housing

Data collected from the 2016 Census will support funding decisions for services and infrastructure including housing, transport, education, industry, hospitals, and the environment.

Data from the 2011 Census revealed that Australians come from more than 200 countries, speak more than 300 languages, belong to more than 100 religious groups and work more than 1,000 occupations.

In Victoria the most common language spoken at home other than English is Italian (124,856), the most common religion is Catholic (1,428,758) and 38.1 per cent of people have both parents born overseas. What will the 2016 Census show?

For further information on the 2016 Census, visit www.census.abs.gov.au.