With a year to go until the 2026 Census, the Australian Bureau of Statistics has begun nationwide recruitment for temporary roles, starting with Census Engagement Managers who will lead local outreach to lift participation.
Census General Manager Jenny Telford said the temporary workforce is central to ensuring people can take part. “By being a part of the Census team, people have an opportunity to ensure their community is accurately reflected in the 2026 data,” Ms Telford said.
“We’re seeking people who reflect the diversity of their communities, including those who speak multiple languages or have strong local connections.”
More jobs will be advertised in the coming months, including positions focused on supporting remote and regional areas and engaging with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities.
Census Engagement Manager roles are available in all major cities and regional centres. The hourly rate is $61.50 (inclusive of a 25 per cent loading), plus superannuation. Candidates are expected to have strong engagement experience, a track record working with diverse communities, and strong local connections; in some cases, proficiency in languages other than English will be required.
Applications for Census Engagement Managers are open now at www.Census.abs.gov.au/jobs, where people can also join the 2026 Census Talent Community for updates on upcoming roles.
The 2026 Census, Australia’s 19th, will be held in August next year. It is the country’s largest data collection and is used by community groups, not-for-profit organisations, businesses and all levels of government to inform decisions on transport, schools, health care, infrastructure and business. The data helps plan local services for individuals, families and communities; for example, understanding how many people live in regional and remote areas informs where doctors are needed, and insights on local births and languages spoken at home help link Australians to the services they need.
The ABS has partnered with workforce management firm Humanforce to support recruitment for the temporary Census workforce.
