The Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) has begun a nationwide search for up to 38,000 enthusiastic people committed to making a difference in their community, as Field Officers for the 2016 Census of Population and Housing on Tuesday, 9 August 2016.
Applications close 29 May 2016.
Field Officers will be strong communicators who know their local area 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 areas across Australia.
Head of the 2016 Census Program, Duncan Young 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,” Mr Young 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 area and help shape the future of Australia.
Rebecca Tapper, who worked in remote Queensland as a Field Officer on the 2011 Census agrees, saying it was a chance of a lifetime.
“It’s a fantastic opportunity to see parts of Australia few people are privileged enough to see.”
“I get to meet new people, learn new skills and gain new experiences and insights,” Ms Tapper 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 and be able to communicate in English,” Mr Young 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.census.abs.gov.au. Applications close on 29 May 2016.