Community Field Officer

Community Field Officer

• $34.11 per hour (including 25% casual loading), plus superannuation. 
• Work flexibly and work with diverse communities. 
• Roles available across Australia. 

Join us as a Community Field Officer and help ensure every voice is heard, respected, and counted! 

We are seeking people with experience supporting diverse population groups to support participation in the Census. This is your opportunity to be part of something meaningful, contribute to positive change, and help shape the future. 

About the Census

The Census of Population and Housing is the most comprehensive snapshot of Australia and tells the story of how we are changing. It helps us understand what we need now, and into the future.  

The Census is run every 5 years. It’s one of the largest and most important collections to count the number of people and houses in Australia. The Census asks questions about your age, country of birth, cultural background, living situation, work and education. It’s used to estimate Australia’s population, distribute government funds, and plan services for individuals, families and communities.

The next Census will be held in August 2026.

About this role

Community Field Officers help people to participate in the Census, with a focus on providing additional support to people from diverse population groups.

By helping people participate in the Census, Community Field Officers (CFOs) are not just collecting numbers; they help to ensure accurate representation of all communities – especially those who have historically been undercounted. Improved Census data drives better outcomes in shaping policy and services.

As a Community Field Officer, you will work at a local level, working a mix of weekdays, evenings and weekends. You will engage with the public to provide information about the Census, encourage participation and help people who may require assistance in completing their Census form. 

You may work with one or more key population groups, facilitating and supporting participation in the lead up to and during the Census. You will work within one stream: 

• Generalist stream (includes working with people living with disability) 
• Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples and Communities stream 
• Culturally and Linguistically Diverse Peoples and Communities stream
• Homelessness stream

As a Community Field Officer, you will:

• Provide face-to-face support to diverse people and communities to ensure everyone participates in the Census.
• Meet the needs of population groups requiring higher levels of support to complete the Census. You will generally work in one of the following streams:
• Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples
• people from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds and communities
• people experiencing homelessness
• pop-up Hubs
• Depending upon your strategy, you may provide one or more of the following types of in-person support:
• run Pop-up Hubs (information desks) to provide in-person support to complete the Census
• conduct information sessions and Fill-in Form sessions
• assist people experiencing homelessness to participate, including interviewing people sleeping rough
• direct the public to existing Census self-service options
• issue paper Census forms
• answer general questions from members of the public about the Census
• Follow established procedures to conduct your work.
• Complete all relevant administrative duties, including completing timesheets.
• Conduct field work with safety and care and ensure the safety and wellbeing of your team.

Key qualities and experience:

• Self-motivated, able to work and make decisions independently under limited supervision.
• Ability to work in a small team to deliver services.
• Communicate effectively with people from different backgrounds.
• Good attention to detail and a keen eye for accuracy. 
• Ability to competently use mobile devices and web applications for work.
• Ability to follow instructions and adhere to set procedures.
• Ability to work in a busy, high-volume environment operating with tight deadlines and working variable hours, including evenings and weekends.
• Ability to liaise with venue providers, adhere to venue requirements (e.g. set up times), and conduct daily Work Health and Safety (WHS) checks to ensure event venues are safe to work in.
• Experience working with people living with disability, youth or older people, working in local councils, community services and other related areas are highly desirable.

Stream specific criteria:

• Generalist stream:
• Experience working in organising and running events in the local community is highly desirable.
• Aboriginal Torres Strait Islander Peoples and Communities stream
• Experience working in this sector is required.
• Culturally and Linguistically Diverse Peoples and Communities stream 
• Experience working in this sector is required.
• Homelessness stream
• Experience working in this sector is required.

Other information

This is an Expression of Interest (EOI), not a formal application. We encourage you to submit your details if you are interested. Applicants will be contacted should a suitable role become available in your region that aligns with your skills and experience. You can read more about this role in the attached Application Information Kit. 

Have more questions? Call our Recruitment Support Line On 1300 100 557