Local Engagement Officer - Culturally and Linguistically Diverse Peoples and Communities

Local Engagement Officer – Culturally and Linguistically Diverse Communities

• Several casual positions available 
• Work flexibly across weekdays, evenings, and weekends. 
• $42.65 per hour (inclusive of 25% casual loading), plus superannuation 

We are currently recruiting Local Engagement Officers in the following location:

• Rockhampton, Gladstone and Surrounds (QLD)
• Great Southern region (WA)

All other locations have now closed.

Join us as a Local Engagement Officer for culturally and linguistically diverse communities and help ensure every voice is heard, respected, and counted! 

We are seeking people with experience engaging with culturally and linguistically diverse communities 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 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 five 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 early August 2026.

About the Role

Local Engagement Officers (LEO) help improve the quality and relevance of Census data for people of culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds. 

Local Engagement Officers contribute to their community and Australia. They help the Census to collect data which informs services for their community and helps build a better future for everyone. 

Local Engagement Officers will represent the Australian Bureau of Statistics and be its direct link with community groups and key stakeholders. As a Local Engagement Officer, you will work a mix of weekdays, evenings and weekends and be responsible for supporting engagement and Census collection activities with culturally and linguistically diverse communities, people and organisations. 

As a Local Engagement Officer, you will:

• Interact with culturally and linguistically diverse communities to raise awareness and respond to questions about the Census. This may include running information and fill-in-the-form sessions where required. 
• Connect with culturally and linguistically diverse communities through respectful and inclusive engagement. 
• Participate in training. 
• Receive and distribute field materials as needed. 
• Recruit, train, manage and support local field staff, and ensure they are well equipped to support people to complete the Census. 
• Be responsible for engaging with venues in the organisation of Census Pop-up Hubs including Work Health and Safety (WHS) checks. 
• Look after your own health and safety and make sure your actions don’t put others at risk — including fellow Census field workers. 
• Complete all relevant administrative duties, including completing and approving timesheets for your team. 
• Work independently, both from home and in the field, and use your own vehicle travel to various work areas across your area of responsibility.  
• Follow up when Census forms are not returned. 

Key Responsibilities and Experience:

• Lived experience and/or experience working with and supporting people from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds including the Australian South Sea Island Community.  
• Experience working with community organisations and services, local councils and other related sector networks. 
• Experience in engaging with culturally and linguistically diverse communities and the ability to build and foster relationships at a local level.  
• Self-motivated, able to work and make decisions independently. 
• Ability to communicate effectively and in a culturally safe manner with people from diverse backgrounds. 
• Ability to lead and manage a team in a busy, high-volume environment operating with tight deadlines and working variable hours. 
• Good attention to detail and a keen eye for accuracy. 
• Ability to organise, promote and run local events, liaise with venue providers and conduct WHS assessments on the safety and suitability of event venues. 
• Ability to competently use information technology such as mobile devices and web applications
• Ability to acquire an understanding of the Census and its processes, including work health and safety and handling personal information.
• An ability to manage deliveries, distribution and return of Census materials from multiple locations. 

Language Requirements:

If you speak multiple languages, we would love to see your application.  

The Census collects information from all people in Australia on Census night and all people need to be supported to participate in the Census. This includes people who use a language other than English including Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander languages. 

If you are proficient in any languages other than English, and confident in your ability to speak with others in the languages(s) as part of your job, please list those languages in your application.

Working Hours:

Local Engagement Officer roles are casual positions, and your working hours will vary. Initially the role may involve a limited number of hours; however, during the Census period, you can expect a significant increase in workload. Flexibility is essential, as you may be required to work during the day, in the evenings, and on weekends. Work times will vary, and you may need to work at different times to ensure engagement aligns with community and venue availability. Further details regarding expected workloads and assigned locations will be provided later in the recruitment process. 

Travel Requirements:

You will be required to use your own vehicle to travel for work. 

• You will be generally allocated work within a reasonable distance from your allocated region. In metropolitan areas, work is typically spread across several suburbs and may include surrounding regional areas. In rural areas, workloads may cover a wide geographical area.  
• When traveling for any Census work-related activities deemed necessary, you will receive a travel allowance.  
• When using your personal vehicle for approved Census work-related activities, you will receive a Motor Vehicle Allowance.  

Other information

These roles are available across multiple regions, and in the application form, you will be asked to nominate the region where you would like to apply. You only need to submit one application for this position. Read more about this role in the attached Application Information Kit. 

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

Other opportunities

Join our Talent Community to stay informed about upcoming opportunities near you. 

Stay connected; your 2026 Census opportunity could be just around the corner.