Local Engagement Officer - Generalist

Local Engagement Officer

• 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 only accepting applications for Local Engagement Officers within the following areas:

• Kimberley, WA
• Mount Isa, QLD
• Pilbara, WA

All other locations have now closed.

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

Refer to the updated Maps for details on roles available in your designated region.

We are seeking people with experience engaging with local communities to support participation in the Census. This includes working with diverse groups such as people with disability, older Australians, disadvantaged youth, and more. 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 (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

The Local Engagement Officer role is critical to ensure the ABS delivers on its commitment to improve the quality and relevance of Census data for all Australians.

Local Engagement Officers contribute to their community and Australia. They don't just help the Census to collect data and make statistics. They support the collection of Census data, which informs services for their community and helps build a better future for everyone.

Local Engagement Officers will represent the ABS and be its direct link with community groups and key stakeholders. You will work a mix of weekdays, evenings and weekend and will be responsible for supporting engagement and Census collection activities with population sectors including, people living with disability, older Australians, disadvantaged youth and other key community and population groups.

As a Local Engagement Officer, you will:

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

Key Capabilities and Experience:

• Lived experience and/or experience working with and supporting any of the following groups:
• people living with disability,
• older Australians,
• disadvantaged youth, or
• other key community and population groups.
• Experience working with local councils, community services and other related areas.
• Experience in community engagement and developing relationships at a local level.
• Self-motivated, able to work and make decisions independently.
• Ability to communicate effectively with people from different backgrounds.
• Good attention to detail and a keen eye for accuracy.
• Skills in administration, including using IT applications and following set procedures.
• Ability to lead and manage a team in a busy, high-volume environment operating with tight deadlines and working variable hours.
• Ability to organise, promote and run local events, liaise with venue providers and conduct WHS assessments on the safety and suitability of event venues.
• An ability to use electronic devices such as mobile phones and tablets.
• An ability to manage deliveries, distribution and return of Census materials from multiple locations.

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 to be considered for this role.  

Read more about this role in the attached Application Information Kit.

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