By ANNA USHER

If you know your way around the backstreets of Mosman, Cremorne or Neutral Bay – the Australian Bureau of Statistics wants you on the payroll.

The ABS has opened nationwide recruitment for more than 16,000 Field Officers for the 2026 Census, with positions available right across Sydney’s Lower North Shore.

The casual roles pay $31.19 an hour – inclusive of 25 per cent casual loading – plus superannuation.

Crucially for locals, the ABS confirms it will hire in your own suburb wherever possible.

“Field Officers will be hired locally, where possible, to provide local knowledge and support to their community,” ABS Census National Spokesperson Emily Walter said.

“We need people from across Australia to join the Census team, to help us to ensure everyone in Australia on Census night is counted.”

It’s the kind of casual gig that tends to suit uni students on summer break, retirees, parents chasing flexible hours and people between jobs – and on the Lower North Shore, local knowledge is more than a nice-to-have.

Anyone who has tried to deliver anything to the apartment blocks of Neutral Bay, Cremorne or Kirribilli knows the drill … locked lobbies, buzzer directories that don’t match the letterbox names, and a revolving door of short-stay tenants. Local Field Officers who already know the territory are gold.

So what does the job actually involve?

Field Officers answer public questions about the Census, deliver Census letters and forms, and follow up with households that haven’t responded. They also help people who need extra assistance to complete their form.

“We’re looking for people who are willing and motivated to help others and can communicate sensitively and respectfully,” Ms Walter said.

What you need to land the job

The ABS is looking for applicants with strong verbal and written communication skills, the ability to build rapport, and a calm head under pressure.

Organisational skills and the ability to work both independently and in a team are also listed as essentials. Cultural sensitivity is a must.

Paid online training is provided before Field Officers start work in the field.

When do you start?

How to apply

• Where: www.census.abs.gov.au/jobs
• Pay: $31.19 per hour (inclusive of 25 per cent casual loading) + superannuation.
• Start date: July to early August 2026.
• Training: Paid online training provided before commencement.
• Also hiring: Field Managers, Mobile Field Representatives, plus the 2026 Census Talent Community.