The Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) is recruiting multiple Data Specialists and Data Analysts to join the Census Data Coding (CDC) section for the 2026 Census of Population and Housing.
About the roles
Depending on the role, you may be required to:
* lead and manage a team, clearly communicating work progress, issues, and key decisions
* allocate and monitor workloads to ensure Census targets and objectives are met
* provide technical and procedural support to Census office staff
* resolve or escalate complex queries and operational issues
* undertake performance management and coaching of staff when required
* support recruitment activities, including shortlisting and interviewing
* coordinate training development and deliver face-to-face training sessions
* monitor operational intelligence and implement process improvements
* interrogate and analyse data outputs for consistency and quality
* ensure confidentiality and security of Census information and materials
* undertake a combination of procedural, operational, and administrative duties.
Successful candidates will demonstrate the following for each type of role:
Data Specialist
Essential Skills
* strong leadership and team management skills to lead a small team and drive performance
* advanced organisational and time management skills to manage multiple priorities
* well-developed data analytics skills
* excellent problem-solving and decision-making abilities for complex operational issues
* ability to coach and mentor team members and deliver training sessions
* confidence in using office systems and implementing process improvements.
Highly Desirable
* project management experience, including risk and issues management
* experience in recruitment and workforce planning
* operational management in large-scale data or similar environments
* high-level communication and people skills to engage stakeholders and staff.
APS 5 Data Analyst
Essential Skills
* strong analytical and conceptual thinking skills for data validation and coding processes
* ability to provide technical advice and resolve complex queries
* excellent organisational skills to manage competing priorities
* clear communication skills for providing guidance and support to staff
* ability to quickly acquire technical knowledge and use office systems effectively.
Highly Desirable
* experience in operations or project management
* knowledge of data processing, coding, or quality assurance methodologies
* training development and delivery experience.
Why join us?
You will:
* play a key role in delivering one of Australia's most significant national data collections - the 2026 Census of Population and Housing
* enjoy full-time or part-time, office-based roles with flexible start and finish times to support work-life balance
* benefit from competitive APS employment conditions, including an attractive salary and a generous 15.4% employer superannuation contribution
* access professional development opportunities, including training and coaching to build leadership and technical skills
* work in a collaborative, supportive team environment where knowledge sharing and teamwork are central to success.
How to apply
To be eligible to apply you must be an Australian citizen.
To apply, you will need to upload your current resume, provide referee details, nominate your preferred role and submit a statement (maximum 500 words) outlining how you meet the required qualities and skills for the role.
Applications close at 11:30 p.m. AEDT, Sunday 14 December 2025.