The Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) is looking to recruit several people to work as Census Response Coding Officers from July 2026 to April 2027. These positions require staff to work full-time hours (7 hours 25 minutes, Monday to Friday) onsite at the ABS Office in Belconnen
About the opportunity
The Census of Population and Housing is one of Australia’s most important national projects. Conducted every five years, it helps government, communities, and organisations understand how Australians live - shaping decisions on services, funding, planning, and future policy.
The Census Data Coding (CDC) team ensures that every response, whether submitted online or on paper, is carefully processed and accurately recorded.
This role is an excellent opportunity for people who are curious about working in the Australian Public Service for the first time, or for those looking for rewarding, structured work in retirement. You’ll be part of a supportive team, learning new skills and contributing to a project that benefits every community in Australia.
As a Response Coding Officer, you’ll help ensure the quality and accuracy of Census data. You will work in a busy, task-focused environment where accuracy and meeting timeframes are key. Full training is provided, and you’ll be supported throughout the project.
What you will do
As a Response Coding Officer, you will:
* review and interpret Census answers about people’s address, employment and demographic details, following approved guidelines and exercising good judgment to correctly place each response into the right statistical category, geographic area and family or household type
* match Census forms to the correct address, ensuring dwellings and occupants are recorded correctly
* check answers that the computer system could not read properly, fix mistakes, and make sure the information is accurate
* look over any answers the computer couldn’t read, fix anything that seems wrong, and help make sure the information makes sense
* investigate and confirm responses missed by automated systems, resolving discrepancies to maintain data integrity
* complete assigned tasks within required time limits, contributing to the timely delivery of Census data.
All tasks are computer based and require people to work both independently and as part of a team to deliver quality data within tight deadlines.
This role needs strong attention to detail, the ability to work well on your own and with others, and the flexibility to learn new tasks across different areas.
What we are looking for
You don’t need Australian Public Service experience to succeed in this role. We’re looking for people who bring some of the qualities below—you don’t need every one of them:
* basic computer confidence and a willingness to learn new systems; we’ll teach you everything you need to know
* good judgement and the ability to make sensible decisions when checking information
* comfort working to daily or weekly goals and staying focused to get tasks done on time
* a proactive attitude—you’re happy to ask questions or raise something if it doesn’t look quite right
* attention to detail, especially when reviewing information or spotting things that may need a closer look
* the ability to work well with others, while also being able to focus on individual tasks when needed. A positive, friendly attitude goes a long way
* good reading and comprehension skills to understand Census answers written in English
* a willingness to follow Census and ABS guidelines, including confidentiality, privacy, and basic workplace safety requirements.
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 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
* work in a collaborative, supportive team environment where knowledge sharing and teamwork are central to success.
How to apply
To be eligible to apply for this role you must currently be an Australian citizen.
To apply, you will need to upload your current resume, provide referee details, and submit a written statement (maximum 300 words) outlining how you meet the required qualities and skills for the role.
Applications close at 11:30 p.m. AEST Sunday 12 April 2026.