Census Operations Manager

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.

About this role:

As a Census Operations Manager, your role is vital in ensuring high-quality field operations in regional and remote areas. Utilising your local knowledge and connections, you will coordinate and manage the operations in your region of responsibility. You will lead a number of small teams responsible for the Census collection activities within your area.

Your responsibilities include but are not limited to, project management, providing training, planning and administrative support to your teams, conducting daily quality checks, ensuring workplace health and safety compliance, and overseeing logistical activities.

Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander peoples are strongly encouraged to apply. Cultural knowledge and lived experience are highly valued and essential to shaping positive outcomes for communities.

As a Census Operations Manager, you will:

• Recruit, train and manage a small team of field staff.
• Work remotely and/or travel to various work areas as required.
• Develop, update and review work plans for your area of responsibility.
• Connect with the community, establish networks and maintain those relationships.
• Promote participation in the Census within the community.
• Work collaboratively with our other Census and ABS staff.
• Read and interpret basic operational information, utilising different software and systems that you will be trained in.
• Monitor progress of your teams and provide them with project management support and administrative assistance as required.
• Provide regular written and/or verbal progress reports to the Remote Operations Management team.
• Complete administration forms (such as timesheets) and other duties as directed.
• Maintain a safe working environment and manage daily Work Health and Safety (WHS) requirements/activities for your team, including for any travelling in remote areas.

Key qualities and experience:

We are looking for individuals who have demonstrated experience or knowledge in the following areas:

• Working with or advocating for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.
• Sound local area knowledge and the ability to read and navigate maps.
• Proven ability to communicate and develop relationships with people in the workplace and community.
• Capability to work independently, prioritise tasks with limited guidance, and make decisions independently.
• Strong project management skills, particularly in an operational setting.
• Leading or managing a team, including remote teams, in a busy, high-volume environment with tight deadlines.
• Skills in people management, including recruitment, training, and implementing WHS practices within a team.

The ABS is also hiring Remote Census Engagement Managers in Coastal and Mid Coast New South Wales. For more information about Census Operations Manager and Remote Census Engagement Manager jobs and what's involved, visit To be notified about upcoming Census jobs, visit the website and join the 2026 Census Talent Community.

Have more questions? Call our Recruitment Support Line on