As part of our engagement plans for the 2026 Census, the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) is establishing Operational Support Centres (OSCs) in key regional locations. To lead this initiative, we are recruiting a Remote Area Manager and a Mainstream Area Manager based in Dubbo.

About the roles

Take on a leadership role where your contribution directly influences the success of the 2026 Census in your community. Join a passionate, purpose-driven team and play a key part in delivering one of Australia’s most significant national initiatives, ensuring every voice is heard and every experience is recorded.

Both roles offer the opportunity to make a real impact through these core responsibilities:

• assist with attracting, recruiting, onboarding and training a local team responsible for collecting quality Census data
• resolve or escalate queries, issues and incidents
• coordinate travel and WHS practices for the team
• coordinate workloads of Census field staff within your work area
• undertake procedural, operational and administrative tasks
• ensure privacy and security of ABS staff information, Census data and materials
• undertake progressive and final evaluation of Census operations for your work area.

What we are looking for

Ideal candidates will possess most or all of the following:

• demonstrated experience in supervising and managing teams within a complex environment
• understanding of working in regional and/or remote areas, and willingness to travel to various work areas (as required)
• highly motivated to lead a high-performing team within a diverse and complex environment to deliver high-quality Census data.
• strong stakeholder engagement skills to deliver the best possible results
• ability to demonstrate good judgement in problem solving and decision making
• strong project management skills including risk and issues management, and taking a collaborative approach to tackling team tasks
• strong oral and written communication skills.

How to apply

To apply you will need to complete an online application form and respond to the following (maximum 300 words):

Explain how you would effectively manage communication and collaboration within a team that is geographically dispersed across remote and regional areas. Provide an example of a time when you had to adapt your leadership style to support a remote or regional team member.

Applications close at 11.30 p.m. (AEST) Sunday 7th September 2025.