The ABS is recruiting 20,000 census field officers, with 21 of those in Armidale.

Forty-six staff are also needed in Tamworth and another 30 in Gunnedah.

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Census executive director and national spokesperson, Andrew Henderson, said roles were open for field officers and field managers.

"Field officers deliver census instructions and forms and visit households that have not yet responded. Field officers play a vital role as they promote census participation and answer people's questions. They also help members of the public who need special support to complete the census," Mr Henderson said.

"Field managers play a key role in supporting and motivating their teams and resolving problems that arise on the job. They are the eyes and ears of the census on the ground and in the community.

"They also help members of the public who need special support to complete the census. This may include, for example, working directly with hospital, hotel and nursing home staff in their local area where residents need help filling in their forms."

Those interested in these positions need to have a drivers licence and access to a car, a mobile phone, as well as good communication and organisation skills.

They also must have local knowledge and the ability to read maps, a safe and lockable area at home to store census materials, and have access to a printer or printing facilities.

Mr Henderson said the safety of the community and census staff was the "number one priority".

"The ABS is committed to providing a safe and healthy work environment for its workers and to make every effort, where reasonably practicable, to eliminate or minimise risks associated with ABS operations, including risks relating to COVID-19," he said.

"This commitment includes field staff, who will have face-to-face interactions with the public as part of their role. The ABS is monitoring the COVID-19 environment and actively managing safety measures in field work and for field staff consistent with government advice.

"Current information will be provided to candidates at the appropriate time of employment. This will include guidance for workers regarding appropriate social distancing, hygiene and any other applicable guidance whilst working for the ABS."

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This year locals can fill in the census online or via the paper form.

A Census Field Officer will earn $24.80 per hour (inclusive of 25 per cent loading), plus superannuation.

The Census is the largest form of information gathering conducted in Australia and provides a snapshot of the nation and informs government, community and business, according to the ABS.

More information about the census and jobs available can be found on the census website.

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