AEC careers

Updated: 7 September 2021

Democracy is worth working for

Find your role

Why work for us

We offer a unique opportunity to be part of a passionate team that together deliver world-class electoral services at the core of our Australian democracy.  We have people, with a wide range of expertise and experience, working in a diverse range of roles, in many locations around the country. Where we are similar is that we all support Australians to have their say in our democracy – and this is something that we think really counts.

We are a smaller agency where you can develop strong connections with colleagues and supportive networks, as we all work to deliver an impartial and independent electoral system with high integrity.

At the AEC you also get to see a tangible outcome for your work: most notably the delivery of a federal election, as well as other electoral events and services – and you do this while receiving great employment conditions and benefits.

Whether you are starting out, looking to take your skills to the next level, or your career in a new direction - or whether you thought working in the public service wasn’t for you – consider the AEC, where we will support you to be your best. 

We have a wide range of ongoing and short-term roles located Australia-wide, which range from entry-level to professional and specialist positions. Check out the current vacancies for your opportunity to join our team.

Our people

Josh
State project officer

"I've started my career with a front row seat to contribute to our democracy"

Hi, I’m Josh. I’m so proud to kick off my career in a role where I’m supporting democracy in action. I’ve always been interested in the political process, and the AEC puts me right in the centre where I get to contribute to elections.

In my role, I help rally the Perth team and get involved in a range of critical election tasks. Since starting I have developed my skills in project management, administration and stakeholder engagement. The diverse nature of the work gives me a chance to test my skills and work out what I like to do. I’m so excited to see what opportunities will come next in my career at the AEC.

Priscilla
Delivery project officer

"So many skills needed behind-the-scenes of an election means, I have many possibilities to grow"

Hi! My name is Priscilla. I’m an Election Delivery Project officer at the AEC – I’m relatively new to the agency! I was working in health and retail but joined the AEC to try something new and find out what a career in the public service might be like.

I work in the national team running the operational side of elections. I coordinate communications between the staff managing service delivery, and our executive leadership. I love that my work is so varied day-to-day, and I’m encouraged to put my hand up for opportunities I’m interested in.

It’s been awesome to see what goes on behind the scenes of elections – there’s a new experience every day, and it’s the best feeling to know that my work is enabling everyday Australians to have their voices heard and valued.

Leigh
Senior Project Manager

"I took the leap to go in a completely different direction – joining the AEC has been a great move."

Hi! I’m Leigh. I took on a new challenge and traded a career in engineering for elections. I hadn’t originally pictured myself at the AEC, but when I saw an AEC job ad pop up, it seemed like a good opportunity to get a foot in the door of the public service. I wanted to be part of a positive team culture delivering something important for all Australians.

I’ve used skills from my previous career like project and contract management. At the AEC, I’ve progressed my career working on redistribution of electoral boundaries, managing enrolment teams, and managing election projects to name a few. It’s been fantastic to try something new while supporting my family with a range of flexible work options.

I think democracy underpins so many parts of life, and I feel privileged to play a role in our elections.

Pauline
Divisional office manager

"Comradeship, work-life balance, job security. All while making my contribution"

Hi, my name is Pauline. In joining the AEC I enjoy a good work-life balance, following years working in administration in the private sector. It’s great to have responsibility, flexibility and job stability, while doing interesting work with a wonderful and committed team.

My work is diverse  - I make sure all is in place so the election runs smoothly in my electorate. This ranges from hiring election staff and checking polling venues, to managing vote counting teams and announcing the result. Above all, my favourite thing about the AEC is the people. I work with a team who really care about getting the job done well, and we support each other every step of the way.

Rachel
Major change lead

"I love being surrounded by new and innovative ideas as we look to the future for the AEC"

Hi! I’m Rachel. Working at the AEC appealed to me because I wanted to feel good about my work, and positively impact the community. I particularly love the atmosphere at the AEC at election time. There is a real sense of achievement when an election is delivered.

Since starting, I have been able to develop and share my expertise and see tangible outcomes in a variety of roles.  I currently manage a team working on a modernisation project. It is exciting to be surrounded by new and innovative ideas and know that I am contributing to the future of the AEC, a building block of our democracy.

Jess
HR Advisor

"A supportive place to put my skills into practice, and help Australians have their voice"

Hi, I’m Jess! I joined the AEC after finishing my studies in HR. I applied for the AEC not only to put my specialist skills into practice, but also to launch my career in the public service. I’ve found the AEC to be a small, supportive agency where I can build strong professional connections and make an impact.

I’ve been able to take a deep dive and contribute my ideas in the Corporate Services Branch at the AEC. It’s been awesome to work with and learn from so many supportive and talented people, and develop an insight into HR in the public service.

Meg
Legal Advisor

"Once my interest in democracy was sparked, I wanted to bring my legal skills to the AEC"

Hi, my name is Meg! I moved from working in local government in Adelaide to the AEC after being admitted as a lawyer. I joined the AEC because I was interested to experience an election at a federal level and contribute my legal skills to the public service.

I genuinely feel that the work we do every day at the AEC is meaningful and contributes to good government. I love being able to use my legal skills to ensure elections and political advertisements are conducted in a transparent way. 

Elle
Design communications manager

"I love being able to bring to life something that will impact all Australians"

Hi! I’m Elle. I’m the Design Communications Manager at the AEC. I joined the AEC after a career running my own design agency and working in state public service. I saw the AEC as an opportunity to take on more responsibilities in the management space.

I love that I can support my team to use their creativity to reach diverse audiences across Australia. It is a strategic and challenging communication role, and I’m finding so many opportunities to push my skills to the next level.

We deliver services to millions of Australians, and I’m proud to bring our messages to life through visual design. My creativity really makes a difference at the AEC - I get to use my skills to get Australians engaged on the value of their vote.

Nat
Engagement specialist

"I love the direct work I do with communities to make voting accessible to everyone"

Hi, I’m Nat. I joined the AEC because I’m passionate about empowering community voices – what better place than the AEC! I work to make voting more accessible for a diverse range of priority groups, with a focus on the Indigenous Electoral Participation Program. I never pictured myself in the public service, but the AEC has been a great place to channel my skills into impactful work. 

I’m a people-person, and I pinch myself every day that my job is to build relationships with communities and peak bodies and get the word out about voting. As a young person near the start of my career, it’s amazing to be in a workplace where my skills and ideas are heard, respected, and make a difference. 

Raveena
Director Governance and Performance Advisory

"Playing a role in upholding the integrity of our democratic system was too good to pass up!"

Hi. I’m Raveena! I’m a strategic governance officer, and I’ve worked in a range of public service agencies over my career. I’ve specialised in implementing governance and accountability-related legislation in the Australian Public Service. I was thrilled by the opportunity to bring my skills to the AEC and contribute to the transparency and integrity of our democratic system.

It’s a privilege to contribute to something so important – it’s exciting to experience how such a large and complex logistical event is executed. However, the best part is the opportunity to work with passionate, professional, and capable people every day as part of my job.

Paul
Business intelligence lead

"This is my second stint at the AEC. I am back to realise the value of what I can deliver here."

Hi, I’m Paul. I’ve returned to the AEC for a second stint – after leaving the AEC, I realised the breadth of opportunities here to contribute my skills and facilitate continual improvement in the agency.

I’ve had dream opportunities to lead, influence, construct and implement activities with meaningful impact. In my experience, opportunities like this in a workplace are rare. I love the sense of value that I get at the AEC. I get to improve Business Intelligence understanding at the AEC ranging from senior management, to people on the ground running operations. Similarly, I learn every day from other technical specialists on their work, and how they are innovating with the view of improving the AEC.

Steven
Enrolment supervisor

"The work variety and positive culture has hit the right note for me."

Hi, I’m Steven. Before I joined the AEC I was working at music venues, and looking for a new direction for my career. I joined the AEC in a casual role. After seeing the variety of work needed to deliver elections, I decided to take on the AEC as my next career move.

I was interested in the stability and positive culture I’ve heard about in the public service. I feel like the AEC really invests in its staff – I’ve benefited from a range of development opportunities which have helped me continually build my skillset. The varied work has given me so chances to explore my interests and strengthen my career. 

I’m proud to work at an agency with such a friendly and professional culture – it’s wonderful to be surrounded by people who are so passionate about what they do each day.

What we offer

The work that you do at the AEC makes a difference to all Australia – and the conditions that we have to offer will make a positive contribution to you and your career.

Our flexible work arrangements, provide you with:

  • a standard working week of 37.5 hours
  • 15.4% superannuation
  • generous annual and personal leave (with the opportunity to purchase extra leave)
  • flex time which you can use extra time worked to take time off
  • office shut down between Christmas and New Year

The terms and conditions for all APS employees engaged at the AEC are specified in the AEC Enterprise Agreement 2016–2019.

Our culture

What does diversity and inclusion mean at the AEC?

Diversity is about embracing our individual differences and understanding the value that a unique blend of knowledge, skills, identities, and perspectives brings to the AEC. Diversity includes characteristics such as cultural background and ethnicity, age, gender, gender identity, disability, sexual orientation, religious beliefs, language and education. Diversity also includes characteristics such as professional skills, working style, location and life experiences.

Inclusion to us means empowering people to contribute their unique skills and perspectives to support and uphold democracy.

Our goal is for the AEC team to reflect the diverse community we serve, and to create an inclusive workplace for everyone. We want all our people to feel valued and respected, and to be able to fully contribute to business outcomes. We work to remove barriers so everyone can fully participate and have equal access to opportunities at the AEC.

We all need to work together to make sure that the AEC is a great place to work and succeed. All AEC managers are expected to foster workplace flexibility and be open to different ways of working. All AEC employees are expected to respect, support and uphold this workplace culture. The AEC has a range of active diversity networks that provide employees with an opportunity to contribute to our inclusive workplace culture.

Our selection processes

We are here to support you in your process when you apply for a job at the AEC.  

Eligibility

To work in the Australian Public Service, you must meet conditions mandated by the Public Service Act 1999 and the AEC Enterprise Agreement 2016-19. This includes the following.

  • AEC employees must be Australian citizens.
  • Any person who is, and seen to be active in political affairs, and intends to publicly carry on this activity, may compromise the strict neutrality of the AEC and cannot be considered.
  • Applicants are required to consent to, undergo, obtain and maintain a character clearance.
  • Applicants are required to consent to, undergo, obtain and maintain the security clearance required for the role.

When you start with the Australian Public Service, you’ll be under a 6-month probationary period. During this time we help you understand what is required of you in your new role, and we assess your suitability for the AEC and the job.

Former staff of any APS agency or the Australian Parliamentary Service who have received a redundancy benefit are excluded from employment with the AEC until the redundancy benefit period from that employer has expired. Your exclusion period is linked to the level of redundancy benefit you have received. Further information regarding exclusion periods is provided on the APSC website.

What should I put in my application?

The job advertisement will tell you what to provide. Usually we’ll ask you for:

  • a one to two page pitch outlining how your skills, knowledge, experience and qualifications align with the role, and why you’re interested in working at the AEC
  • your resume/CV
  • the names and contact details of at least two referees

Your pitch is your opportunity to show us how you meet the job requirements, and why you’re interested in working for the AEC. Read the key selection criteria and the skills we say a candidate needs to succeed in the role. Share how your skills and experience relate to this and make you suitable.

We may contact at least one referee to confirm information about your skills and capabilities. This could happen at any stage of the selection process. Make sure you let us know when you submit your application if this is not appropriate for you due to confidentiality reasons.

Things to check for

  • The information in your CV/resume is up-to-date and accurate.
  • Your pitch has addressed how you meet the requirements for the role.
  • The application is clearly presented.
  • Spelling or grammatical errors.

It is a good idea to ask another person to do a final check of your application.

RecruitAbility

This scheme aims to attract and develop applicants with disability and also facilitate cultural changes in selection panels and agency recruitment. If you are a person with disability and opt into the scheme, you are required to declare you have disability, and must meet the minimum requirements of this vacancy. Once these requirements are met, you are advanced to a further stage in the selection process. Merit remains the basis for engagement and promotion. You do not need to provide further information about your disability. For further information visit the APSC website.

What if I am applying for two or more vacancies?

If you wish to be considered for more than one vacancy in the AEC, you must complete a separate application for each vacancy.

Submitting your application

Your application must be received by the closing date. The closing time for all vacancies is 11:59pm AEST/AEDT. It is your responsibility to ensure the deadline is met. If an extension of time is required, please seek permission from the AEC’s Recruitment Team and the advertised contact person. An extension may be granted at the discretion of the selection committee, but this is not guaranteed.

The AEC recruitment team will communicate with you using the email address you provide with your application. Please ensure that both your email address and phone number are up to date and are the same in both your application and on your resume/CV.

If you have further questions, please email the Recruitment Team on recruitment@aec.gov.au or phone (02) 6271 4730. Our team will respond to your queries on business days between 8:30am and 5:00pm AEST/AEDT.

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