Frequently asked questions — 2026 Census jobs

Statistics Canada is hiring various field positions including crew leaders (supervisory) and crew leader assistants, field operations supervisor assistants, collection support unit operators and enumerators (non-supervisory). Most of the available census jobs are crew leader and enumerator positions.

For more information on the responsibilities of crew leaders and enumerators, please consult Census jobs.

Yes, the main activity for enumerators is to go to people's homes in person and collect census information. Households are required by law to complete a census questionnaire. You would need to conduct in-person follow-ups with any households that have not yet responded to their census questionnaire. You will receive training and will have the support of your team and supervisors to complete this part of the job.

Yes, you can still apply. However, it is important to indicate in your application the dates that you are unavailable or to tell the recruiter if you are contacted.

Statistics Canada cannot guarantee a specific number of hours per week for census employment because workload varies by location. For supervisory positions, you must be available to work approximately 40 hours per week. For non-supervisory positions, you must be available to work approximately 20 to 40 hours per week. Most of the work is completed in the evening and on weekends.

Yes, you are paid an hourly rate for time spent in mandatory training.

No, you do not need to be bilingual to apply for a census job. However, some census work locations are designated bilingual. To work in a designated bilingual area, candidates must pass a language proficiency test.

Yes. Non-supervisory positions are part time, from 20 to 40 hours per week. However, supervisory positions require candidates to be available for at least 40 hours per week.

As long as you can commit to being flexible and are available to work the required hours, you may be eligible. Most of the work will take place in the evening and on weekends. When completing your census job application, you will have the opportunity to indicate your work availability.

Census jobs are not based in a Statistics Canada office. They are primarily data collection jobs and require employees to go door-to-door in communities to obtain completed questionnaires.

A person with a previous conviction for which a pardon has not been granted may still be eligible for a census job depending on the severity of the crime, when it took place, and the individual's record and behaviour since the conviction.

To apply for a census job, submit an application online at Census jobs from November 4, 2025, to July 31, 2026.

Starting in November 2025, early recruitment for census jobs will take place in select northern and remote communities. Recruitment and collection begin early to ensure access to areas that are easier to reach in winter when roads are frozen and to count populations that typically migrate out of their communities in the spring.

Statistics Canada is committed to ensuring an inclusive and diverse workforce. Applicants who require accommodation measures are encouraged to notify recruiters at any phase of the selection process.

If you can't provide a work reference, consider other people who can attest to your work ethic and character—for example, members of a board that you serve on, a teacher you helped with a project, a supervisor or coordinator where you volunteer, a supervisor at an internship, or a family that you babysit for.

Please note that we cannot accept personal references, such as friends or family members.

Gaining experience as an enumerator or crew leader for the 2026 Census can be valuable when applying for other positions with the Government of Canada. However, you must apply for these positions separately by going to Government of Canada jobs​ (opens in a new window).