Counting Officer - 2026 State Election (Port Melbourne)

About the role

HOBAN Recruitment has partnered with a government organisation to deliver the 2026 State Election and is recruiting a large team of Counting Officers. From election night through to mid-December, you will help prepare, scan, count and verify ballot papers at a secure central processing facility in Port Melbourne. No previous election experience is needed; full training is provided.

Key responsibilities

• Open, sort and prepare ballot papers by unfolding, flattening and batching them for scanning
• Feed and monitor high-speed scanners under supervision, and clear simple jams and misfeeds
• Review and verify scanned images on screen against strict rules
• Count, bundle and reconcile ballot papers, recording figures on tally sheets and systems
• Escalate unclear, damaged or informal ballots to the supervisor
• Maintain security and chain of custody over ballot material
• Work in small teams under an on-site supervisor, sometimes with scrutineers present
• Complete site registration, check-in and check-out at the start and end of each shift

Required profile

• Attention to detail and the ability to stay accurate on repetitive, detail-focused tasks
• Reliability: turning up on time for every accepted shift
• Ability to follow procedures exactly and to ask questions
• Basic numeracy and comfort with simple counting and reconciliation
• Integrity, discretion and confidentiality with secure electoral material
• Physical capacity to sit or stand for a full shift and lift ballot boxes and trays of up to about 10kg
• National Police Check with a satisfactory result, completed before starting
• Valid working rights in Australia; age 18 or older
• Availability across the 28 November to 12 December 2026 window, including election day and the following weekend, and acceptance of the offered roster
• Access to the site via the free shuttle, public transport, taxi or rideshare (no parking)

What we offer

• $35.30 per hour, with shift penalties and overtime paid in line with the applicable Award/Agreement
• Weekly pay and a dedicated HOBAN consultant for the assignment
• Full training, no prior experience required
• Short, shift-based work that can fit around student, working holiday and other temporary visa conditions
• Ongoing opportunities with HOBAN after the election

The assignment runs 15 days (28 November to 12 December 2026), with about 9 shifts per worker, day, afternoon and night, typically 8 hours and including weekends. To apply, complete the short application online; successful candidates are contacted for a phone screen, then onboarding, police check and induction.