Work at the 2026 State Election - Electoral Commission SA

Current vacancies

Returning Officers and Assistant Returning Officers

Electoral Commission SA is undertaking a recruitment process to appoint Returning Officers and Assistant Returning Officers for the 2026 State Election being held on 21 March. Please review the Recruitment Information Pack before preparing and submitting your application to ensure you have addressed all requirements.

INFORMATION PACK
RO/ARO Application Form

Returning Officers perform a key role by managing an election for a designated House of Assembly (HA) District. The role entails arranging polling booths, managing and training electoral officers, processing nominations, monitoring polling activities and conducting counts of ballot papers. Returning Officers also contribute to the management of the Legislative Council election as a Deputy Returning Officer for their District. Click to download the RO duty statement (pdf)

Assistant Returning Officers support and understudy the Returning Officers, in addition to being accountable for their own set of responsibilities. These include establishing and setting up of the Returning Officer Office, managing receipt and delivery of election materials, assisting with polling arrangements, assisting with managing and training electoral officers and conducting ballot paper counts. Click to download the ARO duty statement (pdf)

This is a fantastic opportunity to be involved in one of South Australia’s largest logistical events that engages with the South Australian community. These roles are results-driven, interactive and project based and would suit applicants with experience in leading teams in a fast-paced delivery/operations or logistics environment, and highly effective organisational, communication and interpersonal skills.

Enquiries can be directed by email to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or by phone to (08) 7424 7400.

Applications are to be emailed to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

Applications close at 9am on Monday 22 September 2025.

Senior Procurement Advisor

Responsible for end-to-end procurement services for election events, ensuring all procurement is in accordance with the SA Procurement Framework requirements and contract management policies and guidelines. Enquiries for this role can be directed by email to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or by phone to (08) 7424 7400.	ASO6	July 2025 to December 2026

Please continue to check iworkforsa for other current vacancies.

Closed vacancies

Application dates have now expired for the following roles - thank you to everyone who applied.

Role title	Role focus	ASO level	Contract term	Download Role Description
ICT Program Manager	Responsible for directing, leading and managing critical ICT projects to support preparation for and delivery of the state and local council elections in 2026. Critical ICT projects include the development and integration of key election management systems (existing and new systems) and related ICT security and cyber security projects.	MAS3	July 2025 to December 2026
Manager Security	Responsible for leading, coordinating and implementing comprehensive security strategies for the 2026 elections, including safeguarding the protective, physical and personnel security of ECSA’s operations, assets and election processes and will include the development and implementation of dedicated plans and strategies to support responsibilities and requirements under the South Australian Protective Security Framework and effective business continuity planning and disaster recovery planning.	ASO7	August 2025 to February 2027
Cyber Security Program Manager	Responsible for the development and implementation of a Cyber Security Program for the 2026 elections, including the coordination of key activities to support compliance with the South Australian Cyber Security Framework (SACSF) and South Australian Protective Security Framework (SAPSF) and Information Security Policies.	ASO7	August 2025 to December 2026
Complaints Manager	Responsible for management of complaints and enquiries concerning the conduct of elections in accordance with the established complaints framework, policies, and protocols. The role will also lead and manage the investigation of complaints, communicate with stakeholders, and liaise with legal advisors to determine appropriate action.	ASO6	August 2025 to February 2027
Project Officer/ Senior Project Officer – multiple roles	Responsible for the development and delivery of projects, activities, and tasks across a range of functional areas including facilities management, transport and logistics, central processing, call centre, warehousing and voting services (i.e., early voting, telephone-assisted voting).	ASO 5/6	August 2025 to December 2026
Facilities and CPC Manager	Responsible for managing the Central Processing Centre (CPC) and coordinating and supporting access to services (electricity, cleaning, security) for key ECSA election facilities and locations (i.e. CPC, returning offices and polling places) for the 2026 elections.	ASO6	August 2025 to February 2027
Senior Policy Officer – Law Reform Implementation	Responsible for managing the implementation of legislative reform relevant to 2026 election activities. A key focus will be activities to support the implementation of the Electoral (Miscellaneous) Amendment Act 2024 including the development of Regulations, determinations, forms and business processes to support the changes, in collaboration with internal and external stakeholders.	ASO6	July 2025 to March 2026
Project Finance Officer	Responsible for providing efficient and effective financial services in relation to the assessment and payment of claims in accordance with Part 13A of the Electoral Act 1985, and the associated reconciliation and reporting.	ASO5	July 2025 to June 2026
Social Media Officer	Responsible for project managing social media opportunities for the 2026 elections and will include the development of a comprehensive social media strategy, preparing and implementing engaging content that resonates with electors, managing and responding to social media inquiries and comments, and proactively tackling the spread of false information online.	AS05	August 2025 to December 2026
PMO Project Officer	Coordinate, develop and implement quality administrative systems and practices that support effective and efficient project management activities and reporting.	ASO4	August 2025 to December 2026
Project Officer	Responsible for providing high quality administrative and project coordination support to assist in the successful implementation of legislative reforms for early voting and telephone assisted voting.	ASO4	July 2025 to March 2026
Complaints Officer	Responsible for coordinating the investigation and administration of complaints and providing advice to support the determination of appropriate actions and responses. This will include working with both internal and external stakeholders to determine appropriate actions within the established complaints framework, policies, and procedures.	ASO4	July 2025 to June 2026
FDR Officer	Responsible for supporting the implementation of strategies, policies, and programs to support a range of ECSA’s administrative functions under the Electoral Act 1985, including processes to support the registration of Political Parties, the maintenance of relevant public registers, and the exercise of various powers and functions associated with funding administration and disclosures under Part 13A of the Act.	ASO3	July 2025 to June 2026

Careers at ECSA