The Swinburne Student Association (SSA) is looking for a small team of independent Poll Clerks to help run our 2026 student elections at the Hawthorn campus from Monday 7 to Thursday 10 September 2026.

SSA is the independent, student-led representative body for Swinburne students. Each year our members elect the SSA Board of Directors, the Swinburne Student Council and our National Union of Students delegates. The 2026 election is a hybrid election: students can vote in person at a polling place on the Hawthorn campus, or online. Poll Clerks are the people who make the in-person poll work — and who make sure every voter is treated exactly the same way.

About the role

Working under the direction of the Returning Officer, you will:

● Set up and pack down the polling place each day

● Greet voters, manage the queue and explain the voting process clearly and neutrally

● Check voter eligibility against the electoral roll and mark the roll accurately

● Issue, account for and reconcile ballot papers

● Complete and sign all required records and forms

● Assist with the count after the close of the poll

● Refer every complaint, dispute or irregularity to the Returning Officer

What we are looking for

You do not need any previous election experience as we will train you.

You do need to be someone who follows a written procedure exactly, stays calm and even-handed when people are frustrated, and treats every voter with the same courtesy. Accurate record keeping, comfortable basic computer skills and reliable attendance across the full week are essential.

Independence (essential)

To be eligible you must:





● Not be a currently enrolled Swinburne University of Technology student (any campus, any mode of study)

● Not be a candidate, nominator, ticket member or campaigner in this election, and have no close personal, family or financial relationship with anyone who is

● Be willing to sign SSA's Declaration of Independence and Impartiality

Eligibility and checks

● 18 years or older

● Australian citizen, permanent resident, or holder of a visa with unrestricted work rights in Australia

● A valid Employee Working with Children Check

● Available for all rostered shifts and for paid pre-poll training

Hours and pay

● $55.85 per hour inclusive of 25% casual loading, plus superannuation (SAE Level 4.1)

● Approximately 25–32 hours across the engagement, including paid training

● Paid training and briefing: To be held on Thursday 3 September 2026, approximately 3 hours

● Polling: Monday 7 – Thursday 10 September 2026, The Junction, Hawthorn campus. Polling hours vary by day between 10:00am–4:00pm and 12:00pm–6:00pm; clerks are rostered 30 minutes before opening and 30 minutes after close

How to apply

Apply through SEEK with a current resume and a short cover letter (no more than one page) telling us about your experience. Please confirm in your cover letter that you meet the independence requirements above.

Applications close 11:59pm Sunday 30 August 2026, with interviews to occur ASAP. Please note interviews will be fielded prior to close of applications for early applicants.

Enquiries: Rebecca Brockman, Returning Officer, *********@ssa.edu.au

📌 Poll Clerk (Hawthorn)
🏢 Swinburne Student Association
📍 Hawthorn