Looking for some extra cash? Details on census jobs

Written by Dave Gallagher | The Bellingham Herald | December 24, 2009

Here’s a press release with all the details for those interested in being involved in the census in Whatcom County:

Census Tests Are Currently Being Scheduled throughout the Northern Puget Sound Region. Call 1-866-861-2010 to take a test in your area.

With communities across the country reeling from job loss, the U.S. Census Bureau has its own way of providing a stimulus to local economies—hiring hundreds of thousands of temporary workers to ensure the 2010 Census is a success.

The U.S. Census Bureau’s goal is a complete and accurate count of each person residing in the United States, including all 50 states, Washington, D.C., Puerto Rico, U.S. Virgin Islands, Guam, the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands, and American Samoa. Conducting such a massive undertaking requires the Census Bureau hire for a wide variety of positions.

Specifically, census takers, also known as Enumerators, are needed to conduct in-person interviews with community residents who do not return census questionnaires. All “field” positions need to be filled by individuals with flexible schedules. Many temporary positions have been filled, but many more applicants are needed. Most positions require the ability to work a flexible schedule, which may include evenings and weekends. But some may involve shift work.

While the economy continues to create uncertainty, the U.S. Census Bureau is providing opportunities for individuals to supplement their incomes with flexible, good-paying jobs. In addition to weekly pay, census takers also receive paid training and reimbursement for authorized work-related expenses such as mileage.

Short-term 2010 Census jobs are ideal for retirees, college students, recent graduates, stay-at-home parents, those seeking a second job to earn extra cash, and others seeking temporary, part-time work.

2010 Census job applicants must be at least 18 years old, have a valid Social Security number, and be able to pass a background check and take a 30-minute, multiple-choice basic employment test that measures knowledge, skills and abilities required to perform a variety of census jobs.

In most cases, workers will also be required to possess a valid driver’s license and have use of a vehicle. U.S. citizenship is required to apply for census jobs, except in areas where a bilingual ability is necessary. However, non-citizens will only be hired for these positions if there are no qualified U.S. citizens available.

All temporary census employees must be able to commit to training, for which they will be compensated at their regular hourly rate. Trainings can be held on weekdays, evenings and weekends.

The census takes a snapshot of the U.S. population, determining how many people reside within the nation’s borders, who they are and where they live. This includes individuals of all ages, races, ethnic groups—both citizens and non-citizens. Data about how communities are changing are crucial to many planning decisions—such as neighborhood improvements, emergency preparedness and disaster recovery, public health, education, transportation, senior services and much more.

Population data collected through the census is used, in part, to allocate billions of dollars in annual federal funding for states and communities. The census also determines how many seats each state will have in the U.S. House of Representatives and the boundaries of congressional districts.

All personal information provided in the census form is kept private and is protected by federal law.

The 2010 Census questionnaire will be mailed or delivered to every U.S. household in March 2010, and the U.S. Census Bureau is aiming for a 100 percent response rate. Heads of households are required by law to accurately complete the short questionnaire that contains only a few simple questions regarding their residence.

For more information on temporary employment with the U.S. Census Bureau, or to schedule an appointment to take an employment test and submit an application, call the toll-free 2010 Census Jobs Line: 1-866-861-2010. TTY Callers: Please use the Federal Relay Service at 1-800-877-8339.

More information, including a practice test, is available at www.2010censusjobs.gov.