U.S. Census still hiring for temporary positions

The local U.S. Census Bureau offices are still hiring for temporary positions for the 2010 Census count.

The Census' 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.

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.

In addition to weekly pay, census takers also receive paid training and reimbursement for authorized work-related expenses such as mileage.

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.

Job applicants must be at least 18 years old, have a valid Social Security number, 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. Training can be held on weekdays, evenings and weekends.

For more information or to schedule an appointment to take an employment test and submit an application, call 1-866-861-2010. TTY callers should use the federal relay service at 1-800-877-8339.

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