The 2020 census is fast approaching and the U. S. Census Bureau will be needing thousands of temporary workers to perform an array of jobs to support the census. Did I say thousands? How about 500,000 to 600,000 temporary jobs, which will be a challenge considering this is one of the toughest job markets in decades. The census starts next January and will continue for several months but recruiting is starting now and preparation for the census is ongoing through 2019. For example most job offers for addressing canvassing will be made in this summer. Interviews will be conducted by phone. Job offers will be made by both phone and email. The positions will be located across 248 Area Census Offices nationwide.
Being a census worker is an opportunity to make a real contribution to the way the nation decides to distribute our tax dollars. An accurate and complete count is a factor in how more than 100 federal programs spend more than $675 billion.
Here are some examples of programs that depend on an accurate census:
- Medicad
- School lunch programs
- Community development grants
- Road and school construction
The Census Bureau is currently recruiting for several type of jobs, including the following:
- Recruiting assistants, who travel to specific areas to conduct recruiting at promotional events.
- Office operations supervisors who assist with day-to-day activities and functions, including payroll.
- Clerks, who perform various administrative and clerical tasks.
- Census field supervisors, who train and supervise field workers.
- Census takers, who work in the field interviewing the public. Some of the field positions require employees to work during the day in order to see addresses on building. Other field positions require interviewing the public, so employees must be available to work when people are usually at home, such as in the evening or on the weekends.
The hourly rate for the above will depend on the position and location. Typically rates are higher in larger urban areas. You can check the rates for you location by checking the Census page here. For example, census taking positions in my county start at $14.50/hr. You can also check pay rates for your county by calling 1-855-JOB-2020. Note you will be paid for training and may also be eligible for mileage allowance will canvassing.
To qualify for these positions you must meet several requirements:
- You must be a U.S. citizen who is at least 18 years old and have a Social Security number.
- You need a valid email address.
- If you are male born after Dec. 31, 1959, you must be registered with the Selective Service System (or have a qualifying exemption).
- You must be able to complete an application, answer assessment questions and pass a criminal background check.
- You must be able to work flexible hours and complete training.
- Some positions may require access to a computer with internet, access to a vehicle and a valid driver's license.
- You will especially desirable if you have special language or cultural skills that may be needed to help non-English speakers in your community complete the census form.
You can apply for positions on the Census Bureau website. You will need to provide your Social Security number, date of birth, place of birth, home address, email address and phone number. The entire process takes about 30 minutes.
If you want more information you can visit the Census Bureau website, you can find out the
I applied last week and can attest that it was a very easy process. I will update with additional posts if I am selected to be interviewed.
Mr. EH
