Want to earn $18-$21 an hour? Census Bureau is hiring temporary workers for 2020 count
The U.S. Census Bureau wants you to help determine how billions of federal dollars are distributed for local schools, roads, hospitals and more.
Recruitment and hiring has begun for census takers to help with the 2020 count. The agency expects to hire some 500,000 temporary, part-time workers across the country. Starting pay for the position in Stanislaus and Merced counties is $18 per hour and in San Joaquin County $19 to $21.
To be a census taker, you must be at least 18 years old and have a valid Social Security number and email address. Most applicants must be U.S. citizens, though some noncitizen translators may also be hired. The ability to read and write in English is required, and people with bilingual language skills are highly encouraged to apply.
Applicants will also have to undergo fingerprinting and pass a criminal background check. The agency touts its competitive pay, flexible hours, paid training and weekly paychecks. Workers are also reimbursed for work-related mileage and expenses, where applicable. Starting pay across the state varies from $17.50 to $30 per hour.
“Whether you’re looking to earn some extra cash, pay down your student debt, or offset holiday season spending, our part-time positions are a great way to do that,” Census Bureau Director Steven Dillingham said in a press release about the hiring. “What better way to earn some extra money and help shape the future of your community for the next 10 years than with the 2020 Census?”
The selection process begins this month, with paid training scheduled for March and April. The work is expected to last between May and early July.
Census takers go door-to-door to collect responses and information from households who have not responded to surveys online, by phone or mail. A Census count is mandated to be taken every 10 years by the U.S. Constitution. Its statistics are used to determine the number of seats each state holds in the U.S. House of Representatives. It is also used by local, state and federal lawmakers to allot billions of dollars in federal funds to communities for the next decade.
For more information or to apply for one of the jobs, visit 2020census.gov/jobs.
