Need a job? Apply to become a Census enumerator

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The Census Bureau produces an important set of demographics data about the United States every ten years.  The 2010 Census is coming up soon and the Bureau is hiring thousands of temporary workers to help with data gathering.  The recruitment starts now.

The Bureau has set up a great website detailing the recruitment effort for Census enumerators.  The Census enumerators are meant to go out into their communities and confirm the addresses of almost everyone.  The pay is quite good and varies by the geographic location.  Here in the San Francisco Bay Area the pay starts at $22.00 an hour.

This is a good temporary opportunity for those who want to make some extra money and learn something about their own neighborhoods.  The enumerators must be at least 18, score well on a written exam given by the Census Bureau, and submit to an FBI background check.  Additionally, a valid Social Security number is required and the enumerator must have transportation to do the work.  The Bureau is also looking for people who can speak multiple languages because the United States has become very multilingual.

Considering that the economy is in the pits right now, the 2010 Census seems well timed to provide a mini stimulus in many communities.
 

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Guest's picture
lisa

Census taker jobs are scarce tooLocally they have had over 2,000 people apply . They have stopped taking them now.There are too many people out of work , so this doesn't even make a dent in getting a job.lisa

Guest's picture
Diana

Thanks for the great post! I'm sharing it people I know who are looking for extra cash or something to fill the time.

Torley Wong's picture

I hope it's not a dangerous job; sounds like an upside is exposing you to a diversity of people.

Guest's picture
Robbie

I'll definitely pass the word.

Guest's picture
Guest

I just started training for this. It seems like an awesome job, but you basically have to ace the test. Not too hard....just use your noggin.

Guest's picture
Guest

It is an interesting position. Be careful if you've.had previous legal troubles. I worked hard in training the first week- only to have an official demand my badge, materials, and handheld computer be immediately returned because of "bad" fingerprints. No documentation or justification whatsoever....

Guest's picture
Guest

Isn't this some crap? I noticed in other parts of Texas, I'm in east Texas, the pay for being a numerator is 17-22 dollars. Why are we being short changed in east Texas. I think I will change my mind!

Guest's picture
Ruth

Well, I am starting my training next week for $15.00 per hour     but for a temp job??? I will take it plus .50 a mile for gas used!!   And we are helping our country!!! 

Guest's picture
Guest

You are absolutely correct, I was only offered 12 an hour, I agree, I will not show up the first day, yeah we need money, but they need us too.

Guest's picture
rollingbunny

I heard that one works in one's own neighberhood, which can cover a few square miles. Is it mandatory that one must work any neighborhood outside of your own no matter what the safety concerns are? For instance a high crime area that has implications that outsiders are not welcome.

If you complete the training do you have a choice to work closer to your own home?

Guest's picture
Guest

I got a job with the census. I hate it. You really DO have to go door to door, ask nosy questions and almost everyone is angry because they have to answer them. I have had doors slammed in my face and people are generally rude. I really think it's downright dangerous to send people door to door ALONE. Who knows what you'll find.

I get 15 dollars and hour and 50 per mile. It's not worth it. I'm quitting.

Guest's picture
Guest

I'm in the same boat. Been enumerating for almost a week now and I hate it. They will only allow me to work between the hours of 9AM and 6PM and most people are getting home from work after 6PM so I can never catch them and have to keep going back over and over. Not to mention this is the desert and even now it's hot as hell between those times can imagine being out there in the 117 degree weather. Plus our crew leader is incompetent and has let the little bit of power she has get to her head. They get mad if you don't produce a certain amount of completed questionnaires regardless if people refuse to give you answers, open the door, or the house are completely vacant because of foreclosures. They even expect to go to people's houses if you see they are celebrating Mother's day and bug them especially. I haven't had one single friendly person open the door to me and I don't blame them. It's been nothing but pissed off people not wanting to be bothered and even people who did mail in their questionnaire but the Census lost it. I am quitting today!

Guest's picture
Alphonse MISAGO

Yeah! I need a job of being an Enumerator and I must sure I will do this job very good because I have some experience in enumeration