The U.S. Census Bureau is hiring thousands of workers across the nation and in the Hampton Roads and Peninsula areas to ensure maximum participation in the upcoming 2020 Census.
The agency started recruiting in enough time for new employees to receive training and start working in their communities temporarily from mid-March through about July 2020.
According to the website, workers on the Peninsula are paid hourly wages ranging from $15 to $18 plus mileage for going to residences and businesses to ensure each household completes the questionnaire.
While there are a few supervisory and recruiting outreach positions available, officials at the agency said the largest number of openings are for census takers who work “in the field.”
“Some field positions require employees to work during the day to see addresses on buildings. 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 and on weekends,” officials said.
Census takers receive a paycheck weekly and are also paid for their time in training.
Mandated by the U.S. Constitution, the nation’s population has been counted every 10 years since 1790, the website reads.
“The census can shape many different aspects of your community,” as it determines how federal funding flows into states and then communities, and also how many seats each state receives in Congress.
To qualify for a temporary census taker position, applicants should:
- At least 18 years old
- A U.S. citizen
- Have a valid Social Security number
- Have a valid email address
- Be proficient in speaking, reading, and writing in English
- Be registered with the Selective Service System or have a qualifying exemption (males born after Dec. 31, 1959)
- Pass a Census-performed criminal background check and a review of criminal records, including fingerprinting
- Complete an application and answer assessment questions.
The agency also requires employees to have access to a vehicle or “readily available” public transportation and have access to a computer with internet to complete training.
Census taker training starts in March, apply by clicking here.
