Local jobs offered by U.S. Census Bureau
By Lori Adler, reporter
The 2020 Census is coming soon, and in order to ensure that everyone is counted, the census bureau is offering thousands of temporary positions across the country, including many here in northern Wisconsin.
While exact numbers of workers needed for each state is not yet known, the census bureau expects to hire at least 500,000 workers nationwide. In order to have enough workers, the bureau has calculated how many applications are needed to ensure a large enough applicant pool. In Wisconsin, over 27,000 more applicants are needed. Oneida, Vilas and Forest counties are reporting that only about 30% of their recruiting goal has been met, demonstrating the need for additional applicants.
According to Bob Giblin, Wisconsin media specialist for the U.S. Census Bureau, the majority of the open positions are for census takers, though some areas may have supervisory or office positions available. Census takers will follow up with any household that has not completed the census by visiting their homes and helping them to complete the census form.
All jobs are temporary and will be full- or part-time positions with flexible hours. Census takers can work days, evenings or weekends, and it may be possible to work for the census while still maintaining another job. Pay for these positions will be $19 an hour for Oneida and surrounding counties. In addition, mileage will also be paid to census takers who are required to use a vehicle for their positions.
Giblin explained that all census workers must be U.S. citizens, at least 18 years old, and have a valid social security number. They need to be able to read, write and speak in English. Applicants must also have a valid email address and have access to a computer and the internet. In addition, many positions require a driver’s license and the use of a vehicle. The application will be completed online, and interviews will be conducted by phone. Once selected for hiring, applicants will be required to complete a background check and fingerprinting prior to their first day of work. Hiring is expected to begin as early as February, with work starting in April or May and continuing through June or July.
The census is important, Giblin explained, because accurate numbers help the state and federal government determine legislative districts. In addition, $675 billion in federal spending is influenced by census numbers.
Information regarding the positions, as well as the application form, can be found online at 2020census.gov/jobs.
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