By Staff
Jonathan Willis
The U.S. Census Bureau is preparing for its next count and they need help from county residents.
Every 10 years, the bureau conducts a census of our nation's population. The results help determine an area's representation in government, as well as how federal funds are spent in a community on things like roads, parks, housing, schools and public safety.
Unlike previous years when some households received a long form, everyone will receive a short form in 2010. According to Darryl A. Lee, Sr. Partnership Specialist for Alabama, "We just want to count people, and that's all," Lee said. "We are concerned about accurately counting everyone within the household. It's a seven-question form, and it takes 10 minutes to fill out."
"People need to understand that once the numbers are counted in 2010, it will remain the same for the next 10 years," Lee said. "There's no going back and adjusting things five years later, it will remain until 2020."
Lee coordinates partnerships with all the counties in Alabama
The U.S. Census Bureau is recruiting temporary part-time census takers for the 2010 Census. The pay is good, the hours are flexible, and the work is close to home, Lee said.
Census taker jobs are excellent for retirees, college students, persons who want to work part-time, persons who are between jobs, or just about anyone who wants to earn extra money while performing an important service for their country and the surrounding community.
As a census taker, you'll play a vital role in making sure that everyone is counted. The local census office will be hiring approximately 8,000 temporary workers in central and northern Alabama over the next two years.
Conducting the census is a huge undertaking. Thousands of census takers are needed to update address lists and conduct interviews with community residents. Most positions require a valid driver's license and use of a vehicle. However, public transportation may be authorized in certain areas.
Census takers receive competitive pay on a weekly basis, averaging $12.50 per hour in central Alabama. In addition, you will be reimbursed for authorized mileage and related expenses.
Testing times for census workers have been set at Russellville City Hall at 9 a.m. on Nov. 19, on Dec. 12 at 9 a.m. and 1 p.m., and at 9 a.m. and 1 p.m. on Dc. 19.
The bureau is looking for bilingual workers for this census.