Census Bureau offers class for workers

Published 5:00 pm Thursday, October 29, 2009

The U.S. Census Bureau is seeking local people to help count their neighbors.

Temporary jobs are available handling a number of tasks when the count kicks off next spring. The paid positions offer flexible hours. People with bilingual skills are encouraged to apply.

Anyone interested in one of these jobs must complete the Census Bureau Field test. The test will be offered from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Tuesday at United Methodist Church, 1076 Franklin Ave. A practice test will be offered on the same date – applicants can take the practice test prior to the actual test. Those planning to take both tests should allow up to 4 1/2 hours.

The census, required every 10 years by the U.S. Constitution, is designed to count every person living in the U.S. Among other things, the census determines the population of each state and the number of representatives each has in Congress.

In addition, the census plays a large role in determining how $400 billion a year in federal funding for various public services is allocated. Census data will also be used to update the boundaries of Clatsop County’s five commissioner districts.

Most census data will be collected via a 10-question survey sent to all households in the country. But the Census Bureau also relies on thousands of temporary employees to conduct preliminary work and to go door-to-door to contact those households that have not returned their questionnaires.

A limited number of spaces are available for the test, and pre-registration is required. For information, and to register, call (503) 956-2431.

For information on the 2010 Census, log on to the Web site at (www.2010.census.gov)