Census workers needed, apply Friday at library

By Staff, 04/8/19 4:16 PM

PRESCOTT – People looking for a job need to be at the Nevada County Friday, April 12, between 8 a.m. and 6 p.m.

Randall Piker, with the U.S. Census Bureau, will be on hand to accept applications for census takers for the coming census. This will give people a chance to fill out an application and ask questions about the position. According to Mary Godwin, executive director of the Prescott-Nevada County Economic Development Office (EDO), hopes are for around 110 people to apply, though 30-40 will be selected to work until Sept. 2020.

This first group will be hired to verify addresses throughout Nevada County. The starting pay is $14 an hour and most, Godwin said, will get 40 hours a week and mileage. A supervisor will also be needed. Whoever’s hired for this position will get paid more. When it comes time to actually take the census, she said, overtime could also be paid.

Addresses, she said, need to be verified so census forms can be mailed out next year. The EDO and Census Bureau will be working with the Nevada County 911 office on getting these initial addresses. Godwin said other resources will also be used for verifying addresses.

It’s important to the county to get the most accurate census possible, she said, as these figures are used when it comes to writing grants and getting both federal and state aid for projects.

Those who are 18 and older can apply, but they must have a valid Social Security number, be a U.S. citizen, have a valid email address and, if male, be registered with the Selective Service System or have a qualifying exemption if born after 12-31-59.

Those who are offered a job will have to pass a criminal background check, must be able to work flexible hours, including days, nights and weekends, have access to a vehicle, have a valid driver’s license and access to a computer. Employees will be paid weekly and get their first check 10 to 14 days after starting work.

The census is taken every 10 years, which is why the bureau is recruiting people now as the next census will be next year. For those not able to be at the library Friday, applicants can also apply on-line at 2020census.gov/jobs or by calling 1-855-JOB-2020.