The U.S. Census Bureau's Regional Census Center in Chicago recently announced some positive employment news: about 48,000 people are now being recruited across the State of Wisconsin to work as census takers for the 2010 Census between December 2009 and June 2010. Tests for these positions, which pay between $11 and $15 per hour, are taking place through January at locations throughout the state

"These jobs allow people to work in and for their neighborhoods," said Stanley D. Moore, Chicago Regional Director. Even though most are part-time, temporary jobs lasting two to six weeks, working on this once-a-decade headcount allows census takers to be a part of history. The Census hires locally, and applicants are required to take a basic skills test and undergo a background check. Most jobs also require U.S. citizenship, a driver's license, use of a vehicle and the ability to go door-to-door to interview residents. Since the U.S. population is more diverse than ever, in many areas, the Census will need to hire people who are bilingual.

Testing times and locations across Wisconsin are available by calling, toll free, 1-866-861-2010. More information about the positions, including application forms and a practice test, are available at the 2010 Census website: www.2010censusjobs.gov.

Most positions are for census takers and field operations. Hourly pay ranges between $11 and $15. Assignment duration and work schedule vary by geographic area, depending on need. Some positions may require working evenings and weekends. Most positions run two to six weeks with a part-time schedule of 20 to 40 hours per week.

Conducted every decade since 1790, this constitutionally mandated enumeration of the U.S. population determines the number of seats Wisconsin will have in the House of Representatives. It also affects the apportionment of political districts as well as leads to the accurate distribution of community funding for schools, roads, neighborhood improvements, elderly care and the like. (Above information is exerpted from The Superior Telegram - 12/07/2009.)