12.07.09

Durbin Urges Illinois Residents to Apply Now for Spring Census Taker Jobs

Up to 100,000 Part-time Jobs Available to Eligible Illinoisans

[WASHINGTON] – U.S. Senator Dick Durbin (D-IL) today said that the U.S. Census Bureau in Chicago is recruiting temporary, part-time census takers for the 2010 Census. As many as 1000,000 people throughout Illinois will be needed to work as census takers for the 2010 Census between January and June of next year.

 

Durbin said these short-term jobs pay between $10 and $18 dollars an hour, allow for flexible hours, paid training and reimbursement for authorized work-related expenses, such as mileage incurred while conducting census work.

 

“Conducting the census is a huge undertaking. Nearly 100,000 census takers are needed here in Illinois to help locate households and conduct brief personal interviews with residents,” said Durbin. “Census taker jobs are excellent for people who want to work part-time, those who are between jobs, or just about anyone who wants to earn extra money while performing an important service for their community.”

 

Although the U.S. Census Bureau says that most hiring will take place during the spring of 2010, Durbin said his office is urging those interested in becoming part-time census takers to apply as soon as possible. Information on how to apply is available on the Census Bureau’s website (http://2010.census.gov/2010censusjobs/) or through the toll-free Jobs Line at 866-861-2010. Information is also available on Durbin’s website (https://www.durbin.senate.gov/)

 

To qualify, applicants must be at least 18 years old, U.S. citizens or legal permanent residents, be able to read, write, and speak English, have a valid driver's license, pass a background check and take a written test of basic skills. Job offers depend on several factors, such as the availability of work in each community, test scores, language skills, veterans' preference, and the number of hours individuals are available to work each week.

 

“The importance of the census is sometimes overlooked,” said Durbin. “Every ten years, we take a snapshot of our population, determining how many people reside here, who they are, and where they live. The results help determine representation in government, as well as how federal funds are spent in your community on things like roads, parks, housing, schools, and public safety.”