Great Part-Time Job Opportunity for Teens: Census Worker

Courtesy of willhowells on Flickr!

As you may or may not know, the United States Constitution requires that a census (a counting of the population) be conducted every 10 years. Obviously, trying to count everyone in the country isn’t any easy task so the U.S Government employs people to help gather the information. The job pays pretty well for part-time work and it’s perfect for graduating seniors or college students with a free summer.

What’s Involved?

According to 2010.census.gov, your duties require you to

Locate households
Explain the purpose of the census
Conduct brief personal interviews with residents
Record responses on paper forms

You’ll basically go to homes in your community and help individuals fill out the census form that every household receives. You might also be asked to check in on households who haven’t returned the form. The data you collect is basic stuff: # of people living in the house, age, sex, etc. To do this, you do need a valid driver’s license and access to a car. Also, you need to be able to work when people are usually home: weekends and in the evening.

How Much Does it Pay?

Pay varies by city, so check out this map to find out exactly what you’ll earn. In my area, census takers will earn $13.25 per hour.

Another great benefit: you’re paid WEEKLY. You can have your paycheck deposited directly into a checking account or choose to receive a paper check.

You can also be reimbursed for job expenses.

OK, I’m In! How Do I Get Started?

First, make sure you’re eligible to apply. The following is required:

You are able to read, write, and speak English.
You are a U.S. citizen.
You are a legal permanent resident, or non-citizen with an appropriate work visa, and you possess a bilingual skill for which there are no available qualified U.S. citizens.
You are at least 18 years old.
You have a valid social security number.
You take a written test of basic skills.
You have a valid driver’s license.
You pass a background check.
You commit to four days of training. You will be paid for training days. Training can be held either during daytime hours or during evening and weekend hours.

If none of those disqualify you, continue on.

Go ahead and call up your local census office. You can find a phone number using the map here. You’ll need to schedule an appointment to take a test. Don’t worry, it’s mainly just to make sure you have basic math, reading, and map reading skills. Also, you only answer 28 questions. And you can retake it again if you need to.

Once you make an appointment, you just need to fill out this application.

Overall, this seems like a great opportunity for students. I can’t think of many places I could work this summer and earn much more than minimum wage. The lady I spoke to told me that the majority of work won’t be done until summer, so if you’re graduating high school (or college), you can still apply. If you aren’t 18 yet, but will be within a few months, go ahead and call your local office. I did, and they’re letting me take the test Wednesday; a month before my 18th birthday.