It pays to count for the government

PHOTO: ROBERT GONZALEZ l A steady stream of applicants have filled out application forms and taken tests to be considered for positions with the U.S. Census Bureau. In a county with an unemployment rate of 7.4, the "help wanted, now hiring" sign is good news for job seekers.

The United States Census Bureau is doing its part to ensure that people in Cherokee County and East Texas have a job, even if for a short time.

The bureau recently announced that 2010 Census positions are available. The Dallas region of the Census Bureau, which oversees East Texas, estimates that 75,000 temporary jobs will be available across the state during the 2010 Census.

Test sites will be at Texas Workforce Solutions in Jacksonville from 9 a.m.-6 p.m. and at the Southern Cherokee Federal Credit Union in Rusk on Tuesdays from 9 a.m. to noon. To schedule a test, call 1-866-861-2010.

The positions are temporary, lasting eight to 10 weeks with work schedules ranging from 20-40 hours per week. Workers will be recruited for office support staff, updating address lists, conducting interviews with community residents and recruiting.

Workers will receive competitive pay between $12-19 per hour based on position and location. The position will include four days of paid training and reimbursement for authorized expenses, such as mileage.

According to a recent press release, the bureau will need workers in several East Texas counties: Shelby, San Augustine, Cherokee, Marion, Cass, Red River, Delta, Titus, Franklin, Wood, Upshur and Rusk counties.

Workers will ensure that each household receives a Census questionnaire in 2010.

"It is important that East Texas community members step up and take an active role in this vital count," said Gabriel Sanchez, Dallas Regional Census Center Director. "An accurate count affects almost every decision in East Texas from building new schools and hospitals to improving roads."

To qualify for a Census position, applicants must be a U.S. citizen or a legal permanent resident with the ability to read, write and speak English.

Bilingual individuals are encouraged to apply.

Applicants must also be 18 or older with a valid Social Security card and drivers' license.

"The census is mandated on a national level, but cannot be successful without the help of the local community," Mr. Sanchez said.

For more information about the 2010 Census, visit www. census.gov/2010census.

A practice test can be found at www.census. gov/2010censusjobs/documents/ documents.php.