Anyone ever work for the US Census?

[ZeroToHero]

My DBF wanted me to ask you guys this question, because he wasn't sure about this, and figured you wonderful people would know:
Do you get paid the rate they quoted to you (in his case, 18$) for training as well, or do you get paid minimum wage, and then after they know you can actually work well (after you passed the test) they raise it to 18$?

Thank you in advance!

 

[Dizneydaz]

My DBF wanted me to ask you guys this question, because he wasn't sure about this, and figured you wonderful people would know:
Do you get paid the rate they quoted to you (in his case, 18$) for training as well, or do you get paid minimum wage, and then after they know you can actually work well (after you passed the test) they raise it to 18$?

Thank you in advance!

You get paid the rate they quoted for training. Also, as explained to me, you are also paid for your driving time, and that inc. to training. Mileage as well.

 

[vellamint]

I just got my 3rd phone call from the census people. This woman told me that training was the week of April 27 and only available during the day. She knew nothing about evening or weekend training...

I never would have bothered to take the test if I hadn't read that there was evening and weekend training available......

She said my name will go back into the pool.

 

[Dizneydaz]

Started Enumerator (Quality Control) training Monday. Spent first day doing paperwork, getting fingerprinted, and getting issed HHC (Hand held computer). We had 17 people scheduled for training and only 13 showed. They said they would have until 10 to show up and then they would be considered a no-show.

The training has been prettry repitituous (sp?) so far. Read, then have it read aloud (or we read aloud) then answer questions. We have a few older people in the class we are definitely slowing us down. (I'm not anti-elderly-I'm turning 50 this year.) iToday we got to do more with the computer. Went outside to see how the GPS works.

Tomorrow we are going to go out and start working. Small groups of 3-4. I'm one of the group leaders. We are all doing Quality Control, checking what Production did. They are one week ahead of us.

Couple things you might find helpful if you are going to be in training soon.

1. Track your mileage to training and then you will double it for payroll. You will be submitting your payroll at the end of training. You do payroll every day. You will also have to put down your total travel time so you'll have to estimate your trip home. Our CL told us today that the travel time and mileage we used the first day will be the same every day. Do don't short yourself if you will be in traffic on the way home. My commute totals 1-3/4 hours, 50 miles.
2. We were told to wear business casual. No jeans or tennies. There seems to be some leeway here. Some peoples idea of business casual is way more casual than mine. Several did wear sneakers (not white) the first day, and since. Tomorrow we will be out in the field and were told to were comfortable shoes. Also, our CL will be wearing dark jeans. I'll be wearing black jeans and black sneakers the last 2 days. No more low heeled pumps (boy do my feet miss my Crocs!)
3. Lunch-the first day we were only given 1/2 for lunch. This was nearly impossible to go out and get something and have time to eat. The next day we all agreed to 45 min. It means we get off at 4:45 instead of 4:30.
4. Snacks-I brought a small ice chest with Diet Cokes and ice in it and left it in my car. During our breaks (2-15 min.) and lunch, I refilled my styrofoam cup. On the 2nd day our CL brought in a coffee maker and donuts for the class.

 

[mermaidwannabe]

Thank you so much for that report, Dizneydaz! I have my first day of training on April 6th and then go back for the week of April 13-17th. The first day must just be for paperwork and what you said.

 

[disney1990]

Well, today is our (DH & me) last day for Lister/Enumerator trainer. We have our test this morning and then we will be given an assignment and sent out into the field. We are going to be sent out alone. Our CL and CLA are supposed to be going out and spending some time observing people in the field. They said that they will be getting to some people today and other people on Monday. The people that they will be observing today are the people that work full time. Since DH & I don't work full-time (laid-off) we won't get observed until sometime on Monday. It's a little scary being sent out in the field alone for the first time.

We have a number of people in our class that also work full-time. They took this week off from their full-time jobs so that they could go through training. I don't remember anything about training being offered in the evening or on weekends. If they did, it would take at least 2 weeks of 4 hours every night, since training is scheduled for a 40 hour week.

As far as what I am wearing, we were told we could wear jeans in the field. I am also wearing black tennis shoes. I don't own anything else that I could walk around in for 4-5 hours each day. The guys were told to wear a shirt with a collar -- not just a t-shirt.

Well, I'm off for class, my test and the field.

 

[momsworld]

Just finished enumerator training yesterday and was given an area to do on my own this weekend. I worked census 10 years ago and did all phases. Class was a breeze. Very repetitive and the handhelds were easy if you have computer an texting knowledge already. However once in the field it is a little more challenging. My 1st house was listed 3 times on the handheld and many houses not there or had to bee added. I'm sure it'll get easier in time. I'm in upstate ny, pay is $13 an hour and said to last 6-8 weeks. I work a fulltime and a parttime job so it will be a challenge for me to get my hours in. BTW we were told a minimum of 30 hours had to be worked a week with 40 the max.

 

[ZeroToHero]

Well, today is our (DH & me) last day for Lister/Enumerator trainer. We have our test this morning and then we will be given an assignment and sent out into the field. We are going to be sent out alone. Our CL and CLA are supposed to be going out and spending some time observing people in the field. They said that they will be getting to some people today and other people on Monday. The people that they will be observing today are the people that work full time. Since DH & I don't work full-time (laid-off) we won't get observed until sometime on Monday. It's a little scary being sent out in the field alone for the first time.

We have a number of people in our class that also work full-time. They took this week off from their full-time jobs so that they could go through training. I don't remember anything about training being offered in the evening or on weekends. If they did, it would take at least 2 weeks of 4 hours every night, since training is scheduled for a 40 hour week.

As far as what I am wearing, we were told we could wear jeans in the field. I am also wearing black tennis shoes. I don't own anything else that I could walk around in for 4-5 hours each day. The guys were told to wear a shirt with a collar -- not just a t-shirt.

Well, I'm off for class, my test and the field.

Once they offer you the training, is the only way you don't get the job if you don't pass the test? Or are there other factors that play into it? DBF is worried that they won't want him once training is over.

 

[Dizneydaz]

We went out in the field yesterday for the frist time. We went in groups. My group was 3. Our CL and CLA did not go out as there were 4 groups and one of them had to stay in the office. Our list was long and we had to check 15 houses before we came up complete (I'm a Quality Control Enumerator-we only do spot checks of previous work). We had a total of 25 structures on our list and were wondering if we were ever going to get the complete screen to come up. We also had to add a few unnamed streets (alleys) to our maps. When we got back to the class we were the last to arrive. Most of the other groups only had to do 2 structures before they were marked complete. Every one of the structures we checked had a changed status from the previous worker so I think that's why we had to check so many. Only 2 people were home out of 15. The lady I spoke to wanted to know why she couldn't do this by mail and I explained she would receive a mailing in 2010--Oh, and I'm pretty sure she lied about there being another living quaters there but I just took her word.

Today we do our test (I just finished the sample one in the book) and I guess we'll go out for the rest of the day a finish our areas. Bummer is that orignially my group (I was the leader) was going to be assigned to an area closer to my home. She had it changed to closer to the class and now I may have to finish that area on my own. It's over 20 miles from my home and travel will really add alot of time. She's going to see if she can get me an area closer by home, if possible. Our area doesn't inc. where I live. Out of the 13 who trained I think I'm the only one who won't get the area around my own home.

I wore black jeans and black sneakers yesterday and that will be my choice from now one. If only I could wear my Crocs!

It's pretty interesting work but class was really a drag. Took me back to school where we always had to wait for the slower kids to catch up!

Also, in our little group 2 of us were much faster completing our screens than the older man in our group. I think he may have a problem completeing 9 structures an hour (our goal).

Oh, and final thing, our CL and CLA will first observe those we scored the worst on today's test. Then they'll do the rest. Today we find out when we will have our in-person meetings. Min. of 2 a week.

I had a problem with my HHC last night but was finally able to get in soft rebooted and able to transmit after about 2 hours. You have to transmit your P/R everyday. Now I know how to fix it if it happens again. One guy in our class has had a lot of problems with his HHC. He got a new one and it still acts up.

Bye now, off to class. (Yeah it's the last day of training! )

 

[vellamint]

Got a fourth call from the census for training the week of May 11th....during daytime hours again.....

Sheesh....how do they expect people with full time jobs to train....

 

[Soccer Princess]

I just got a call to be an enumerator yesterday afternoon. Like everyone else, I was told the training was 5 days from 9am-5pm. They said it would last 8 weeks and our pay is $12.25/hour plus $.55/mile. They said I would next to work at least 27 hours a week and some of the hours may need to be on the weekends. I got asked a couple questions and was told someone would get back to me in a few days. I'm in Indiana by the way.

 

[disney1990]

I just got a call to be an enumerator yesterday afternoon. Like everyone else, I was told the training was 5 days from 9am-5pm. They said it would last 8 weeks and our pay is $12.25/hour plus $.55/mile. They said I would next to work at least 27 hours a week and some of the hours may need to be on the weekends. I got asked a couple questions and was told someone would get back to me in a few days. I'm in Indiana by the way.

I've been out in the field working since Friday afternoon, if there is anybody that has questions that I might be able to answer.

 

[heartbeeps]

I just got a call to be an enumerator yesterday afternoon. Like everyone else, I was told the training was 5 days from 9am-5pm. They said it would last 8 weeks and our pay is $12.25/hour plus $.55/mile. They said I would next to work at least 27 hours a week and some of the hours may need to be on the weekends. I got asked a couple questions and was told someone would get back to me in a few days. I'm in Indiana by the way.

my sis was told 8 wks pay and guess what. This was week 1 (fingerprinting and such). She clocked in less than 6 hours (1 day) and that's it for week #1! Shoot, she was figuring on 40 hour workweeks for 8 weeks! If that's what she can expect after training (next week), its very disappointing. Apparently they can't work again until after training which start 4/13. So is she gonna get 40 hours a week, 27 hours a week or is there even a minimum that they commit to providing??????????

 

[RichNKatHolly]

my sis was told 8 wks pay and guess what. This was week 1 (fingerprinting and such). She clocked in less than 6 hours (1 day) and that's it for week #1! Shoot, she was figuring on 40 hour workweeks for 8 weeks! If that's what she can expect after training (next week), its very disappointing. Apparently they can't work again until after training which start 4/13. So is she gonna get 40 hours a week, 27 hours a week or is there even a minimum that they commit to providing??????????

I don't understand here. Was she expecting 40 hour weeks before she even trained?

 

[disney1990]

We started our training on 3/31. On Monday we had our fingerprinting and did all of our paperwork. We had training Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday. Friday morning we had our test and by 12:30 we were out in the field working. We worked Friday afternoon and Saturday. I had a total of 44 hours last week They allowed the OT last weekend because they didn't think people would want to work this coming Saturday because it is Easter weekend. In addition, last week I drove 80 some miles at 55 cents a mile.

This week I have worked 6 hours on Monday and 5-1.2 hours on Tuesday. In addition, I have driven, on those 2 days, about 27 miles.

Remember, once you start training and working, your day starts (you are on the clock) from the minute you leave your house until you return to your house, your driving time is all paid. Plus you are getting paid 55 cents a mile for mileage. Even if you are not working an 8 hour day, it will add up.

We have not been told that we have a set number of hours that we need to work, only that we cannot work over 40hours in a week. But remember, especially at the beginning that walking for 8 hours is a killer. Remember your first trip to Disney and how your feet felt after that first one or two days in the park? Right now I am sticking to about 6 hours a day and will build up from there. Plus, you have all the other factors to consider. This past Saturday I worked without a coat at all. Monday I worked in pouring down rain. I was soaked by the time that I got home. Yesterday, the weather had totally changed and I worked in a winter coat and gloves.

 

[leonids321]

So, I start next week with training and we were told it would be a 10 week period of work after that. I have another job starting after the 7th week. Does anyone know if you leave early if that prohibits you from doing any future work for the 2010 census? Thanks

 

[disney1990]

So, I start next week with training and we were told it would be a 10 week period of work after that. I have another job starting after the 7th week. Does anyone know if you leave early if that prohibits you from doing any future work for the 2010 census? Thanks

I don't know for sure. But, if you do a good job during those 7 weeks, I would think that would be what mattered the most. Is it possible that you might be able to continue part-time after the 7 weeks? I know we have quite a few people that work full-time jobs and work on the Census a couple hours in the evenings and on weekends.

 

[Dizneydaz]

Here in So. Calif. we are to work a min. of 20 hours, and a max. of 40. Once we finished training OT will not be allowed. This was stressed to us over and over. If you work OT without prior approval you will be paid and then terminated.

I worked 7-3/4 hr. yesterday. Most of it on my feet. And yes, my feet and legs are feeling it. Pedometer says I walked 3 miles, don't know how accurate it is. It's also alot of simply standing (at doors, etc.). I spent the last 2 days re-canvassing a large area due to previous enumerators work being wrong (mispelled a street name). My AA failed (you have to realize that the failure is theirs, not yours. ) As I was finishing (or so I thought) in time to pick up DD9 at school (for the first time this week) I discovered more errors on my area. The previous enumerator had located buildings in the wrong census block. I had to re-enter 48 structures on one block and delete them from another. Took about 3 hours. If you are in Production, make sure you are not making those kind of errors. You may be terminated if your work is sub-par. I spent 13 hours in 2 days on one AA which should have taken no more then 1-2 hours if done right.

Also, we've been told that you will only be paid for traveling to your AA and back home again, once a day. If you take a break (go home for lunch, pick up kids, etc.) during the day, that is your own personal mileage. Hasn't been a problem for me yet but unfortunately my area is about 7-8 away from my home. I don't even live in my CL areas. I was the only one in training that didn't live within the maps. I may even have to travel 15 miles o.w., to get to AA's that need to be done. Hopefully they won't think my mileage is too high since they are the ones who put me in this group (I do like my CL).

Today, I am not wearing my black sneakers, my feet need a break. I will be wearing my Croc Cleos. They look nice and I'm planning on ordering a pair of one of the new sandal styles (can't think of name) that look really nice and should be comfortable.


I plan on doing most of my work on weekdays-I can get more houses done with less people being home.

Last week we had about 40 hours reg. time in training, and another 10, or so, (inc. travel) I also had 250 miles during training. Should see that check (from last week) by 4-15.

ADDED-disney1990 really 80 a week? That would be, with OT, like working 100 hours. Or did you mean 40? Just curious since we are absolutely not allowed to exceed 40 in a week.

We have not been told that we have a set number of hours that we need to work, only that we cannot work over 80 hours in a week

ALSO, This stage of our work will take us to June 12th. That's the extent of the time and budget allowed for this phase. More work could follow.


2nd day of work was frustrating-my HHC wasn't working properly and instead of going out in the field and having it lock up on my I called before I left (9:30) they said they would call me back in about an hour to fix it. 3 hours later they finally called and it was an easy fix (something we aren't allowed to do ourselves, must have Tech Support lead us through it ) So, basically, I waited around for 3 hours, ready to go, and couldn't work. Seems like we should be paid while waiting for Tech Support to fix our HHC, JMHO. I only got 5-/14 hours since I got a late start.

 

[GOOFY4DONALD]

my sis was told 8 wks pay and guess what. This was week 1 (fingerprinting and such). She clocked in less than 6 hours (1 day) and that's it for week #1! Shoot, she was figuring on 40 hour workweeks for 8 weeks! If that's what she can expect after training (next week), its very disappointing. Apparently they can't work again until after training which start 4/13. So is she gonna get 40 hours a week, 27 hours a week or is there even a minimum that they commit to providing??????????

I was told over and over again that we will get our hours based on the need. They cannot guarantee anything. Thant is why this job is best for those that are trying to make extra money or save up for something. I am using it so we can go on our trip. If I was using it to pay bills and this was my only income I would be very nervous.

 

[Soccer Princess]

How long did it take between your 1st phone call and the 2nd one where they actually gave you the training info and such? I got my 1st phone call on Monday and am still waiting to hear back with more information. Thanks!!