Would you work as a Census Worker?

[yoopermom]

testifyoncruises-yes, it is only once every ten years, but the census bureau never stops working. Last year they went out and "spotted" every possible place that anyone could possibly live so that this year myself and others could go back and verify those addresses and deliver censuses. Something like only 30% of homes receive their censuses in the mail, the rest are hand delivered by nice people like me. What makes it tricky is that they want everything done quick, which means lots of people are needed to work for a very short period of time. And pay definitely varies, it's only $11.50/hr up here, and 55 cents/mile (and there were days I put on over a hundred miles!).

Terri

 

[luvmyfam444]

I did last census (so 10yrs ago) I had no problems - was nice. I took my dh with me on many days - just for safety.

I thought about it again this time - but the area I live now has some rougher parts of town & that's where they send you. The people that typically didn't send back the census was in the poorer area of town.

It was easy money -many of the people were not @ home or didn't answer the door & I just marked that on the folder - and turned it in.

I didn't know they were still hiring. I figured I missed it. HMM I wonder if they have anything left for not in the field?

 

[disney1990]

When we were in training, we were told that we never had to go into an area that we felt unsafe in. My DH always looked over my assigned areas to make sure that he felt safe with me in those areas. Again, I never felt threatened anywhere that I went.

 

[Mellie2162]

I saw Silence of the Lambs, no way!

Me too, no way is Hannibal eating my liver with fava beans and Chianti...uh uh. ..

 

[hrh_disney_queen]

I just came across an opportunity Tuesday. I went to the Y to get forms for DS11's baseball signup, and they were giving the test. I went in to speak to the woman and she said to go ahead and take it as practice. I did, and I felt I did well, so I asked her to grade it, which she did. I missed one question. So I am hoping maybe for an office position. She did say that they try to keep you in your own neighborhood, and since mine is very safe and gated, I would feel OK with door to door there.

The other two people in there did not pass, and she told them to take it again (after giving them the correct answers) in a week. She said it would be the same test.

 

[disney1990]

I just came across an opportunity Tuesday. I went to the Y to get forms for DS11's baseball signup, and they were giving the test. I went in to speak to the woman and she said to go ahead and take it as practice. I did, and I felt I did well, so I asked her to grade it, which she did. I missed one question. So I am hoping maybe for an office position. She did say that they try to keep you in your own neighborhood, and since mine is very safe and gated, I would feel OK with door to door there.

The other two people in there did not pass, and she told them to take it again (after giving them the correct answers) in a week. She said it would be the same test.

Unfortunately, you can only be in your "own" neighborhood for so long. Most workers will be knocking on the doors of people that did not return their census forms. I know last year, I drove as far as 20-25 miles away from my home in any one direction. In your own area can have many meanings.

 

[hrh_disney_queen]

Unfortunately, you can only be in your "own" neighborhood for so long. Most workers will be knocking on the doors of people that did not return their census forms. I know last year, I drove as far as 20-25 miles away from my home in any one direction. In your own area can have many meanings.

Yes, you are right. It's a pretty large subdivision, but I bet a good percentage send theirs in. I wouldn't mind going East to go door to door, but a few miles west is out of the question. I am hoping to be in the office anyway, but may consider some door to door. If I go East, maybe I can knock on Paula Deen's door and ask her how many people live there!

 

[disney1990]

Yes, you are right. It's a pretty large subdivision, but I bet a good percentage send theirs in. I wouldn't mind going East to go door to door, but a few miles west is out of the question. I am hoping to be in the office anyway, but may consider some door to door. If I go East, maybe I can knock on Paula Deen's door and ask her how many people live there!

I hope you get what you want. But, I know that around here, there are very, very few office positions. I am currently collecting unemployment and will stop that to work for the Census Bureau. Once I have started working for Census Bureau, no matter where they send me, I can't quit -- because quitting would be a disqualifying reason to go back on my unemployment after my 7 or 8 weeks with Census. So it is all or nothing. Like I said before, we were told that we didn't have to go anyplace that we felt unsafe; so I would speak up if that were the case.

Good luck to everybody trying to work for Census. Basically, we were on our own all day, making our own hours as long as we got the job done -- I couldn't have asked for a better job -- All in all, I really enjoyed working for them last year.

 

[mom2d&b]

I wasn't sure about working for the census but yesterday I accepted a crew lead position. Not sure exactly what it will entail, training will be in a couple of weeks. I believe I will have a tema that will go door to door. I will have to confirm they are doing their job and their paperwork is in correctly. And I will have to train them based on instructions that are provided. I am sure their is more I do not know. I am Ok with this because wih the exception of the training the hours are pretty flexible.

 

[marlynnp]

My mother does and she enjoys it.

 

[Planogirl]

I did work for them during the last count and it was OK. I worked in a very rural area though so my biggest problem was dogs and one upset turkey. I might have been a little more wary if I'd worked in a city though.

 

[JR6ooo4]

I took the test, got a 98%. who knew I forgot how to multiply decimals by hand???

there is a sample test online if anyone wants to warm up. it helps alot.

Mikeeee

 

[Becky2005]

I would if society wasn't so cynical and paranoid about people knocking your front door.

That's what I keep thinking. It sounds like easy money but then I keep thinking "and a way to get myself killed"....no thanks.

If they could guarantee me I would just be doing my own neighborhood/city then yes but I'm thinking you probably don't get a choice like that. I'm thinking it's more along the lines of "we need workers in A, B, C neighborhoods and your assignment is C".

 

[Eagle-]

I wouldn't worry about it.

You are essentially a federal employee, what trouble maker really wants to call down the wrath of the feeb?

If i wasn't caring for my Kids full-time when I am not also working on my degree full-time, I would have done it.

 

[mousefan]

I worked the last census and absolutely loved it . good money for not so much work . The team I was on worked for many months . first started about Middle to end of May in our local area then was asked to "work the project areas" the project areas we worked as a group. went in at 8am , out of area by 3-4 pm .but were also paid for travel time from time we left our homes or office till we returned . We double staffed each book of residences we were given in the project area . and Honestly the folks in the project areas were the first to offer us something cold to drink on those hot days we were NEVER permitted to enter a home . all was done at doorway . Our team had a 98% efficency / accuracy record ( yes they do , do spot checks to make sure your putting down correct information and not made up) . The local PD or county sheriff was notified that we would be in certain areas at certain times and we constantly seen their presence in area while we were there.


We were then after project areas were done upgraded to what was called an "A" team. which then we were asked to travel out of state to other areas, they paid us , hourly wage ( taxes taken out ) , mileage, per diem,( which was not taxed) and also they paid for our hotels . That was the best part of the job . We spend almost two months (July and August) in the Beach / summer homes areas of , Delaware , NJ mostly were summer rentals so all we had to do is take our " assignment books", find a reality office that handled the rentals ( which usually the rental signs told us contact info and we would make a phone call or if close visit it , with the reality staff we would just go down our list( most reality offices had several homes in the "block areas " we were assigned . We would partially fill out the form with enough information to remind us of which reality office handled which summer rental. and who we spoke to as verificication ,once they were all contacted just had to catch up on those few who were privately owned and then take off to the beach to sit along the sand / water finish completing the form , take it back to the "temp office " which was one of the motel rooms we were in , sign off , turn our books in and get books for next day . we had the entire motel and the staff there were very nice to have around they let us have several cookouts ( there was grocery store right down road from motel) infact they brought things for our "pot luck" meals . It was a great summer ... if I have the opportunity to do this again would jump on it in a minute .

 

[npmommie]

The only thing you are required to answer (by law) is how many people live in your residence.

what else do they ask?
I read something somewhere that they ask for SS numbers? why would they ask for that?
anyone know what questions they ask

 

[testifyoncruises]

http://2010.census.gov/2010census/how/interactive-form.php

 

[PixieTopaz]

what else do they ask?
I read something somewhere that they ask for SS numbers? why would they ask for that?
anyone know what questions they ask

That is one of the warnings how to spaot a fake worker...the Census does NOT ask Social security number.

 

[golfgal]

The only thing you are required to answer (by law) is how many people live in your residence.

Actually, this is not true. You are required by law to answer the form in it's entirety. They can fine you up to $5000 for not filling out the form. Besides, this form is how your state, city, county and town receives it's funding, why would you NOT want to fill it out--it can only help you?

 

[cntrygal]

I have been crew leader for three of past three operation, and will start again on mon. I have done Address verifiacation, GQV and GQAV. I have had a lot of fun and meet alot of great people.