OCEAN COUNTY – For those that are looking for work or perhaps just a little extra income, Ocean County can help. There is still six months left until the 2020 Census and the Census Bureau is looking to recruit hundreds of thousands of workers to help with the count.
“The U.S. Census is looking to hire our residents for 2020 Census jobs. Ocean County residents in particular are needed to fill these jobs and help ensure a complete and accurate count in the County,” said Ocean County Freeholder Joseph H. Vicari, who serves as liaison to the 2020 Census. “From neighborhood canvassers to office workers, the U.S. Census is hiring people to make certain a complete count is taken in 2020.”
These temporary positions can include census takers, recruiting assistants, office staff, and supervisory staff.
The 2020 Census will help to determine New Jersey’s representation in the US House of Representatives, as well as direct how over $675 billion in federal funds are distributed to the states annually for Medicaid, Pell Grants, school lunch programs, transit and more.
“These jobs are your chance to play a part in history and help ensure that everyone in your community is counted,” said Vicari. “This will ensure our schools, hospitals, and businesses all receive the federal funding needed to best serve you.”
If you’re interested in applying, visit 2020census.gov/en/jobs.
To be eligible for a 2020 Census job, you must:
- Be at least 18 years old.
- Have a valid Social Security number.
- Be a U.S. citizen.
- Have a valid email address.
- Complete an application and answer assessment questions. (Some assessment questions are available in Spanish. However, an English proficiency test may also be required.)
- Be registered with the Selective Service System or have a qualifying exemption, if you are a male born after Dec. 31, 1959.
- Pass a Census-performed criminal background check and a review of criminal records, including fingerprinting.
- Commit to completing training.
- Be available to work flexible hours, which can include days, evenings, and/or weekends.
Many of the 2020 Census positions do require you to have access to a vehicle as well as possess a valid driver’s license, unless public transportation is readily available. You must also have access to a computer with internet and an email account.
“These temporary positions come with competitive wages, weekly paychecks, flexible hours and paid training,” Vicari said. “They are available to anyone that can meet the requirements.”
Ocean County Freeholder Director Virginia E. Haines added that the Census Bureau is committed to hiring people to work in the area where they live.
“Working where you live is a benefit to the Census Bureau,” Haines said. “You have a good working knowledge of your area and that is a helpful advantage.”
According to the Census Bureau, if you are employed elsewhere, your current job must be compatible with Census Bureau employment and not create conflicts of interest. These will be reviewed on a case-by-case basis. Also, you must not engage in any partisan political activity while on duty. The Census Bureau is an equal opportunity employer.
If you are a veteran who served on active duty in the U.S. armed forces and were separated under honorable conditions, you may be eligible for veterans’ preference.
For more information, contact your area census office at 1-855-JOB-2020 (1-855-562-2020) and select option 3. You may also use the Federal Relay Service at 1-800-877-8339 for TTY/ASCII.
