Getting a Job with the United States Census Bureau

When the United States conducts a census, there are usually a good number of additional jobs created to help with the task. Some of these include working as an actual census taker, or working in an office to help process the forms. Because the U.S. Census Bureau conducts additional surveys, there are permanent jobs also.

The U.S. Census Bureau regional jobs website says U.S. citizenship is required. You also must be fluent in English. The additional requirements will vary per the position for which you are being hired. Most positions, due to the fact that they are for the United States government, will also require security clearances such as a background check and fingerprinting.

Education will depend on the position you are applying for. For example, if you are applying for an Internet technology position at the Census Bureau, you will need a college degree in information technology. Other positions may require a different degree or level of education. Check the job requirements on the U.S. Census website for the job you want.

Around the time of the census, many people are hired by the US Census Bureau as census takers. For this position, you must meet the basic requirements as well as take and pass a 30 minute written test. Additionally, you must be able to persuade people to participate in the census surveys.

Due to the nature of the census taking jobs, you must be available and willing to work on evenings and weekends. You also must own reliable transportation, and have a valid and current driver's license. Census taker jobs and office jobs that that are created every ten years will never be full-time or permanent.

Permanent positions available within the US Census Bureau include such jobs as Information Technology Specialist, Statistician and Mathematical Statistician, Analyst, and Geographer. All of these positions require US citizenship and fluency in English.

However, because these are professional positions you will need to possess education in these areas in order to apply. Experience in these fields is also desirable and will help with your chances for employment. If you have training in one or more of these areas of need, you may want to apply via the US Government Census Bureau website.

Like many government jobs, the U.S. Census Bureau will offer some student internships for college students. Check the website for openings.