Census seeks central Phoenix workers

The 2010 U.S. Census is of recruiting for its central Phoenix office.

Phase 1 of the census will be worked out of that office, said Doug Wayland, media specialist for the Denver region. That phase consists of the "address listing program," where workers will verify the mailing addresses to which the census surveys will be sent.

"Crews will go out to locations with handheld computers to verify the address," Wayland said, and office staff will document the information.

These functions are "vital to complete an accurate count," he said. "The foundation of the census is to have an accurate mailing address to send the survey to."

The bureau has a goal to recruit 7,200 applicants for its two offices in Maricopa County. The number of applicants it gets will determine how many are hired.

In a short-term job like this, Wayland said, there is a lot of turnover.

Phase 1 workers will work through next April and will be employed full-time Monday through Friday.

Wayland said wages will range from $11.25 to $18 an hour. Positions from clerks to crew chiefs will be available.

He said he was unsure how many people would work out of the central Phoenix office, 850 W. Adams St.

Phase 2 employees will come out of the applicant pool and will consist of "non-response" follow-up groups going door to door to complete surveys.

Later in 2009, a processing center will open in the Metro South Corporate Center at 43rd Avenue and Buckeye Road to process the region's questionnaires. That office will employ up to 1,000.

The U.S. Census directly affects each community it touches, Wayland said.

"The data is not only used to reinforce congressional seats," he said, but "$300 billon is distributed annually to state, local and tribal communities based on census data."

The census helps to make sure a "fair share of funding comes back to our community," said Tammy Perkins, executive assistant to the Phoenix city manager.

It's also "offers great opportunities for well-paying jobs that offer a chance to serve the community and make a difference," she said.

For information on how to apply, call 1-866-861-2010.