Maricopa seeking census workers

The city of Maricopa is hiring 154 temporary employees to assist with the mid-decade Special Census taking place in Maricopa this fall.

Maricopa City Council has requested the U.S. Census conduct a Special Census in Maricopa this fall. In order to gather accurate data, Census enumerators will carry out a citywide population count of Maricopa residents. City officials hope to see the population of Maricopa eclipse the 43,482 population count from 2010, and most expect the number to rise above 50,000.

An updated count will allow Maricopa to keep more tax dollars in the city. City officials hope to provide more services that residents depend on such as street maintenance, parks and public safety.

Out of the 154 temporary jobs, 125 will be for census enumerators. The enumerators travel around the city going door-to-door to collect data regarding how many people reside in each household. According to the city, each enumerator will be paid $13 per hour, receive paid training before the Census begins and receive reimbursement for mileage during working hours.

Each enumerator is asked to work between 25 and 40 hours per week. These hours are flexible, but each enumerator is expected to go door-to-door while people are home. Typically this requires enumerators to work evenings and weekends in order to gather accurate data.

According to a statement released by the city of Maricopa, testing for Census applicants will be Aug. 12-29. The temporary employees who are chosen will begin their training in September, and enumerators will begin door-to-door surveying Oct. 1.

The city is also looking for 10 Census clerks, 16 Census crew leaders, two Census field operations supervisors and one Census office operations supervisor. The clerks will be paid $9.75 per hour, the crew leaders will be paid $14.50 per hour, and the supervisors will be paid $16 per hour.

All applicants are required to be over the age of 18 and have a valid driver’s license with access to a vehicle. Preference will be given to U.S. citizens, but non-citizens with proof of work eligibility will be considered. Applicants are also expected to pass a 30-minute pre-employment test, have the ability to hear responses and read questionnaires, and be available to work several hours a day while often walking and climbing stairs.