WESTFIELD- Beginning in the middle of March, homes in Westfield and across the United States will begin receiving invitations to take part in the 2020 census of the population.
In order for the census to take place, the Census Bureau must hire individuals to go out and interview members of households and update a list of addresses. The positions being advertised are only temporary, as the census only takes place once every decade.
The positions being specifically advertised on the census website are Census Takers, Census Field Supervisor, Recruiting Assistant, Clerk, and Office Operations Supervisor.
Each position is paid hourly and typically offers a competitive pay. In Hampden County, a Census Taker position is advertised as paying $22 an hour.
In order to qualify, one must be at least 18-years-old and a U.S. citizen with a valid Social Security number and email address. Those who apply must be fluent in English, though bilingual applicants are needed. One must also be registered with the Selective Service System and undergo a criminal background check.
Most positions for the census are advertised as having flexible hours, though some may require working nights and weekends.
The application is available on the City of Westfield website.
In addition to homeowners, the 2020 census will also count those who experience homelessness. Between March 30 and April 1, Census Takers will go to homeless shelters such as the Samaritan Inn, soup kitchens, and unsheltered outdoor locations to tally the homeless population.
Throughout April, Census Takers will also be focusing on college students like those at Westfield State University, and residents of senior centers.
In March of 2021, the data from the census will be used to redraw legislative districts based on the changes and movements of populations found in 2020.
