‘Hundreds' of local census jobs still open

SCRANTON — Hundreds of Pike and Wayne County residents still have time to apply for jobs with the US Census, but “time is winding down” according to Charlie Spano, Assistant Manager for Recruiting in the Scranton office. “We are just a few hundred short of our target numbers in Pike and Wayne County. We will be hiring in less than three weeks,” Spano said. Anyone interested in applying for the qualifying exam may call toll-free 1-866-861-2010 or the Scranton office directly at 570-903-6021. People taking a test need to bring either a valid US passport or both a driver’s license and social security card. Full information is available on the website at www.census.gov. The Census is mandated by the US Constitution and its results are used to redistrict Congressional seats and provide policy makers with the information necessary to distribute billions of dollars in federal aid. The first census operation is updating housing addresses so residential questionnaires can be sent to the correct addresses. That effort will last twelve weeks and pay between $11 and $14 per hour, for up to forty hours per week. Enumerators or people called “listers” will go into neighborhoods wearing credentials and verifying housing addresses. “Individuals hired will also get mileage reimbursement, currently $.55 per mile, as field employees.” Spano said. Hours are flexible and may include evenings and weekends. “Time in training will also be paid.” Mr. Spano added. Sites in Pike and Wayne County where testing is scheduled are in Dingman’s Ferry, Lords Valley, Matamoras, Milford, Shohola, Honesdale and Starlight.