Anyone who meets the requirements can apply for the thousands of jobs now available with the U.S. Census Bureau, except persons who have been convicted of a felony.
Anyone who meets the requirements can apply for the thousands of jobs now available with the U.S. Census Bureau, except persons who have been convicted of a felony.
“We do not hire felons. Most government agencies, whether it be federal, state or local, also do not hire felons,” Stanley Moore, regional director for the U.S. Census Bureau, told the Defender. “But those with misdemeanors are eligible to apply and will be evaluated on a case by case basis.”
Moore explained that background checks would be performed on all applicants.
“Census takers will be in close contact with families including going into their homes, so we want to make sure residents are safe,” he said.
Joining Moore at a Monday news conference were several elected officials including U.S. Rep. Danny K. Davis, D-7th, who sponsored the Second Chance Act of 2007.
The federal legislation allows programs for ex-offenders to receive more federal dollars to help felons find jobs, housing and ways to stay out of trouble.
The Second Chance Act limits the federal government to seven years when conducting criminal background checks for those seeking jobs within the transportation industry.
“I can understand why the Census Bureau does not want to hire felons. And even though these jobs may not be suitable for them I support their efforts to turn their lives around and to do that a person needs employment,” Davis said. “Maybe before the next census rolls around we (the federal government) would have made progress toward improving employment opportunities for felons.”
To apply for an $18.25 per hour census taker position, applicants must be 18 years-old and up, either a U.S. citizen or a non-citizen with authorization to work in the United States, have a social security card, and must pass a written test. There are no educational requirements. The positions, which will run from April to December, are temporary and offer full-time and part-time hours.
For more information about census jobs, call 866-861-2010.