Enumerator Job Description

Hi
Thanks for sharing such a nice article.If anyone looking for Part time job,
Work from home jobs then visit http://www.weekendjobideas.com/

Never to late?
Anyway, I too had several of the experiances that everyone above had. I will add that while I love most of my job I was sexual harrassed by the supervisor of my second job and threatened with harm if anyone found out. I was then moved to another area where they proceded to blame me because I took the little work they had left. Needless to say.. I loved my first position of EU and the NRFU positions sucked. Not sure if I will try the next time around.

I didn't ask anyone if they were male or female. Obviously, I had to if the HH member wasn't present and the name was gender equal, but I found the ??? redundant

Yuck!!! :( it sickens me to hear some of the comments.
1.Sure there were a lot of changes, but think about this, it only happens every 10 years, the Gov't is not all mighty, they are people just like us. Be grateful you have a job.
2.Some people here are making comments about how it's winding down and they are letting people go so they don't claim unemployment. Why would someone try to ask for unemployment money after 1 or 2 months of working....? so they can collect free money from the Gov't? It was clear from the get go that this is just temporary. Don't be abusive.
3.I was surpised with the "N word" on the EQ's too, but you'd be surprised. Some people I interviewed identified themselves as that.

Many comments are by folks who are in training or just have started their "adventure." After awhile they may determine that this so called great job is not so great. Whoever masterminded the Census survey along with its instructions should get a little lesson in common sense. Just like one question-we as a society of tolerance were to go away from the N word but we have under race Black/Afro American/Negro? What is up with that? Also I am not about to ask some 300 lb biker guy with muscles that could lift a Toyota Camry into the air "are you male or female?" Just plain nuts.

Name: Beth from GA 6/29/10
Worked as enumerator for first stage in rural GA. Was difficult sometimes to get proxy but was successful after making several attempts. Had great CL. Am going to training for next phase on Thrus. Was great to get job as needed the money. Did travel some very interesting country roads during this time such as 9 miles down a red clay trail thru woods which lead me to an an empty open to the elements home. Then I had to locate a proxy. I really enjoyed this work.

when do we get call backs for Quality Control?

I worked in the Ormond Beach, FL area as an enumerator. I have been out of work and was grateful for the job even though it did not last long (which I was totally aware of up front). My crew leader was nice and a good person to work for. I agree that things changed on a daily basis but who cares? Just do it the way they wanted done on that day! It was hot but it help me lose some weight. Peace all!

I like people and have enjoyed my service as a US Census Enumerator. Here in SW Florida the weather is hot and many people have strong opinions to share about the Federal Government. All things considered this experience has made me feel an even deeper sense of patriotism, respect of our right to freely speak our own opinions, and understanding for just how human the Federal Government is really.
I am grateful for the opportunity to serve my fellow citizens.
God Bless the United States of America.

Im in NJ NRFU $18.75 ...I dont get this whole census thing:: change the rules everyday ...smh

San Antonio TX we are in the progress of going back and doing kickbacks which are a pain but its work. 3 supervisors later we got a new one today. My crew feels like taking pictures of the home that are empty or demolished, burnouts. Seems like they don't believe our work. But I still have a job cant complain.

It's very interesting to read all the Comments that have been posted. I'm happy to see that I'm not the only that feels that all the rule changing is/was crazy...you give us training and tell us to follow the book and then when we do just that you come back and say no...do it this way..but when the numbers aren't where you would like for them to be you come back and say ok go back and do it the way that you've been doing it. I don't understand Y if on the 1st visit I can tell that a house is empty and I speak w/ a proxy and find out that the house has been empty for over a year or so I have to hold that EQ for two more days b/4 handing it it...just CRAZY...you want to pay me to keep driving by an empty house...OK..cool...makes no sense..but I'm in need of the money. I like to belive that I'm a very honest person and do my job well. But I must say that being a NRFU has been a very interesting job no day has been dull...it's been real.

Rick S
$11.00 east texas .50 mile, it is really interesting and pretty fun. Prettty muckh country driving, Go to work with a smile no matter what the outcome is filling out an EQ. Most people are friendly so its not bad. have real good cl and cla,s on top of things.

Yeah, I agree with most of you. This job is such bull fertilizer. The ad clearly stated that this is a second job and you work when you can. Sounds cool huh but NOOO; there are quota's, back-stabbing, and ridiculous rules that are impossible to follow. I'm glad I finished my tour. Now back on the web to find a real job where my work is appreciated.

Toni

Well, I got dogged out three times. Here I was busting my butt to collect as many EQs as possible, in the least amount of time in order to save the Gov. money, and I was still fired on May 24th. I worked anywhere from one-to-four hours per day, five days per week, and was collecting 3 to 14 (completed) EQs per day. One day, I collected, and turned in 23 EQs, but my "CL? didn't report it accurately. He split them up, and divided them to increase the percentage for three other days, as opposed to showing a smaller amount on other days. (I didn't like that. My AA Binder should reflect the truth.)

Since my original group's Binders were mostly completed, many Enums were released, while I was transferred because I produced high numbers.

They fired me 2 days after transferring me to another group, where I collected 14 EQs the first day.

They claimed that two people called in to complain about my visiting their homes. The truth is, one lady had left her under-aged kids home alone, and was irritated when her Son called her at work or school to inform her that I needed to speak with an adult. He handed me the phone, and she became extremely, verbally abusive, and hostile. I calmly tried to explain that I was just trying to do my job, as I also offered to come back or conduct a phone interview. She refused to provide her info, and called me a Devil, and a Liar when I told her that she may be fined if she decided to decline. She shouted that her neighbor in the building next door would come over to straighten me out. (Truthfully, I believe her fear of being reported for child endangerment and neglect, motivated her abusive behavior toward me. [I wonder what she said when she found out that the neighbor she sent over actually provided me with ALL of her info.]) She reported that I was persistent. Well, so was my LCO, FOS, CL, and CLA. All of that pressure trickled down to us to return with completed EQs, so yeah, I waited for her neighbor.

The other NRFU was also rude, and nasty, but he was angry that he hadn't received a Questionnaire after making several phone requests. After opening his door, he yelled, ?I'm on a f..king important call, and I requested a Form months ago.?? He said that the Census Department was incompetent. He then slammed the door hard enough to raise my hair and the EQs in my hand. (I guess he was equally as angry when he learned that his Mother-In-Law/Landlord had later provided me with his info.)

Lastly, aside from my immediately informing my CL (and CLA of the 2nd group) about my experiences, there are two witnesses for each of those NRFUs who can prove that I was always professional and polite.

So, I got fired for doing my job ?accordingly," and I'm also paying the price for someone who didn't do their job.

In retrospect, when those two people disrespected me, maybe I should have read them their rights, because this experience has taught me that, the only Earth that the Meek will inherit is dirt up their butts from other people's shoes!

Want to add that this job is not as bad as it seems. Maybe because here in Kansas we seem to have gotten better training that in other parts of this country and that I landed a nice caring CL. This guy is not forcing anything on me and he is working with us. He is understanding and he is not over bearing.

My concerns are with safety from anti-census people who I visit and college kids and minorities who don't want to answer. Also work drying up so fast I won't get payed much.

Well I finished the houses I was doing here in Kansas. It was tougher than the apartments. Got yelled at by an old guy who only gave me some of his information. Another woman refused to answer stuff and threw the door in my face. And finally another lady got irate so I walked away. But I still got the three areas in my bind done. Had to fill in information the best I could on the problem houses and I also did a look up on the some sites and at the library for some houses that just won't respond when you knock. I did get some call backs and that was great too. Also I had a house that was demolished and a eviction. One of my areas was a newer sub-division. It had recently built houses so they were new and people were moving in. Therefore some were on sale.

Well now I am without work as my CL left the do-overs and re-checks at home. We shall meet up another day so I can get work.

Feel hosed by the fact, I didn't get much work or wasn't hired for a long time and work dryed up even before the hiring period ended. But that is life.

Also hoping I don't get bad people who do what happened in California and aim a gun at me. Seems some nut was saying on his website to readers that he would do pull out a gun at Census workers around the time when a Minnesota Congresswoman was telling people not fill out forms. So this a woman did just that and pulled out her gun on a enumerator in California. The police had to shoot her dead when they came over.

Well That is all for now. Good Luck all.

Amen Mary! Each day the rules changed. They would change for EQ's already turned in, then they would give them back. They actually wanted me to go back to a proxy and get names, race, dob, etc, when I had full proxy address and phone. Also, no proxy till you've been there 3 times after I had already turned in! What did they want me to do? Go back to proxy and bug them some more? Thats a colossal waste of $ when they already had what they needed, a count.
I see absolutely no reason why you can't use a proxy that you find on the 1st visit, unless someone thinks I fabricated, and if they do think that, they don't trust any of us to do an honest job. Deb

Boy, Mr. Ed, you said everything I wanted to say except better!! I've been around a long time and knew the government wasted money left and right, but this really opened my eyes. I resigned because I hated to see my tax money being squandered like this. I actually went up to one house and people took off running!!!
No accurate count can ever be made with all the illegals here.

Ginger

Look at all of the different problems mentioned on here--You must work between 20-40 hrs, now it's between 18-40 hrs, now you have to work no less than 25 hrs, you must do 3 personal visits before approaching a proxy, now you can have at least one personal visit before approaching a proxy, nope it's back to 3 personal visits, one EQ per hour of work, no less than 2 EQs for 4 hrs of work, make sure your "X" doesn't go outside the box, make sure your "X" doesn't touch the inside line of the box, turn in your D-308 every other day, turn your D-308 in every day, OT only with prior approval from CL, no OT at all, if you get a dangerous RE then give it to your CLA, if you get a dangerous RE then give it to another enumerator... This list could go on for a very long narrative!!!! They are in the winding down process now and are looking for reasons to let people go so they do not have to pay unemployment!!! This is a government disgrace!!!!!

Houston, TX $17.75 plus $0.50 / mile
My experience with the census has been great. I do see a lot of people that try to cheat with their hours and EQ's....like there's no way that 1 enumerator comes up with 30 Refusals....or that they can only do 1 case per hour, but I love my job, and only wish I could work for longer than just a few weeks. I do mostly apartments, and honestly, there's never a dull moment once people open the door, I hate leaving NV's though. 'cuz I don't wanna have to go back :D

$15.00 an Hr and .50 a mile, Louisville Ky. I have been a NRFU for about a Month, we are 3rd in our district now and cases are drying up. What bothers me is 1 EQ has to be turned in for every hour worked, CL says that even includes the hr mandatory for our dailey meeting, so if I can not work one day and still attend the meeting to turn in EQ's and time sheet for previous day, I have to be paid for time worked right? so i have to come up with a EQ just so I can turn in my one hr time sheet for that meeting? OR I work 37.5 hrs and turn in 30 EQ's for teh whole week... I then get chewed out becouse im missing 7 EQs according to my Hrs worked.well thats 7 hrs of meetings all week. NO GOOD Cl then says to me " you do know what is expected of you?" I say YES... and if it happends this week again ill be let go? i dont get it. all in all though I like the job and would keep doing it if I could, CL is great besides that and I know her boss is chewing her out too, so she has to say what shes told to say. Good Luck All!!

I worked in Portsmouth, NH LCO. Was CLA and was fired today. Last Friday, my CL told me I had 31 hours left and could work 9 hours on Saturday to get my 40 week. Asked that I attend all the team meetings because he was going to run over on his hours. I did it, even met with his boss on Saturday, put in for my 40 hours and was fired because my CL had made an addition error on his logs--I had actually worked 42 hours and did not know it. We have 7 completed AA binders without any problems--3 of them are mine!!! I am frustrated and unhappy with the way this was handled!

Hi,
I am really trying to understand the hiring process. I applied in hopes of data entry and office work with 30 years of that type of experience and 70 wpm typing. While I was grateful for the enumerating spot I wondered why a friend was contacted for an office position without the afore mentioned experience. Also, I would think the bureau would select unempoyed over employed. I am aware that full time employed people are doing this work in addition to full time jobs. Puzzling.

Anyone NRFU RI getting one or two cases a week? I'm not sure why CL keeps me around since he complains about my "unaccommodating schedule." Applied for the job that was advertised as "flexible hours! Work evenings and weekends" and now being told I need to "free up my days" even though the office told me when they invited me that I was required to work 15 of my hours in the evenings.

Going to look for a new job. The stress isn't worth it. Is there a way to send an evaluation to the Census? They're wasting money and time. If they care so much abou accuracy, they need to improve their sub-par training and hired competent CLs. It might save their fifteen rounds of "verifying."

Well I am back with an bad update. Turns out there won't more work coming after only two weeks. But I got this group of houses I am doing that are hard cases and then after it finished I can do more hard cases out my CL's batch of 100 tough cases. After that looks like I am done. Oh Well.

I work in as a NRFURI New York and I have been trained by people who don't have the proper social skills to even talk people let alone train them. They are abusive in their behavior actions towards the people who work under them. The Census needs to mabe have an interview for people who are hired to supervise others. It's horrible be so stressed out in just a short time.

Ok for everyone complaining... I'm in the Hickory LCO in NC and we haven't had work as enumerator RI's in over a week! I worked 35 hours the first week and 2 the second week. It's quite depressing. People are quitting left and right and no clue as to what's going on.

I'm in my third week as an enumerator in Boston, MA $22.75 per hour here. I enjoy the work.. plus with a great pay rate I can't complain..I've done both houses and apartment buildings very easily, however they decided to have us work in pairs..which sucks, since my team member only works early hours and we don't enumerate anyone for 4 hours..I prefer working alone..plus she's a bit timid and very un-organized when talking to people. Otherwise I hope this job opens doors for me for other federal jobs

KimmieKey I worked in Buffalo, NY. I got terminated from Census. I was an enumerator. I was told I didn't produce enough hours one week(17.5); There were people who produced less. The neighborhood I worked in is full of vacant and condemend properties. Also, you knew people were home and wouldn,t answer the door. Couldn't find proxies. You ccannot force people to answer questionaires.

After Several Days of doing the job and several days of seeing how it works, I just have a question. When someone doesn't respond or is never home or at a apartment... what does one do? People have even refused to answer my questions or refused to take the questionnaire. We get all those people who will NOT fill out the forms and DO not care to respond. SO even in nice areas of the country... you will DEAL with Irate people.

Still Stuck on that Apartment Complex 6 days into going out on the field because people will not respond or be at the apartment.

Even the manager was bit upset giving out names of the people in those Apartments. A bit more difficult then I suspected. Had to turn in a bunch of proxy forms.

Also be careful to not do the wrong place. And don't be confrontational.

While some people are nice who you meet, most aren't. Around here they either hate the government or they don't care about The Census.

I am in Williamson County, Texas and was treated unfairly and when I responded to the harassment,I was fired immediately. There is clearly no enforcement or concern for how people are treated, I do know that being a member of the "club" helps a lot.
I was Assigned a AA folder with 32 NRFU addresses. My CL spent three hours watching me work and gave me great marks on the review. I saw my CL three to five times a week and had missed three days the 8th, 9th, & 10th due to a stomach virus however was turning in EQ's daily on the 12th of May my feedback was still positive. That day the Area manager and she clearly was scolded over production because I recieved a call from my CL as was asked top meet her, we met at Starbucks. I was given numbers and told that my performance was not acceptable. I was shocked and advised I have 13 incomplete EQ's but could complete then in two days, I was told that was acceptable. I completed 10 that night as I had already done research for Proxy info and the like. The write up from the warning of my unacceptable performance was given to me and as I was reading it and completing some paperwork The CL and two assistant CL's were in the next room One CLA, a female ex Air Force criticized my son who is in Iraq but in the Army was whispering the most clearly and referred to me as a F(*&(*er whispering in a voice I could clearly hear to their surprise. The next day I turned in the final 3 with a question on one but was terminated. Reason was continued slow and ??? 13 EQ's in two days?? Also said I had to many referrals. I did have 3 refuse with threatening tones and 3 that would not come to the door or call. Actually they did say they called but the CL refused to check and just said go back.
I was fired because the CL was not doing her job, I have 9 days on the street in three different neighborhoods and was treated very badly by a unqualified CL names Marisol Gonzales and her cronies foul mouth Jodi Cunningham and Jim Brown.
Now when I asked who to complain to, I was told not to complain, I have to say that was a great answer. I will contact the Commerce Department and file a harassment complaint from there. When they act badly it must be reported because it will continue to happen otherwise.

I've been enumerating for a few weeks now and am loving it. Meeting all kinds of nice people in my community that I wouldn't have otherwise met. Getting some exercise. And, the extra money is great!

Sure, there's some disorganization - to be expected, really, when they only do it on this grand scale once every 10 years. But, if you just roll with it & recognize that your sups are just as human & new to it all as you are, it's quite a wonderful experience overall.

I have been enjpying my enumerator work. When you complete an AA, they assigne another. I am on my fifth AA. Your goal should be 2 completed EQs per hour of work.

P.S. I am in Kansas City in a town of Lenexa and get paid $14.50 on the Kansas side.

Tested way back in November 2008 and was unsure how the process worked and when I would get called back. Got a call in October to tell me I would be hired in March. But the call came last week in May. I went to training, since I am unemployed, and I thought it would be intensive, but while there was a lot to do, training ended after three days here in Kansas. I then started work immediately after I got forms the next day.

So far just doing a apartment complex. But I learned a lot in reading the web. Found out some people started in April or were training, Others were called for better jobs as CLs or the such. But so be it because my trainer said CLs tend to hear the brunt of complains from the FOS. My actual CL is nice and is not pushy like the trainer was or the CL at the training. I gather every CL is different. My CL happens to be around my age and somewhat young. In the training I saw everyone from 19 to 70.
Also apartment people tend to not care to fill out forms. Haven't done a house yet. But expecting too. Hoping I can land something after this ends in two months because I like getting paid.

Can you say UNORGANIZED?! Finally got the call to be an Enumerator (not the office position I scored highly for). About 30 of us show up for orientation only to be told we are "not supposed to be here today." Fingerprinting was a 45 minute tour through hell, as the staff had no clue what to do. Training was another unorganized experience. The same 30 people who were told to come to training, were not on the list, and we had no CL! After completing trainging and passing yet another test and getting a call after 8 pm, being told to show up to work at 9 am, I get a letter that I am no longer eligible for hire due to my backgrounnd. Even though I have a letter stating I am cleared. Instead of 4 days of training, we only got 3. We were told it was a fulltime job, only to learn that it was part time.To top it off, finally get paid for training, and my check is short becuase one of the three training days timesheet was not processed. So I'm told to simply wait another week for my pay!!! Needless to say, I quit. You would think that a government job would be more organized..... US Government? Yeah Right! Thanks for nothing!!!!

I get paid $16.25 in GA.

I'm driving 50-70 miles a day. It's like working two extra hours!

Hey enumerators! I'm a crew leader in Chicago ($19.75/hr) Am curious about how other LCO areas have been changing commands. Like, we no longer have to do three personal visits, it's now six, and we're supposed to knock on six potential proxy doors each time. It's kinda nutty and would love to compare. I've been blogging about my experience here: www.chicagonow.com/blogs/come-to-your-census. Would love to have you share your crazy census stories on my blog.

Hi I am TEE An Enumerator in S.C. we get $12.50hr yeaaaa.. The job was a little stressful at first with A VERY Unorganized crew leader to add to the stress, meetings here and there could never contact her last minute meeting calls boyyyyyyyy....Now that, thats over the enumeration job is coming out just great! its not a hard job but it jas to be done with precise! I love it; I work in my area and I take great pride in knowing that i'm completing a tasks to help out The United States and my fellow Americans. Salute! Fill out your census it only takes about 10minutes ; -)

SN: So surprised that I'm running into 40yr old adults who don't know what the census is... I mean Where were you? LOL

Another note why is it all these last minute changes...like my homie say Yall Had 10yrs to plan for this...Allow Us to do our job without all those PETTY Interuptions!!!

And all yall who saying yall CL and CLA's letting yall go. ATTN: THEY HAVE NO POWER!! It is up to thier supervisor the (FOS). Do not allow these people to let u go THEY CAN'T!!! We Also Have a number of steps to reach before you reach termination!! Know Your Rights! I learned mine through 1st hand experience. I have a new CL YEAAAA!
PPL Enjoy the rest of your stay with the census. It's been worth While.

Tee

Enumerating for almost 2 wks. Was told we couldn't work more than 24 hrs a week, not the full time as we were originally told. Was told a week later I was good to go up to 40 hrs. Sounds great in theory but due to the procedural rules for visiting at different hours/different days, there's no way I can pull down 40 hours a week anyway. They want us to work full weekends so we can reach people; weekdays are good for catching people only between 3-8.

Response overall is ok, but I am in California & our state's overall response rate is lower than it should be & Federal funding is at high risk - as is Congressional seats. I'm averaging 6 CIs a day & still District wants more - "ramp up production!"

Wonderful walking the 'hood, meeting some nice folks, getting lots of exercise & making money to pay the rent - Yippe!!!

If only people knew how important the Census response is in relation to Federal fund allocation & that it costs us, the taxpayers, lots more for an enumerator than a 42 cent stamp - of course then I wouldn't have a job right now :) still ...the Census needs to better advertise & educate/reassure the public regarding their much-needed participation!

Got call to be enum today! Start training next week for 4 days..am scared reading some of your comments regarding safety, but got to do, what we got to do!!
Hopefully, I will get to work with a team or atleast be around my neighbourhood, which is fairly safe..
Good Luck to all of us:-)

To answer the ENU from MN...

We had a great CL, and she was required to ride along with us (one time) to view our progress.

Got my first check today, and was paid at 15.25 hr.

Woo Hoo!

Due to an ankle injury, I have been put on reserve duty. I was fired at first, but management changed their mind and put me in a reserve pool in case of a census recount.

For that, I am thankful.

$18.25 an hour in Chicago

Here in Mn we were told we have to do a ride along evaluation by the CL or CLA. Has anyone else been told this or done this? The manual states that this is necessary only in some retraining or help needed circumstances, while we're being told its mandatory.

Work is smooth in Indianapolis. They bumped our pay from $15 to $17.50, and our CL in district 4 is very helpful and kind. Collecting data is fun, & kind of like a game determining what times are best to catch the owners or renters at home.

I'm in NYC gettign paid 18.75 an hour its awesome and i get reimbursed using my metro card everyday $4.50 a day

This "Enumerator" job is a bunch of bulls---------. Was hired as an enumerator. Went thru 4 days of boring training with a CL who had a distinct dialect & couldn't be understood. Took a survey of the class and 90% didn't understand her either. Worked 5 days after finished training then made the mistake of telling my CL I went to a house where I thought there were illegals and the FOS overheard me & wagged his "fat" finger in my face & said if he ever hears me say that again I will have "severe consequences". Next day he said my work was not good enough and I had the most returns of everyone in his crew (bullcrap) and fired me. I reported him to the Area Manager who said he would transfer me to another division. Two days later he called me back & said my 3 previous CL's (I only had 2) said my work was poor & he could not rehire me. A bunch of crap, they are all lying. I worked very hard and was honest about my time, hours, etc. when I know others weren't. CL took a dislike to me because I said "illegals". I guess he loves haveing illegals in this country. This is a waste of government money and they are all a bunch of lying thieves. This agency should be abolished and held accountable for their wasteful spending and mismanagement. I am not finished with them yet. I will take this to a "higher authority" and will get my revenge.

$10.50 an hour Eastern Kentucky and the standard .50 a mile....

On an average how many completed forms are you doing per hour??? I was told you have to complete one for each hour you work.

Hey, I thought my training was great. I think my leaders are great and very supportive. I'm satisfied with the pay, and I understand its a temp job. I didn't have an income prior to this job so I'm not going to complain.

Right after my evaluation interview, I got sick with pneumonia on my right lung (mild case) but the doctor told me to take 2-3 days off from work/school. I gave my CL my doctor's note and told me it was ok and to get some rest. Today (the second day) the CL assistant came to my house to pick up all my census forms (we only had 3 AA binders and 18 emumerators so we had to divide the forms.) I went to meet with the CL to see what was going on and he told me my performance was unsatisfactory and fired me. I told him about my illness and note but he told me it was about the evaluations, which didn't make sense because he told me I did great and passed. Then he went on going about how his hands were tied and all this bull. I personally think he gave only 3 binders, split it, then turn it all in as whoever had them did all the work while the rest get screwed (we couldn't sign the forms when we were done, we had to give it to the binder's owner for them to sign, which leaves us with no proof of work.) I probably shouldn't think that way but it's easy to come to that conclusion.

Yup.. here in Ga we only get $11.75

I'm a NRFU enumerator in Seattle, WA and they are paying us $17 and change per hour. Most people are pretty compliant here. Getting access to secured buildings in my biggest complaint. This job is forcing me to get the exercise I need, as I have to walk up many steep, steep hills in the area I'm canvassing.

Just about to finish my Enumerator training tomorrow and everything seems pretty good so far. However, since I am a replacement enumerator I didn't get to do a practice questionnaire. So I am not to sure how people will react to me knocking on their door. Pay isn't too bad and I rather be doing this then sitting on my butt.

The job is incredibly stressful. No, not going door to door, but dealing with backstabbing CLAs and CLs. How quickly they politic and band together to oust "undesirables" ... petty jealousies and oneupmanship in a grammar school setting.

I am in Kansas, just started canvassing the area today! Hopefully I will do a good job and not get canned, as some others have mentioned. I also noticed that most of my houses are vacant and that annoys me that we have to go out 3 times (this site says 6) to get data! I understand data is important but come on - its obvious. Also, training was lax by supervisor and CL's are saying opposite to what the supervisor has stated! Yikes!

I am a new census taker 2010,I need to ask some rules here.

If the house has a basement which has entry door from the back , should the census taker Post the NV D-28 on the back door. or Should the back door be knocked for this purpose or not.??

Just remember everyone, the most important thing is NO OVERTIME! That's what it felt like at the training, anyway.

Today, I was terminated from my enumerator position because my CL didn't like me or whatever. Handed in my AA binder and for one my the EQ's I had done a visit after three NV's. Only because the guy called me and told me he couldn't do an over the phone interview. His english wasn't too good and needed spanish translation. So I thought I was doing the right thing by going on a fourth personal visit... Needless to say my CL was upset and said that I should be reevaluated to determine whether or not to stay. I threw back at her that maybe if we had a full training week of 8hrs each day(which is the mandated length of time)instead of 3hrs a day, things would of been better.. I know it wasn't right for me to go off on her--but it was in a respected{defensive} way-- Any how, she called whomever was higher up on the ladder, while I was filling out my 308. Then the CLA came over and told me the CL fired me because she didn't like my attitude and supposedly "messed" up on that one EQ ... What all of my venting out comes down to is; are some enumerators just being let go because too many were hired in the first place? Does the Census Bureau hire fillers, enumerators that are expendible from the very start? I personally felt that my CL just had it in for me before I even walked in the door today. Would appreciate feedback on this message. Esprecially, from ones who were fired as well. Thanks:)))

Went through the 4 day process. We have NO work after 4 days later, but our Crew Leader DEMANDS that we meet her everyday between 4-7pm EVEN if we didn't even work. I am wasting government money every single day for 15 minutes. It is crazy!!!! My Crew Leader said if we can't meet her after 2 times we will be fired. 4-7pm is major time to be out in the field. So I am completely confused as to why we need to meet her and waste all of our time? Please let me know if you have the same experience as I think my crew leader has confused the rules.

Was hired as an ENU in the Charlotte, NC area. Passed all of the training requirements, but was let go (fired?) after missing 3 workdays due to a sprained ankle at home. I hope I was not fired, because it is against the law to fire someone for medical reasons.

Two other ENUs were fired after falsifying mileage on their time sheets. I'm wondering if these guys just made an honest mistake.

Personally, I will never work for the Census Bureau again. Their training methods, and redundant paperwork requirements, are hideous at best.

What happens after the AA Binder is finished?

trained for nrfu had very high scores on both pre and final test My background is clean
was fired on 4th day of training for asking too many questions the instructor was using a completely different teaching manual than the one supplied, and was unable to do anything except read word-for word. Stated she only had 3 days training so didn't know any more than me What can I do if fired for no good reason

I started training last week and started doing questionnaires on Friday. My husband lost his job last month so I was happy about getting $14.00. UT seems like a safe place to go door knocking but personal safety is definitely an issue. I did several questionnaires the first day. The following day I was told that I couldn't carry mace or any other form of weapon or I would be fired . . . .huh . . . Soooo I knock on a total strangers door, I can't tell any one where I am, and I can't carry anything to protect myself? I don't think I can do it, even for $14.00 an hour.

Im in Compton California and we have the training last week. Today Im going to do my observation so I go to a house but my crew leader goes with me to see if I am ready to start working by myself.
17.00 per hour plus 0.50 per mile pretty good!
but I want to know if after census is over can we stay working doing paperwork???
good luck all!!!

Working in Texas in an area that pays $11.75/hr. Just 20 miles down the Interstate the pay is $17.50. I asked someone if I could work in the $17.50 area and they didn't know. I really don't think the cost of living is $5.75/hr. greater 20 miles away. I work in that area in my daily job anyway.

Here in Columbus, GA we are being paid $11.25/ per hour for Enumerator. The people in the office is like $8.00/ per hour, the call center $9.50/ per hour.

I finished my training last week. When my CL (crew leader) verbatimly read the safety issues there were several comments by other trainees about keeping your pepper-spray handy. She agreed that it would probably be a good idea, and made a note to herself to find out if we were allowed to carry mace.

I finished 8 Questionnaires, or D-1(E)?s for those of us who are learning to speak in number. They went smoothly. So feeling somewhat encouraged I got ready to go out the following morning.

I decided to check my email first to see what time my CL had scheduled the meeting to turn in my form 308. She sent an email alright, there was not going to be a meeting however the email did contain this: ?We discussed carrying mace in our training. The answer is absolutely NO. You are not allowed to carry any type of weapon. If you are caught with a weapon, you will be immediately dismissed as well as me. Yep, I get fired too. So please don?t do it.?

So . . . I?m to knock on a total strangers door, I cannot tell anyone exactly where I will be, and I am not allowed to carry anything for protection. ?What did I get myself into??

I didn?t go out in the field. Instead I bitterly complained about this to my CL.

Big Mistake!

This morning I was informed that she was coming to pick up my AA binder and I could not work until the issue was resolved.

OKAY, so I just got called for Enumerator training. It's tuesday through friday, 9am to 5:30. Now when I was did fingerprinting (optional two-day position) for the new trainees, they had training from 5pm-9pm (and a full saturday). Considering I'm a student this would've worked out MUCH better, however thats no longer available and I'm going to have to take a week off. Afterwards, they're forcing a full-time 40 hours a week on me. I thought you were allowed 20-30? This is ridiculous, I worked for the QAC in April so I'm already a census employee, you'd think they'd cut me some slack right? Nope. Of course not. They give more flexibility to the new people than they do those who have worked for them already. That's flat-out unethical.

I'm noticing a lot of people talking about the varying wages in each state. Well whenever I get the call for training I'll be receiving $18.75 per hour. However, I'm in New York City. So If someone's getting $14 or so in another state, don't consider it a snub or anything. It just costs a LOT more to live in New York. I'll bet cigarettes aren't 11 dollars a pack in Georgia. lol.

We completed our training at 10pm Friday night had the testing from 9pm - 10pm when we were all exhausted! Some people had 1 1/2 drives after that. Can anyone address if this is a common practice? Our instructor said that if she didn't give the test that day, she would have been fired.

The 2010 Census

It is a job that pays fairly well but the threats of firing someone who has never worked as an enumerator is unfair. People think your job is to only ask questions to regarding the Census. Funny it is more detailed than that. You must know how to enter the information on the EQ correctly that is what will get you fired. My question is do people really receive the much needed healthcare, education, housing, and transportaton as promised? It is so political because what really happens is the data collected from the Census is used to create more positions in the US House of Representatives. That's funny because many politcians do not care about the needy only themselves.

Hi Keke and Everyone

Well, Keke, you are correct, it is not JUST you! They are bullying us and using threatening tactics. I, too, am in Detroit. I never wanted this position because I am NOT GOOD at Directions or Map Spotting. They DO EXPECT HIGH PRODUCTIVITY and if you don't produce, you CAN get FIRED!I don't know if you would be however. I pulled my CL aside and asked him if I wanted to get a FEDERAL Job in the Near Future(I am submitting my resume) and was FIRED from this position, would that AFFECT my getting Hired? He looked at me, paused, and said "no one has ever asked me that before." He then answered, yes, possibly! The CL has a Military Background (he told us), and I said to him, "that explains alot". I also told him on either Tuesday or Wednesday that he was MEAN! I started training this past Tuesday, and although the pay was $16.50, plus $.50 per mile, I decided to resign. Yes, I resigned. Don't anyone yell at me or tell me I was stupid. We had young and older people falling asleep in the class, yes, they were actually asleep. The younger people were dressed rather, well, I wouldn't open my door to them. The CL told them about their dress and the falling asleep would caused them to get fired (understandable). Now what I am going to say may make some people angry, but I am going to say it anyways.I believe the reason why they are using these tactics on us is because the Enumerator Position is at the bottom of the Organizational Chart,and just like McDonalds (the Enumerators are expendable). (Remember Keke, here in the Detroit Area, if you received at least a 10 on the test, you could become an ENU-a 10 Keke. I was told sooooo many people couldn't even get a 10.) In the past, certain types of people applied for this position (don't yell at me). Now because of the economy, EVERYONE-all levels of people regardless of their economical, social, behavioral, etc., status is applying. The goverment's studies and research from past census taking dictates that they use these types of tactics in order to get people to produce. Perhaps it is needed in order to meet their quotas? Some of us don't need these types of tactics to produce because we have always produced in whatever position. I myself am not use to this bullying and I refuse to be treated this way and threatened in such a manner. Yes, in my regular positions, I knew if I didn't produce, I would be released--but the position was for a longer period of 2 weeks - 2 months. It had benefits, perks, a level of trust, promotions, time off schedules, sick days, etc. This Enumerator position, if fired, COULD affect my Future Hiring with the FEDERAL GOVERMENT. I have an Advanced Degree and am trying to become Certified in the PMP. I can't afford to risk my future for a few weeks of work. I demand to be treated with Dignity and Respect, etc., especially when I afford it to you. I do need $16.50 per hour, but I also need NOT to be SO STRESSED OUT, THREATENED if I do one thing wrong of being fired (a group came back from lunch a few minutes late--they didn't know the area they were being trained, and were threatened they would be fired next time they were late--so that group won't leave the room). You are made a fool of if you do anything the CL doesn't like. I could go on, but I have been too longwinded already! I applaud all of you who have the STAYING POWER?? to go the distance. I knew when they called that I didn't want the position and I did ask for another position. They told me to at least try the ENU Position, which I did. It was awful for ME! I decided this type of work was not for me. I wish and pray the best for all of you! Jerry what happened with you? Did you finish the 25 houses. Did you complete your AA Binder? Please let us know. Good bye everyone!

I was hired as an enumerator and fired the third day into my training. I have not yet been given an explanation as to why I was let go. My CL stated that he would call me about it but I have not heard from him. It has been more than 24 hours. Has anyone else had this experience?

Just finished my 3rd day of training in L.A. area. Pay is $17.00/hr and 50 cents a mile for travel. Did a "practice" interview today and it was "okay". The person I "interviewed" gave me a bit of a bad attitude, but I got the info I needed. I am concerned about safety issues, especially with loose dogs. I am only doing this job because I need money for food for my sons. We have been told that we can work the hours we want to, just no more than 8 hours in one day, and also that the complete job would last probably until mid June.

i would like to know as a enumerator, if you are not as productive will you lose your job?

just finished my training today, here in Southern California we're getting $17.00 glad we work within out own living area, I live in a very safe community so I don't have any worries. I met many new neighbors from my area and they're really nice people.....

Just completed 3rd day of NRFU enumerator training in Raleigh, NC (Raleigh LCO). Amazing to think of the thousands of CLs, and the little crew that each of them is trying to to train and manage (14 enumerators in my CLD, plus two who have been appointed CLAs), all suffering through the orgizational nightmare that results from a combination of bureaucratic inefficiency and the inherent complexity and enormity of the census. Consiering how quickly the crew leaders have to get trained and how quickly they must in turn train their crews, and (again) how many THOUSANDS of government employess, everywhere people live in the US, are being paid to go through this process at the same time, and that there have been YEARS available to prepare for this enormous training effort, it's really sad how poor the printed materials and (lack of) other learning aids the Census Bureau produced are. Also, considering the super-high volume of enumerators hired in a short period, it seems really wasteful that the paper work involved wasn't streamlined more. Was it really the best solution to have each numerator sign FIVE separate declarations, each on its own sheet of dead tree, after also printing (in machine-readable block style, of course) his/her name two-to-three times on each of these sheets, just to hold us responsible for understanding the (mostly brief) topic referenced on each sheet? Jeesh! I mean, I can actually accept Uncle Sam covering his butt about what we're responsible for knowing, but couldn't ONE sheet have been devised covering ALL the topics for the purpose of this ENORMOUS event?

Am I the only one who has heard the phrase "NO OVERTIME", or some such, at least thirty times in three days? And it's not like there's a lot of dummies in my crew. I think 14 or 15 out of 16 have bachelor's degrees and several have graduate degrees.

I can understand the whole field process still being paper-based. The census has to be as accessible to respondants at every income level and recruit enumerators from every community. It will be interesting to see how much more technology is used in 2020, 2030 and beyond.

Started training two days ago. Today during training class they came in and told me I had to be released from the job! I have no clue why, as my background check, etc should be spotless. Also they said they weren't allowed to tell me why. Here I am trying to make money so I can pay for my own college education in the fall, and they let me go for what surely is either a mistake or a really stupid reason. This is REALLY making me resent our government.

Have last day of training & working in San Luis Obipso County, Calif. Salary is 15.50 which is alright for the area's COL. When offered the enum position a few weeks ago was told it was a full time position. Yeh!! Then to find out that they are seem to "strongly discourage" working up to 40. Forget Overtime for sure & if we were to wk a 40, threat of termination was blantantly implied. Instead of reg hrs to wk, an average to shoot for. In this case the average the Census wants "me" to hit is 18-24 a week. Financially that is quite a decrease!! Don't get me wrong, I am truly grateful for the wk & the money, just wish I could work more! Maybe when I get thru my area, they can reassign me to another & so on, til the job ends... Went on a field test run & it was fun!! The weather was fabulous (as usual) & the people I did get to interview were patient AND nice!!
PS- with my salary @ 15.50, thought clayton Georgia's was pretty darn good!!

Have last day of training & working in San Luis Obipso County, Calif. Salary is 15.50 which is alright for the area's COL. When offered the enum position a few weeks ago was told it was a full time position. Yeh!! Then to find out that they are seem to "strongly discourage" working up to 40. Forget Overtime for sure & if we were to wk a 40, threat of termination was blantantly implied. Instead of reg hrs to wk, an average to shoot for. In this case the average the Census wants "me" to hit is 18-24 a week. Financially that is quite a decrease!! Don't get me wrong, I am truly grateful for the wk & the money, just wish I could work more! Maybe when I get thru my area, they can reassign me to another & so on, til the job ends... Went on a field test run & it was fun!! The weather was fabulous (as usual) & the people I did get to interview were patient AND nice!!
PS- with my salary @ 15.50, thought clayton Georgia's was pretty darn good!!

Hey everybody! Got the call to be an enumerator on the 22nd. Training started on the 26th and ends on the 30th. I scored a 26 out of 28 and took the test last year sometime. Anyways, its bittersweet getting this job because its a JOB! I'm in Detroit and their aren't many of those to go around so anything is better than nothing, with that saiad however ... they expect HIGH PRODUCTIVITY!! What that means I can only imagine. I plan to do the work and give it my all but I dont appreciate the bully tactics they seem to be resorting to. I've only been in training for two days now and been threatened with getting fired so many times that I've lost count. If you dont do this "youre fired" or blah blah blah "i'll fire you" ..im just saying is thats not conducive to the agenda at hand or maybe that's just me!

I am currently in the 4 day training for the enumerator position. I am located in AR and the pay is only 11.25, yet when both my husband and I are unemployed (laid off) and with two little girls that is good pay! So far the training is common sense. I am excited to be a part of this and ready for the complications I am sure will eventually arise. There are some that do not feel comfortable giving private information and this is understandable. Although there really are no "invasion of privacy" questions on the questionnaire. Although if someone refuses that is their own business. I am not out to be pushy or nosy. I am only interested in being part of this Census and making extra money for my family!

I start training on the 4th but only get $11.75 an hr. Thats the least I have seen on here yet.

I started my training to be an enumerator today in San Francisco. The pay here is $22hr. But I am nervous about weather I have to work alone or will get a partner. Today we spent most of the days filling out paperwork and getting fingerprinted. I guess I will find out more tomorrow.

Hired as an enumerator. $13 per hour plus the .50 per mile. Clayton County, Georgia. I was expecting more money, is this what other enumerators are getting payed her in Georgia?????????

If a census taker is assigned to go to a person's residence they have a prior conflict with ( for example, an ex-boyfriend) can they exchange this with another census taker?

Live just south of Tucson in a retirement town and pay is $13.00 an hour. First day training was in Nogales and with round trip being 96 miles the rate 50 cents it was good. But they found a training place in our town begining today.

I got a call the night before training and was assigned to another location which is closer. For Terry and others who are training tomorrow, but do not have a training site in Jersey, go to the Baird Ctr in South Orange.

Wow Jerry! I hope you can complete your assignment so you won't get fired. Let us know what happens! You haven't finished because you are too slow, the people are never home, dogs in the neighborhood, etc., let me know what has hindered you? Any suggestions for those of us who haven't started as of yet? How well do you have to be with reading maps, directions, and knowing streets? I don't know any of the above-mentioned. I was trying out for two other positions and yes, I believe those positions were already filled. Jerry, I do believe I have only been thinking about the money that I will be making and not the actual work itself. After reading all of your comments, reality better sit in real quick! Oh, by the way, I didn't get the Administrator position either.

I start training on Tuesday, the 27th. I think it is terrific that we are paid for mileage, and that we work in community and neighborhoods that we know. I applied January 2009. I have been fingerprinted once and will be fingerprinted again on first day of training session. I am feeling ambivalent - glad for the job and pay, unsure as to work load and difficulty of position. I like all the positive, prayerful comments. God bless us all!

TERRY, if you live in NJ, then your training should take place at 130 Clinton Rd, Faifield, NJ. Training starts 9am-4pm.
Hope this helps!

Your job depends on your performance

A few comments:
I took the census test back in December and scored 27 out of 28. I was never asked what "position" I was applying for, and just assumed positions would be filled by score. But then I realized that a lot of the higher positions were filled months before I even took the test. Anyway, I got a callback sometime in late March saying I should come in for the 4-day training on April 12 (which was last week). This past week we went out in the field, knocking on doors. Its a lot harder than I expected. A lot of people refuse to answer the questions (which is ok because they train you on how to deal with that), but the worse thing is some folks don't even bother opening the door for you. I completely agree with Pota's assessment. Don't be fooled when they say you can set your own hours and work when you want to, because there is a deadline. I have a binder with about 60 map spots that I was supposed to finish this week. Its Saturday and I have about 25 left to go. I thought that was a reasonable amount to have left over but my CL said that if its not completely done by tomorrow the powers that be will start to question my "productivity". In other words I'll probably be fired. At $20/hr I'd hate to lose this job, but I'm starting to wonder if its even worth it to be this stressed out over a PART-TIME job.

To be a Enumerator do you actually need a car

A.A.
Thank you for your informative chat. it can make one ready for new job and way of make living. I will tell you that you are helping your selves, your community and country just for being part of this mission of census taker.
good luck!

...So, I was told that in making one's schedule as an enumerator, I could schedule up to 40 hours. Does anyone know if this is in fact true, or if I (we) are going to be relegated to part-time hours?

To be honest, if it's around 20 hours, I'm better off collecting unemployment and not walking around in Miami's obnoxious heat.

I got a call 2 weeks ago about the Enumerator position and I accepted the job offer. Training begins on Monday (April 26th) & runs until Friday the 30th. They did not tell me where the training will take place. It is now Thursday and I have yet to receive another phone call to tell me where I should go for my training.
I am in limbo.

I will start training on 4/27 for numerator in MN. I have to admit, I have a little fear of going it alone. It sounds like the "pairs"thing is done in critical areas. The mace idea is a good one. Looking for any other helpful info from anyone who has done this b4. How many times do you have to try at a residence b4 u can give up?

CONGRATULATIONS TO ALL THE NEWLY HIRED 2010 CENSUS BUREAU ENUMERATORS. IN THIS RECESSION I KNOW THE ENUMERATORS CAN HELP MAKE A DIFFERENCE BY ACCURATELY AND RESPECTIVELY COLLECTING THE NEEDED 2010 CENSUS DATA.

THANK YOU
ANDREA ROUSE-BALDWIN
2010 ENUMERATOR, BAYONNE, NJ

Name:James Date:wendsday,April 21 2010

I recieved a 21 out of 28 and recieved a call about a week after I tested and was asked to be a enumerator 12.50 + .50 cent a mile i start training on the 27th of this month thanks to all you haters and GOD bless yall

Higher score doesn't necessarily equal higher paying position. I got a perfect score on the test, 28 out of 28, and my friend did well but not perfect. However, he took his test a few weeks after I did, and somehow landed a supervisory position at a whopping $20.25 per hour, whereas I'm stuck with enumerator at $18.75. So it's not so much how well you did, but WHEN you take the test which decides your position. Personally I didn't find that very fair.

I was offered a position in Eastern Ky for 10.50 an hour and .50 a mile... What gives with the lower wage?

I got a call on Monday, April 19, 2010 to start training as an Enumerator: April 26-April 30. The salary is $18.25 and I will be reimmbursed $.50 per mile. Also, I live in a decent area in NJ, but having a partner would be nice. I look forward to working since I am underemployed.

Nee-Nee

I got hired last week here in Sacramento CA
15 an hr plus 0.50 cent a mile. I am a nursing student so extra cash is needed.
I start the 27-30. I am so happy I was hired just hope I do a good job.

brian - your first check is deposited into your bank account about 11 days after your first day of training/work - on a wednesday

anyone know if they hold your first paycheck for a week?

Called to the Cincinnati area Census bureau today. Got a 24 on the test and the guy who answered said I'm at the top of the list and that callbacks should be coming fast and furious. Training begins next week. I hear Cincy needs tons of workers. Anybody from Cincy/N. Ky get any callbacks?

Well, at this late date I'm sure the only positions left are enumerators. I was called this morning (Sunday 4/17). Here in Detroit, the city that I love (get tired of all the hating, especially those that live here), the test consisted of 28 questions. I scored 25. I asked the young lady that called if enumerators worked in teams, she did not know. My training also starts on 4/27. Looking forward to $16.50/hour.

I got my call on Wednesday to start training the 26th-30th of April. I will be making 18.00 an hour and .50 a mile.
Everyone tells me to be careful, but I don't listen to them. I am in NJ and my community is small and I know a lot of people.
I am looking forward to being outside in the sunshine and enjoying the work.

@ vonnie.

I haven't trained for the jobs that go door to door, but my understanding is that you are NOT allowed to even ask to come inside an apt (notice all the commercials show people interviewing on porches.. not inside the houses)

Received a call back today, was offered the job as an ENUMERATOR, i accepted and am thrilled to be getting paid $$$$18.75 an HOUR!! Woo--Hoo!!!

Does anybody know if one can carpool while on duty as an enumerator? A sibling of mine, who also lives in the same area as me, will also be working as an enumerator.

Hi Pota

It is 10:53 a.m. I've been up for about 3 hours now, but I am dragging because I stayed up until about 3:00 a.m., preparing for an interview.I really want this job so I do NOT have to do the enumerator job. I am listening to the news and it seems to be just one killing or shooting after the other. You are correct Pota when you say the rules change. My brother believes most of the "inside" jobs were already filled and they only needed enumerators. I know my score was high enough, but here I am. Millie stated she received a 98 out of 100, that is wonderful. We had 28 questions separated into categories. Clerical, Managerial, Directions/Mapping?, Organization, etc., I don't remember the other 2.When I took the practice test, I didn't do well on the Directions/Mapping? Section, but here I am being chosen for the enumerator position. With the economy the way it is, people are just plain GRATEFUL for a job! Pota, if I do get the job I am interviewing for, my brother saids I should try to do both. Work the enumerator job (on the week-end, if they let me) (because my wonderful brother is going to go with me!). But if I remember what you said Pota, they apparently want me to work more hours. If so, then I will plan to work in the evenings when I get home.I also have another position, temporary, working for a school--online.
I start my training on April 27 for 4 days at $16.50 per hour. This is good! I will let you know about my training when it starts.
Everyone, we must stay strong and keep looking for work and our dreams. If you believe in Prayer, let's pray for one another.

Hi Everyone, I've found all your comments helpful as I was just called in for training. Does anyone know if you are required to go inside the homes that you visit? Thank you for your response.

Vonnie

NAME: Misti DATE: Monday April 12th 2010

Got called yesterday for a Enumerator postion to start training April 27th. I work full time already but really need the extra money right now. Gotta say Im kinda scared to go out by myself I sure hope we work in teams. I also hope that we do get to stay in our community as well. I dont want to pass this up 15.00 an hour isnt bad but is it safe to do this and does anyone know if you can have a companion go with you?

I got called back last week for a training at end of this month.. Woot! Woot! I hope I don't get lost... this is a great opportunity to help get things needed for your communities. GOD BLESS

Hi JoAnn, Where I am, the testing scores were 1-30. Which represented the # of questions. I received a 20 and wanted to retest. I was told I did not need to because I passed. I wanted to because I knew I could have done better.
Just recently I was imformed that the higher the test score the higher the possible position thus higher pay. It seems the rules change where ever you are. And believe me, once you do start working they change the rules all the time as you go along. Beware, be prepared and I wish you the best! from Pota

OK Pota, your are really scaring me!!

I also did my application about a year ago, and just got a call-back last week.I start training the end of the month.Im really excited because this will be my first job(im young), and i've been looking for so long.I'm a little nervous about being alone though,and about the hours because i am a college student.Are certain hours picked for you or do you work at your own pace?

hi jo ann. i guess in nyc the tests were scored differently. i didn't "test" for a particular position (I would've been happy doing anything - i'm tired of sitting @ home waiting). anyway i got a 98 out of a 100 and i believe that most if not all the people in my training class had the same score.

so far i've only worked about 6 days and the locations have varied. honestly i never really felt like i was in any danger, but again i was working in teams.

i'm expecting to be called back for the next leg of this operation - knocking on people's doors - if i am i will report back and let you know how it is.

i don't know how long the assignment will last, but i hope to make the most of every "billable hour"

good luck to you all and congratulations to you on your job offers!

Yay!! Just got the call. Tested back mid november. Going to start at the end of the April!

Hi Everyone

Just an update! Have you been listening to all of the killings and murders in the City of Detroit (I know they happen in other cities). One happened down the next major street from me (in broad daylight). There is NO way, I will do this alone!
Fortunately, I did get an Online job and waiting to see if I will also get another Online Instructor position. I have also Interviewed for a Wonderful Administrator position. I have my last interview Wednesday, April 14th. Job offers are starting to come in for me, I have WORKED hard!
Perhaps, I am not understanding all of the comments here. No one as of yet, answered my question as far as what their score was. Did everyone here testfor the enumerator position. You needed a score of "10" in order to be an enumerator. Here in my city, people weren't able to get that. Please don't email me back stating I am "bashing" being an enumerator, I am NOT. I just don't want to be one here in this city. What timeframe where you given as far as the length of your employment? I was told I could work for as short as 1 week to as long as 2 months? What has anyone been told? I will go to the training because I will be paid $16.50 for 40 hours. I pray (and I am believer in Father God), I will know about the Administrator position by the time my training starts.

I am happy for everyone else who found this temp. job and I am truly sorry for the one person (CC)who called back too late. Keep calling as people will drop out!

I too am concerned about safety. I will be carrying a can of wasp spray I heard that it is better than mace. It sprays up to 30 inches away. Other than that I will take God with me and pray that we are all safe

Thought this was the job to save our lives financially, Ha! Worked as hard as I could ! I was given a very difficult area to start with I did the very best I could, for I need the job and I did enjoy it. According to 'them' I was not 'producing' or whatever rediculous term was that they used to terminate me. Well If I started with a binder with 6 map spots of year round residence I would be 'producing' too. Don't be fooled by the tempting but not very true statements of; work when you want to, make your own hours, so on and so forth,for it is so very far from the truth! The job starts off seeming like you work at your own pace and when you can. They suggest when the best times to go out are but no where did I see it as a requirement. Well, guess what if you take a day off on the weekend ' wonder what you were doing, why weren't you working you need to be producing, so tell me where does the make your own hours, work as few or as many as 40 hours a week fit in here. I know this is a temporary government job but it seems like we are in the military! This kind of an interesting observation about how 'they' like to keep making up rules as they go along, I went with the flow or so I thought and looked what happened! And talk about ethics, that is another Ha Ha! That will be another comment day. Good luck to those of you who are trying your best for only you and God will appreciate it!

Wow, I got a call yesterday called back today and the position has been filled. All I can say is God knows best! God bless all of you as you begin your journey as an enumerator....whatsover you do, do it to the glory of God!

Received the call today to start training at the end of the month. Pay of $15 is about half of what I normally get an hour but since I was laid off in November I will take it as it is more then unemployment. Ultimate goal is to get on with the Fed so I can add this to the resume as a contractor. Hopefully it will help.

I got the call yesterday, I'm really looking forward to the work. I'm not worried about safety too much. anxious to get started

I just recived a call from the a Cencus person today and was notified i got the job. This helped a bunch! Thanks!

so far my experience as an enumerator has been very positive. because of title 13 (you'll learn about that in training) i can't say where i've been working but it is a very rewarding job. good luck to all of you, be safe, stay cool and be proud. you are doing a great service for your communities and your country.

I also received my call today to start training at the end of this month. I really don't want to do this alone either but someones has to do it and I really need a job right about now. Hopefully I can get a companion to ride along with me but if not I will just say a prayer and surround myself with the good Lord's protection as Courtney has said. To all of us brave enumerators just say the 23rd Psalm. For all of us I pray:
The White Light of God Surrounds Us!
The White Light of God Flows Through Us!
The White Light of God Protects Us And Keeps Us Safe! Amen!

Very helpful information, giving a snapshot view on 'a day in the life of a Census Enumerator'. Although, this article absolutely should have been proofed before web submittal!

I took the Census test over a year ago & tested within the top 5%. Have been waiting ever since for an offer to be made for Enumerator &/or clerical position. Finally got a call back today, had a successful phone interview, & start training week in 3 weeks. Feel really good about getting out in my local community & feel safe to conduct these visits alone. Have sympathy for those in inner city, sketchy rural areas. Will be so grateful for the work; albeit temporary!! Will be mindful of the presence of dogs on guard - similar to how postal & meter folks must feel at times. Peace.

I recieved a call to come to training, late April. What I will do is pray God's protection around all Census Takers 2010 and beyond. Praying that he will dispatch angels of protection around us all, from the Northern most to the Southern most states and everything in between. MS is not all that violate, but still. In Jesus Name Amen~

His Handmaiden,
Crh

Got my call to go do training today, wuwu
Rural GA so im not too worried about going it along =)~

Thanks Millie

Where I live is relatively still "safe?". My goal is to move out of Detroit, but my house is worth far less than what I owe! I'm moving as soon as I can however! OK, back to the topic, I was told I may not be assigned "right" in my neighborhood. I asked if we would go out in teams and the answer I was given was no. I told my brother this info and he offered to go with me (I have a Wonderful Brother). Is anybody else willing to say how they scored on the test? I was trying for the RA Position and even another position and now I realize those positons were probably LONG Gone, even though the place where I took the test STATED they were looking for people to fill the RA Position. I am still upset, but will get over it.

Hi Ann,

I completed my training yesterday and, at least in NY, we will be working in teams - especially in areas where it might be considered "dangerous". remember that you will probably be assigned to work near your neighborhood... hope this helps you feel a lil better about your assignment. Good luck with your training and in finding another job!

I received a 23 on my Test and I was just asked to be an Enumerator. I am NOT happy about walking the streets of Detroit. I applied for 2 other positions. Frankly, I am extremely afraid for my life, especially if I have to work alone. The salary of $16.50 is inviting, since I am unemployed. I said yes, but I really, really, really don't want to do this job alone. I am praying to God that I will have another job before my training date. Alot of good, all this education I have, but that's another story. Yes, I am grateful to be offered a job, but MY life is sorta, kinda important also.

I started training this week and am looking forward to going out on Monday!

...until everyone in the country to counted

...to talk with their neighbors about who they are and what they are asking questions for the U.S. Census Bureau.

these sentences dont make sense along with other grammatical mistakes. please have someone proof its entirety

Thanks-husband lost job, and at least this is hopeful and an activity of value.

very helpful! Thanks!