Census tests are being scheduled throughout the Northern Puget Sound Region. Call 1-866-861-2010.

With communities across the country reeling from job loss, the U.S. Census Bureau has its own way of providing a stimulus to local economies — hiring hundreds of thousands of temporary workers to ensure the 2010 Census is a success.

The U.S. Census Bureau’s goal is a complete and accurate count of each person residing in the United States, including all 50 states, Washington, D.C., Puerto Rico, U.S. Virgin Islands, Guam, the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands, and American Samoa. Conducting such a massive undertaking requires the Census Bureau hire for a wide variety of positions.

Specifically, census takers, also known as enumerators, are needed to conduct in-person interviews with community residents who do not return census questionnaires. All “field” positions need to be filled by individuals with flexible schedules. Many temporary positions have been filled, but many more applicants are needed. Most positions require the ability to work a flexible schedule, which may include evenings and weekends. But some may involve shift work.

The Everett Local Census Office is now testing applicants in Island, San Juan, Skagit, Snohomish and Whatcom counties.

Pay rates for the Everett Local Census Office start at $13.25 per hour for clerk positions and $17.50 per hour for field positions. In addition to weekly pay, census takers also receive paid training and reimbursement for authorized work-related expenses such as mileage.

2010 Census job applicants must be at least 18, have a valid Social Security number, and be able to pass a background check and take a 30-minute, multiple-choice basic employment test that measures knowledge, skills and abilities required to perform a variety of census jobs.

In most cases, workers will also be required to possess a valid driver’s license and have use of a vehicle. U.S. citizenship is required to apply for census jobs, except in areas where a bilingual ability is necessary. However, non-citizens will only be hired for these positions if there are no qualified U.S. citizens available.

All temporary census employees must be able to commit to training, for which they will be compensated at their regular hourly rate. Trainings can be held on weekdays, evenings and weekends.

For more information on temporary employment with the U.S. Census Bureau, or to schedule an appointment to take an employment test and submit an application, call 1-866-861-2010. TTY callers, use the Federal Relay Service at 1-800-877-8339.

A practice test is available at www.2010censusjobs.gov.