Seeking Census Takers to assist Ho-Chunk communities

By Ardith Van Riper



     Every ten years since 1790, the United States counts everyone living in the country.  The Ho-Chunk Nation does not share enrollment numbers, making it essential for all Ho-Chunk members to participate in the 2020 Census.  The U.S. Census Bureau is seeking to hire Census Takers, and the Ho-Chunk Nation communities may need assistance in completing the questionnaire.

     Census results help inform how billions of dollars in federal funds are distributed for hospitals, schools, roads, programs, grants, emergency services, and a variety of ways that benefit Ho-Chunk people.  The 2020 Census is an opportunity to provide a better future for our Ho-Chunk communities and future generations.  To accomplish that, we need to help deliver an accurate count.

     The Census Bureau is hiring for several different positions, but the most significant number of openings are for temporary, part-time Census Takers.  Census Takers interview household residents and update address lists.  Candidates who are hired attend paid training before beginning work.

     Applicants must be at least 18 years or older, have a valid Social Security number, be a U.S. citizen, have a valid email address, be registered with the Selective Service System or have a qualifying exemption, and undergo fingerprinting and pass a criminal background check.  Candidates must also be able to speak, read, and write in English and commit to completing training.  Most jobs require job applicants to have a valid driver’s license, access to a vehicle, and access to a computer with internet to complete training.

     The Census Bureau performs background checks and reviews criminal records.  Candidates are required to be fingerprinted, and the Census Bureau will submit an electronic image of the fingerprints to the FBI’s Criminal Justice Information Services Division, where they search their database to see if the prints are associated with a criminal record.  The Census Bureau takes public trust seriously. 

     Veterans’ preference may be available for those who served in the U.S. armed forces and were separated under honorable conditions.  A copy of your DD-214, Certificate of Release or Discharge for Active Duty, or other acceptable documentation is required when claiming veterans’ preference.

     Interested candidates must complete an online job application.  The applications consists of assessment questions about your education, work, and other experience.

     The majority of job offers will be made between January and April.  Paid training will be conducted between March and mid-May.  Then from May through July, Census Takers collect responses from households.

     Before the census, Census Takers use maps and address lists to determine if the addresses are correct.  Next, they visit households that haven’t responded to the census and speak with residents while using electronic devices issued by the Census Bureau to collect census data. 

     Census Takers also work to take in-person counts of people without a permanent residence.  Those without a permanent residence can include people living in group housing, like college dormitories or shelters, as well as those experiencing homelessness.

     Most positions are anticipated to last several weeks, and the schedule is flexible.  Field positions require interviewing members of the public, so employees must be available to work when people are home, such as evenings and weekends.

     The Census Bureau offers competitive wages, which are paid weekly.  Work-related mileage and expenses may also be available for those completing fieldwork.  Pay rates in Wisconsin range from $17.00 - $22.00 per hour and are based on location.

     The Ho-Chunk Nation is organizing Census Day activities in the different Ho-Chunk communities and coordinates with Census Takers to be on hand to assist with questions and collect census data.  Census Day is April 1.

     A complete listing of Census Day activities hosted by the Ho-Chunk Nation will be published at a later date.  Any person who needs assistance with completing the Census questionnaire is encouraged to attend.

     Those planning on applying for a Census Taker position and are interested in assisting the Ho-Chunk communities are encouraged to contact Michael Rave in the Planning & Development Division at 715-284-3939 or 800-294-9343.




Home