Census 2020 in Massachusetts: Census Jobs and Workers

The Census Bureau will be hiring temporary workers to assist with the 2020 Count. 

The Census Bureau plans to hire approximately 500,000 temporary workers across the country to help carry out the 2020 Census count, including census takers, office staff, recruiting assistants, and supervisory staff.  Libraries can help connect community members to these positions which include census taker, recruiting assistant, office clerk, and supervisory staff. To be eligible, one must be at least 18 years old, have a valid Social Security number, and be a U.S. citizen.

There will be a big push for recruitment in Fall 2019. Please encourage interested patrons to apply early. The application process can take 2-3 months. 

Patrons may need assistance in filling out the online job application. Libraries can make meeting rooms available for Census Bureau hiring workshops and trainings. 

• Census Job Details - learn about qualifications to apply 
• How To Apply - complete an online application that will take about 30 minutes 

Additional Resources: 

• Area Census Office Locations and Pay Rates in Massachusetts
  The current ray range is from $18 to $25 an hour depending on county. 
• Hiring and Background Checks from the Census Bureau 
• Frequently Asked Questions from the Census Bureau about application process, assessment, background tests, fingerprinting and more 
• How Can My Library Increase Awareness of 2020 Census Hiring? from ALA 
• Census Bureau Confirms Noncitizens To Be Hired For 2020 After Uncertainty (10/25/2019 NPR News Article) 

The Census Bureau is conducting Address Canvassing, the first major field operation of the 2020 Census, and will continue to run through mid-October. Census Bureau address canvassers ensure an accurate and complete count by verifying address, which involves noting where houses, apartments, shelters, and other residences are located. Census takers will attempt to knock on every door in the neighborhood they are canvassing. View the interactive map to see where to expect canvassers. 

If you are visited by someone from the Census Bureau, and want to verify their identity and occupation, refer to the below notes on confirming the validity of the Census Bureau field representative:

• Census takers must present an ID badge that includes a photograph of the field representative, a Department of Commerce watermark, and an expiration date.
• Follow this link and enter any field representative’s credentials.
• Note that census workers may be carrying a Census Bureau phone or a laptop as well as a bag with a Census Bureau logo.
• If you still have questions, call 800-923-8282 to speak with a local Census Bureau representative.
• Read the below PDF to learn more about the Census Bureau’s Address Canvassing operation.

(from the Sectary of Commonwealth's 2020 Census website, https://www.sec.state.ma.us/census2020/index.html) 

If you have general questions about 2020 Census jobs or technical issues with your application, please contact us through the options below.

• Jobs Line: 1-855-JOB-2020 (1-855-562-2020)
  • Select Option 1: For technical help with your job application or hiring documents.
  • Select Option 3: To speak to a local Census Bureau representative.

• Federal Relay Service for TTY/ASCII: 1-800-877-8339 or for more information on the Federal Relay Service click here.