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Dee Meyer is a recruiter for the 1020 Census, which is anticipating hiring between 500 and 600 census workers to count the population. Census data is vital to the full range of educational, social and medical organizations that rely on government funding to provide services.

Meyer is testing in the Southern Humboldt area weekly in hopes of recruiting people familiar with the area to help with the count. She administers a test of 27 general knowledge questions for those interested in working for the census. Census jobs are given on the basis of test scores, with extra points for those who have served in the military.

Employment tests for the 2010 Census are planned in Garberville at the Health and Human Services building on Cedar Street on Dec. 16, Jan. 7, and Jan. 27; in Miranda at the Fire Hall on Dec.14 and Dec. 29; at Shelter Cove Community Center on Dec. 16, Jan. 7, and Jan. 27; at Casterlin School on Dec. 9; at the Alderpoint Christian Center on Dec. 14.

To take the test you must register at 1-866-861-2010. A practice test is available online at www.2010censusjobs.gov.

Pay rates for census workers ranges from $8.75 to $13 an hour, with mileage paid at the current rate of 55 cents per mile. The base pay rate for field work is $11.50 an hour. Every census worker takes five days of training, which is paid. Those currently on unemployment can get an extension of their benefits working for the U.S. Census.

Census workers range in age from 18 to over 80 and work hours can be between 20 and 40 hours per week.

Field census workers are required to honor “no trespassing” signs and locked gates.

Meyer is giving tests in Shelter Cove, Garberville and Weott. To find out when the next test will be given, call toll free 1-866-861-2010. Give your zip code and you will be directed to the nearest test site and date.

photo: Dee Meyer is testing folks in the Southern Humboldt area who would like to earn some extra or needed money helping to count the population for the 2010 Census.