The U.S. Census Bureau's Local Census Office in Austin, Texas needs area residents for temporary jobs this spring and summer during the 2006 Census Test in parts of Travis County.

Employment selection and training sessions are under way. The training prepares census takers to use hand-held computers to collect information from households that did not return questionnaires by mail. In addition, census takers learn the importance of keeping data confidential and are sworn by law to protect the confidentiality of all respondents.

The temporary jobs, paying $14.50 an hour, are ideal for students, retirees and others seeking part-time work. Since safety and security are prime considerations during the 2006 Census Test, all census takers will undergo a background check.

"Our goal is to hire and train almost 1,500 local people who are committed to a successful count in their neighborhoods," said Forrest "Cleve" Allen, Local Census Office manager in Austin. "They'll be hired, in part, because they know our streets and our neighborhoods and reflect the diversity of the community."

For more information about obtaining temporary 2006 Census Test employment, call (888) 814-6711.

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