Census jobs available now

The Wahkiakum Chamber of Commerce is assisting the Cowlitz/Wahkiakum Council of Governments to provide the community with information and education about the upcoming 2020 census.

The census is conducted once every 10 years and provides key information about our communities and population. As part of the preparations for the census, the Census Bureau is now hiring individuals to help take the census next year. Information about census employment is available at 2020census.gov/jobs.

Over the coming months, the Chamber and Council of Governments will offer informational meetings, educational materials, and a variety of opportunities to help people fulfill this important obligation. The data collected in the census is kept completely confidential for 73 years. Only after that time are records available to research through organizations like Ancestory.com.

For the first time, the 2020 census will be conducted on-line. On-line data collection is the most efficient and effective way to complete the census. There will also be phone and mail options available should that be a better tool for some individuals.

Beginning in December, each home address will receive a post-card with information about how to respond to the census. By mid-March, the 2020 census portal will open allowing people to begin completing the forms on-line. The Chamber will make sure that there are assistance sessions at libraries, community centers, and senior lunches during the initial collection period.

For more information about the census, jobs that are available or other information about how the data is used, go to http://www.census.gov.