As preparations for the 2020 Census continue, applicants are needed for local census jobs.

The U.S. Census Bureau needs an applicant pool of 1,152 people in Henderson County, according to Partnership Specialist with the U.S. Census Bureau Chuck Megown.

The pay will be $17 per hour. Mileage will also be reimbursed.

“We need such a large pool because we know that folks are going to start the job and potentially have some life-changing event that means they can’t work any more or they just don’t want to work,” Megown told the county Board of Commissioners Monday.

“We need someone in the pool that already has their background check, which tends to be very lengthy, so they can come right in and start the job,” he added.

A little over 500 people had applied as of the beginning of the week, Megown said.

A total of about 5,000 census workers will be hired in the Western North Carolina area, and an applicant pool of 19,430 is needed to make that happen, according to Megown.

Candidates must complete an online job application. The application includes assessment questions about the applicant’s education, work and other experience.

The temporary jobs include census takers, recruiting assistants, office staff and supervisory staff.

To quality to be a census worker, an individual must:

• Be at least 18 years old.

• Have a valid Social Security number.

• Be a U.S. citizen.

• Have a valid email address.

• Complete an application and answer assessment questions.

• Registered with the Selective Service System or have a qualifying exemption.

• Pass a criminal background check and a review of criminal records.

• Commit to completing training.

• Be available to work flexible hours.

Job offers will be made 60 days prior to training, with a 60-day window for background checks. Once background checks are complete, training can begin.

For more information or to apply, go to www.2020census.gov/jobs.