The Census 2011 Enumerator application process has opened and they are seeking to fill some 5,000 positions across the country. To date 21,000 people have pre registered their interest in the positions. The final date for applications is next Tuesday January 11, 2011. However the applications process will close prior to this date if the number of applications reaches 15,000. The CSO said that it encouraged people to “Make Your Mark” on Census 2011 by applying to become a Census Enumerator on www.census.ie.
The 2011 Census takes place on Sunday 10th April 2011. To find out exactly what the role of an enumerator involves and to watch video clips of enumerators from the 2006 Census sharing their experiences of the job log on to www.census.ie.
Successful applicants will be offered fixed purpose contracts of approximately 10 weeks commencing on 8th March 2011 until 13th May 2011. Enumerators can expect to receive payment of €2,200, on average, for their work during this 10 week period.
Applicants must be prepared to devote approximately 22 hours per week to census duties but can arrange their own hours. However because of the necessity to make personal contact with all householders, enumerators will typically need to work 5 to 6 evenings every week and at least one day every weekend. If you live in a rural area you must have a full driving licence and the full-time use of a car. You must also have secure storage for census documents.
Speaking about the recruitment process, Deirdre Cullen from the CSO said “to date 21,000 people have pre-registered their interest in the Census Enumerator positions. While this level of interest is fantastic we need to turn these expressions of interests into actual applications. We need 5,000 enumerators who are geographically spread across the country in order to complete the Census on Sunday 10th April 2011.
“Enumerators are a vitally important part of the census process. We have found, for the most part, that enumerators find it a very rewarding experience and many have done more than one Census. Given the extensive contact that they have with the public, it is important that enumerators have patience, tact and consideration. They must also be able to read maps and understand detailed instructions. It can be helpful if they have some survey, market research or practical social work experience, but this is not essential”.
If you are interested in becoming an enumerator for Census 2011 then please apply at www.census.ie. The application process is now open. Applications will only be taken through the CSO website www.cso.ie/census.
