PROCTORVILLE — For most Americans the 2010 census is still a year away. But that’s not the case for those who will be collecting that vital data.

Officials are already involved in recruiting and training the tens of thousands of workers needed for the many jobs needed for census taking across the country.

Locally, Ohio University Proctorville will be a test site for those in Lawrence County considering working for the census along with Ohio University Southern.

“Our goal is to test 5,695 applicants,” said Tanya Simpson, assistant manager for recruiting in a 24-county region in Ohio that includes Lawrence County.

The test required for any Census job this year and next is made up of 28 questions that test basic reading and math skills. An application is also required and candidates must be able to prove they are eligible to work in the United States and pass a criminal background test.

There is no pass or fail but candidates are hired in the order of how they scored.

“Veterans receive preference,” Simpson said. “They need to bring a DD214 for veterans preference and that gives them an extra five points and if a disabled vet, they get an extra 10 points.”

Jobs include office clerk, recruiting clerk, crew leaders, crew leader assistants, field operations supervisors, enumerators and administrative assistants.

One of the first jobs that will be filled is that of address canvassing. Paid training for these positions will be in February.

“We need to verify every address in the country. All will be done this year with GPS tracking systems,” Simpson said. “We prefer you work where you live. We want people to work in their neighborhoods versus someone coming out to do address canvassing in Lawrence County.”

More than 1,000 workers will be needed for these jobs in this 24 county region. Selection for all positions will be chosen on the results of skills test.

“It is all based on that test and that test only,” Simpson said. “Job experience and educational background has no part of it.”

All applicants must be 18 years old or older. However, 17-year-olds can take the test since they may be 18 by the time jobs open up. There is no age cap for any of these jobs.

“Our records show that some of our best worker are seniors,” she said. “They have transportation and have a good work ethic. … We want our employees to mirror the people in their community.”

Those hired for one job may also be hired for other assignments.

“A person could start essentially in 2009 and work through 2010,” Simpson said.

Those interested should schedule a time to take the test by call (866)-861-2010. Tests will be given at 10 a.m. and 1 p.m. Friday, Jan. 9 at Ohio University Proctorville and at 10 a.m. and 1 p.m. Saturday at Ohio University Southern.