Photo courtesy of MyTwoCensus.com.

Last week, one helpful reader gave us a heads up that the 2010 census was struggling to hire qualified census takers and provided information on how to sign up for the required exam. This authentically broke writer wasted no time in calling the number provided in that post. The friendly woman who picked up the phone gave me an appointment to take the test at Metropolitan Pool, not far from my apartment in Williamsburg. Here’s how it went down:

On test day, only four other people were there. The test process itself was surprisingly un-nightmarish. I filled out a short job application before starting and the test administrator graded the exams on the spot. I even kind of enjoyed the mildly challenging questions meant to evaluate my ability to read maps, put names and dates in order, and do simple arithmetic.

Though I scored well, I couldn’t feel too optimistic after the examiner explained that veterans and those who speak a second language will be given preference over monolingual civilians like me. Where I live could also determine whether or not I have a near-future with the Census Bureau. Still, they say demand is high.

If you decide to take the test, consider going over the practice test online, but don’t sweat it. If you have the skills to pass the seventh grade, the half-hour multiple-choice exam will probably make you feel smarter. Not a bad fringe benefit for anyone duking it out in this super-competitive job market.

If you want to apply, our census tipster sent us this list of today’s testing locations (Tues. March 9):

Dumbo
1 p.m.
Dr. White Community Center – 200 Gold St.
7 p.m.
Goodwill Cornerstone Community Center – 228 York St.

Red Hook
6 p.m., Red Hook Library – 7 Wolcott St. 11231

Borough Park
Noon & 3 p.m.
Borough Park Library – 1265 43rd St.

Boerum Hill
Noon, Bethel Baptist Church – 265 Bergen St.

Photo courtesy of MyTwoCensus.com.

So we’ve been meaning to post about these census-taking gigs that pay around $20 an hour, and just today a thoughtful and generous tipster writes in to tell us that Brooklyn is currently facing a shortage of census takers. He also tells us how to apply. Kind tipster, please take it away:

“I am currently working for the 2010 Census, and the local office based on Fulton St, which covers the neighborhoods reaching from DUMBO to Clinton Hill & Prospect Heights—Red Hook to Sunset Park (and everything in between) is currently facing a shortage of applicants for Enumerating jobs in this region.

“We are so short on applicants that everyone in our database will be offered a job within the next 6 weeks, and due to refusals and not being able to reach some people we probably won’t be able to fill all of the jobs that we have.

“This is a great opportunity for people in this area to make some quick cash. The greatest number of jobs that will be available pay $18.75 an hour, but there will be positions available that pay from $14.50/hr. to $20.25/hr. and offer flexible part-time and full-time schedules including evening and weekend hours. The job also includes a paid training period.

“All people have to do is call 718-360-5150 to schedule to take the test. Or, show up at the Big Branch of the Brooklyn Public Library at Grand Army Plaza between 1:30 and 1:45 this Sunday, with two forms of ID (Photo – Passport, License, State ID plus a Social Security Card, or Birth Certificate.) It’s that simple. Due to the shortage, just about any passing score will net a job.

“I’ve been working for the Census on and off for a while, and it’s an interesting job. I highly recommend it, especially for people who are interested in Brooklyn and people.”

Thanks for the extremely useful info, whoever you are! Everyone else, if you have a scoop, please send it to tips [at] brokelyn [dot] com.