The U.S. Census Bureau needs some help and instead of asking for volunteers, the department is looking to hire a few thousand Americans.

The bureau is currently accepting applications for 2010 Census jobs.

“The bulk of what we are looking to hire will be census takers,” said Pamela Page-Bellis, census regional senior media specialist.

“For every household that doesn’t return the (paper) survey, the census takers will go out to those homes to conduct the survey in person. We will also be hiring for a few other field operations positions, but census takers will be where we reach out to the community the most.”

Regionally, the bureau plans to hire around 1,000 new, temporary employees, Page-Bellis said.

Pay scales depend on the area, but according to the bureau’s Web site, local census takers could make at least $11.75 per hour. The temporary employees can also expect to be paid weekly.

The census is conducted every 10 years and is used to determine population trends and demographics among other things. The results of the survey are also used in allocating some federal funding. The new census forms only have 10 questions and each household is expected to respond.

Because the bureau is attempting to take account of every resident in the United States, workers will be hired to account for non-responders in their communities — thus the number of available jobs in any given area depends on how many people fail to return their census survey. The temporary assignments will last between five to 10 weeks.

“The jobs, which offer competitive wages and flexible schedules, also allow people to work in their neighborhoods and for their neighborhoods,” said Marilia Matos, U.S. bureau associate director for field operations, in a prepared statement.

“We hire locally, and an accurate count means a fair distribution of money for schools, roads, neighborhood improvements and elderly care in your community.”

Most 2010 Census jobs require U.S. citizenship, a driver’s license and the use of a vehicle, bureau staff say. Applicants will also be expected to submit to a background check.