The people of Westmeath are being encouraged to Make Their Mark on Census 2011 by applying to be a Census enumerator. Some 5,000 enumerators will be required around the country to ensure that Ireland has a successful Census. And 92 Census enumerators will be needed in County Westmeath.
The next Census will take place on Sunday April 10. Successful applicants will be offered fixed purpose contracts commencing in March 2011 for a period of eight to 10 weeks. 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 five to six 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.
Deirdre Cullen from the CSO explained that “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, enumerators must have tact, consideration, and patience.”
Enumerators must also be able to read maps and be able to understand detailed instructions. It is also helpful if they have some survey, market research, or practical social work experience.
Geraldine Kenny from Mullingar was an enumerator during Census 2006. Geraldine said that she applied for the position because she “enjoyed working with older people and I needed the extra income at the time”.
“It was a great way to meet nice people and I enjoyed being able to help people to fill out their form.”
If you are interested in becoming an enumerator for Census 2011 then please register your interest at www.census.ie
The application process will open on January 4 but if you register your interest now you will be sent a reminder to apply in January. Applications will only be taken through the CSO website www.census.ie and the closing date is 5pm on Tuesday January 11. However the applications process may close prior to this date if the number of applications received reaches 15,000.
