The 2010 U.S. census begins in March of next year. But right now, the Census Bureau is looking to hire hundreds of thousands of employees for the big count.

Census takers will locate households and conduct interviews with respondents. They also explain the purpose of the census and record responses to questions.

According to the Web site 2010census.gov, workers will make $12 an hour in Talladega County and $11.75 in St. Clair County.

Census takers usually work in their own neighborhoods or communities. Working hours, not to exceed 40 a week, can include nights and evenings.

Other job opportunities are available, such as census crew leader and recruiting assistant. Most jobs will run from 5 to 10 weeks.

Employees will be paid weekly and be reimbursed for mileage and other expenses incurred.

Applicants must be 18 years or older. Also, everyone must take a written test of basic skills. A sample test is available n the census Web site.

Cities in Talladega and St. Clair counties have begun organizing “Complete Count Committees” to inform everyone about the count. Bebe Andrews, head of the Sylacauga group, organized a meeting earlier this month with residents and city leaders.

“It involves people across the board, from all walks of life, to educate people about the census so we could get an accurate count,” Andrews said.

According to a Census Bureau release, the count will include all ages and all race and ethnic groups, including non-citizens.

“The census takes a snapshot of the U.S. population, determining how many people reside inside the nation’s borders,” it stated. “Data about how much communities are changing is crucial to many planning decisions — such as neighborhood improvements … public health, education, transportation, senior services and much more.”

Population data is taken into account when billions of dollars in federal funds are allocated. Also, census counts affect the number of seats for a state in the U.S. House of Representatives and boundaries of congressional districts.

For more information or to schedule an employment test, call 1-866-861-2010. Information, including a practice test, is also available at www.2010censusjobs.gov.