April 11, 2016 — The U.S. Census Bureau announced today that it plans to conduct a census test, beginning Oct. 3, 2016, in selected areas within St. Louis, Mo., and Buncombe County, N.C.

The Census Bureau will test new technologies for the address canvassing operation, which is the process of identifying and noting the locations of houses, apartments, shelters and other residences. The test will utilize new methodologies and data sources to detect new residential developments or show neighborhoods that remain unchanged since the 2010 Census.

The Census Bureau chose areas within St. Louis and Buncombe County based on their mix of housing types in urban, suburban and rural areas that have experienced changes in their population since 2010. These characteristics will help the Census Bureau test and refine its operational plans for the 2020 Census. The tests will explore new ways for the Census Bureau to use technology to identify where people reside. The test ends Dec.16, 2016.

Conducting this test will require hiring approximately 150 temporary census staff for each site. Pay for the office and field staff needed will range from $13.84 to $19.21 per hour. Recruiting is now underway for these local jobs.

For more information about job opportunities in Buncombe County, please call the toll-free number 1- 800-424-6974 Ext. 53959 or atlanta.recruiting@census.gov.

For more information about job opportunities in St. Louis, please call the toll-free number

1-866-593-6154 or chicago.recruiting@census.gov.

The test supports the goal of the 2020 Census, which is to count everyone once, only once, and in the right place. As 2020 Census operations move forward, the Census Bureau will continue to improve the use of mobile technology, administrative records, innovations from the geospatial industry and self-response via the internet that will support the 2020 Census. This test will provide insights and guide our planning to ensure an accurate census.

For more information, visit census.gov/adcan.