U.S. Census Bureau To Hire 16,000 Mass. Workers

Amid the recession and widespread layoffs, one place is currently hiring up to 16,000 employees in Massachusetts: The federal government.

The next census takes place on April 1 next year. With two offices in Boston and others spread around the state, the U.S Census Bureau has already started hiring.

Deputy Regional Director Bruce Kaminski said it’s a great opportunity for people out of work. "They may now pick up a skill set that could maybe land them a job in private industry," he said.

The temporary jobs last for two months and often longer. Those available range from field work to information technology to office supervision.

Kaminski said the Census Bureau is seeing more highly qualified applicants than during the 2000 counting, which took place during the Internet boom with low unemployment rates.

Last month the agency hired 1,000 people. That more than made up for job losses on the state and local government levels.