Homewood, AL - There are new jobs available if you do not mind collecting data for the government.  As the 2010 census approaches, the census bureau needs all types of workers.

"It's something that's important to do, so it gives me a chance to earn a little money and do it, too," said Nelda Doss.

In just a few weeks, retired principal Doss will go back to work - this time for the government.

She learned online about an opportunity to go door to door collecting data for the 2010 census.

"I wouldn't be asked to go into unknown neighborhoods and things along that lines then I thought, well that will give me a chance to get out and meet people," she said.

The information Doss collects will help the government know how to distribute more than $3 trillion over the next 10 years.

Earning $10/hour - $18/hour, it puts money  back in her pockets, too.

"Things that come along that you're not prepared for," Doss said.  "That might be an expense that you had not thought about. So that will give me a little cushion."

"With the transition in the economy, people are just looking for job opportunities," said Darryl Lee with the U.S. Census.  "Out of this office we're saying at least 1,000 to 1,500 during the duration of operations."

That includes full-time, part-time and flex employees.  With the state's unemployment rate now about 8%, those positions provide people with another shot at work.

"We need workers so we can get good addresses, send the questionnaires out so we can get a good response," Lee said.

They give the government tools to know where its money would be best spent.

"I'm sure there are areas that we don't even know about that are in need so this will give a chance to bring them to light," said Doss.

There are still positions available with the Birmingham office. 

For more information, go to www.census.gov/hdr/www

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