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US Census Bureau

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Great pay; demanding environment; chaotic scheduling - Census Field Supervisor US Census Bureau Employee Review

4.0
Jan 3, 2022
Recommend
CEO approval
Business Outlook

Pros

The pay is great. I worked here for the 2020 census (May-Oct 2021) and we made $20/hr in Alabama. Overtime was also available 7 days per week. If you are looking for a flexible, work-from-home job, the census can provide that (at least during COVID). The supervisors were mostly remote working over the phone. I did have field time a few hours per week. You also gain the chance to work with a variety of people, and co-workers are great and very committed to the mission of the census. And it's a chance to support a good cause (an accurate count brings public funding and more to your area).

Cons

We were required to work 7 days per week during the Census, roughly 12 hour days. Although we were remote we were on call continuously during this time. I was berated for not joining a work meeting that was called at 9 pm on a Sunday, with 10 minutes of heads up. All work meetings were considered mandatory even if they were scheduled with less than 30 minutes notice. I believe many people made this job work as it is flexible and work-from-home; can accommodate childcare; etc. And due to its temporary nature only lasting a few months, many were willing to put their lives on hold during this time for the pay. As someone seeking greater work-life balance I had a lot of trouble with this job and it was not a great fit for me, although I did learn a lot and enjoyed feeling like part of a larger team. The managers worked even more grueling hours than we did. I took one weekend off at the beginning of the Census (2 days; at the time I didn't consider this taking time off as it was a weekend) and was shamed considerably for it when I got back as others had to cover for me, etc. I did not take a day off after that.

Explore other reviews about US Census Bureau

5.0
May 21, 2026
Recommend
CEO approval
Business Outlook

Pros

Able to set your own hours as long as you're productive

Cons

Some people did not want to participate at all

3.0
May 27, 2026
Recommend
CEO approval
Business Outlook

Pros

Worthwhile work to benefit the city you are working in. Most everyone I worked with was pretty nice and willing to lend a hand if needed. But I feel like I saw the other side of how upper management treats people they don't like as much and i saw aspects that weren't as good through upper managements treatment of others.

Cons

Constantly changing directives from upper management. And they don't have your back when you get questioned why you followed the most recent order from your boss. Inconsistent pay scales by position. Pay varies by location. But they don't adjust it upward. If you hire on in a city that pays less, you don't get a bump if you stay with the company and work in a new city that pays better in your next assignment. Meaning new hires with no experience can easily make more than you because they started in the city that pays more. One of my best employees was paid the least. I felt bad and tried to get their rate adjusted with no luck. It very much has the vibe of they are figuring out things as they go, The department is grossly understaffed. Technology is lacking creating inefficiencies.

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