The U.S. Census Bureau is looking for area residents to fill temporary jobs in preparation for the 2010 census.

Some of the jobs require employees to use handheld computers to canvass neighborhoods and update address lists. Other positions will provide office support.

Many of the jobs will last eight to 10 weeks.

Depending on the position and location, pay will range from $8 to $19.25 per hour. Applicants must be 18 years of age or older and a U.S. citizen.

Those applying will also be required to take a basic aptitude test which emphasizes clerical skills, literacy, organization and the ability to interpret information.

Testing in Fairfield will be held on Thursdays at 9 a.m. and 1 p.m. at the Fairfield Conference Center and in Teague on Tuesdays at 9 a.m. and 1 p.m. at Workforce Solutions.

Testing will not be held on Tuesday, Feb. 17 and Thursday, Feb. 19. For more information, call 1- 866-861-2010 or visit www.census.gov/rodal/ww w/emplu.html

Census questionnaires will be mailed by March 2010. Conducted every 10 years, the census helps determine federal program funding and political representation in Congress.