By Lex Talamo

Yakima Herald-Republic

The U.S. Census Bureau is looking to hire almost 16,000 people across Washington state to help ensure data collected during the 2020 Census is as accurate as possible.

Census takers hired in the Yakima area will make $16 an hour. The Census Bureau also is looking to fill a variety of other positions, including office personnel, with rates ranging from $18 to $23 an hour, according to a news release.

Data from the 2020 Census, slated for April 1, will determine how the federal government distributes about $800 billion over the next decade to states and cities for critical services including hospitals, schools, emergency response services, and road maintenance.

Bilingual applicants proficient in English and Spanish are needed and are encouraged to apply.

For more information, go to https://2020census.gov/jobs.