There are state and federal job openings, so spread the word! For starters, the United States Census Bureau is still looking for help in knocking on doors after April 1st. Between March 12-20, a notification will be sent to every home, inviting them to participate in the census either online, by phone, or by mail. Inevitably, there will be some folks who will either forget or ignore the notice, and therefore, ground pounders will be necessary to get the information personally.

This is where help is needed. The Census Bureau is in dire need of those in Lycoming County, particularly in the outlying areas, and has increased the hourly rate to $17.50/hour. It is possible to apply online: 2020census.gov/jobs.

This is a temp job, of course, but a job is a job. Speaking of temp jobs, Rep Jeff Wheeland has passed along that the PA Turnpike Commission is now accepting applications for its summer employment program. Available positions include toll collector, maintenance, clerical, engineering, and information technology. All eligible applicants must be at least 18 years of age and completed a secondary education program such as high school or GED at the time of hiring. Applicants will also be subject to a Pennsylvania criminal background check screening.

Toll collectors must be available to work any of the three shifts over 24 hours, including weekends and holidays, based on a 40-hour week. The pay is $12 per hour for toll collectors, maintenance, and clerk positions. It is $14.50 per hour for engineering and information technology positions. The summer employment program runs between May 1 and Sept. 30. Those who participated in the program previously must re-submit an application for consideration.

All applications MUST be submitted online at paturnpike.com/employment, and applicants should select “SUMMER WORK” in the first step of the registration process. Copies of online applications should be sent to Rep Jeff Wheeland’s Harrisburg office; 427 Irvis Office Building, PO Box 202083, Harrisburg PA 17120-2083 / Tel: 717-787-2885 /by Friday, April 10th.

There are also some full-time jobs waiting to be filled with the Federal Bureau of Prisons. Right now, there are 50 vacancies at the Allenwood Federal Correctional Complex. They are an Equal Opportunity Employer, and they have jobs that range with a base pay from $43-61,000 annually depending on experience. Federal Law Enforcement also offers exceptional benefits such as vacation time and retirement after only 25 years of service.

Generally, a college degree is required, although there are other ways to qualify, such as three-years of supervisory work experience. Of course, this being the Federal Bureau of Prisons, there will be required background investigations, medical clearances, and age restrictions unless the applicant is a qualifying veteran.

The way to get started is http://www.usajobs.gov. Search for correctional officer, Bureau of Prisons nationwide, and within the process to apply, select “Allenwood” as the #1 location. Need help? Call the Human Relations Office at Allenwood FCC at 570-547-1990.