Working for the U.S. Census Bureau wasn't exactly in Earl Sasser's retirement plans.
Last spring, Sasser applied for one of the part-time jobs and ended up address canvassing to prepare for the 2010 Census.
His enjoyment with the project encouraged him to pursue more opportunities with the nation-wide head count, and Sasser was able to put his management experience at DSM Chemicals to use when he was named the census office manager for Lexington, Aiken, Edgefield, Newberry and Saluda counties.
Sasser drives to West Columbia every work day to oversee a staff of about 50 as they prepare to count households in the five-county area.
Sasser said the relaxed environment makes the census work enjoyable, something he couldn't say about some jobs he's had. "We'll be here until Sept. 30 at the latest," he said. "It's a really nice place to work. Everyone's not fighting to get ahead."
South Carolina turned in the second worst census results, with Alaska coming in last, he said, so the staff's focus is on making the 2010 census the best for South Carolina ever.
The better response, the more money South Carolina can receive when federal dollars are doled out. It will also save money in follow-up visits for nonresponders.
"The federal government pumps about $400 billion per year into local and state government and this (the census) is one of the ways that money comes back," he said. "Your Congressional representation is also based on this, so you want to be well represented."
The basic survey is 10 questions, he said. Staff is currently targeting areas that were poor responders during the 2000 Census.
To ensure a better response, Sasser will oversee anywhere from 1,000 to 1,500 field employees that will follow up with households that didn't respond.
"We're basically looking for anyone that lives in those areas to apply," he said.
Much of the training is "just in time" training, he said with a laugh.
Sasser is a member of the First Baptist Church of North Augusta and enjoys seeing his children, who live in Charlotte, N.C., and Jacksonville, Fla.
Sasser is also a former city council member and chairman of the Greater North Augusta Chamber of Commerce.
Reach Julia Sellers at julia.sellers@northaugustatoday.com.
U.S. CENSUS BUREAU JOB TESTING
WHERE: Fairview Presbyterian Church, 1101 Carolina Ave.
WHEN: Each Wednesday. Temporary, part-time and full-time positions available
CALL: (866) 861-2010
