Thousands of people looking for work may have a new opportunity - thanks to the upcoming 2010 Census.

The Federal Government is hiring thousands of Census workers and that includes positions here in Northern Michigan. The U.S. Census Bureau office in Traverse City says they'll be hiring 3,500 workers in the coming weeks.  The workers will be needed across thirteen counties in the region. Some census workers will be needed for office jobs at about $8 an hour. But most will earn $11.25 an hour plus mileage, as they travel door to door to collect census data.

It's short term employment, but it could help many of those who are currently out of work or looking for additional income. The census bureau is beginning interviews next week, and they're holding information meetings all across the region in the weeks ahead. Specific dates can be found on our community calendar by click on THIS LINK.   You can also find details on the government's website HERE or by calling 1-866-861-2010.

As far as responding to the census, questionnaires will be mailed to residents on March 15th.  The Census Bureau encourages you to fill them out as quickly as possible. They'll also be setting up help sites for people who have questions after receiving the surveys.

We'll have more on this story this weekend on 7 & 4 News.