The official count is more than a year away, but the U.S. Census Bureau is already hiring workers in North Dakota to begin preparations for the 2010 census.

The bureau has opened a Bismarck office to recruit more than 3,600 part-time employees across the state. Applicants must pass a background check and a test indicating they have the basic skills necessary for the job.

The Census Bureau says it's looking for people familiar with their communities. About 1.3 million people will be hired across the country.

The work starts next spring when the employees go into their communities to document housing units.

- Associated Press