Working for the 2020 Census

Are you thinking about working for the 2020 Census?  Federal employees are generally prohibited under the dual employment statute (5 U.S. Code § 5533) from receiving compensation for work performed for and paid by another agency, unless an exception applies. Federal law (13 U.S. Code § 23) permits the Census Bureau to hire federal employees upon approval of agency directors, but only for temporary, short-term work on the 2020 Census.

The 2020 Census has issued guidance identifying a number of federal agencies—including the Department of the Interior—that have a dual employment agreement with the Census Bureau, meaning that employees at those agencies can accept 2020 Census positions. If you have specific questions about working for the 2020 Census or for another federal agency during your service at DOI, please contact an ethics official.