It's been eight years since the US government got their head count, and it's about time to get another one.

"The census activities don't start in 2010, they start now," Lansing Mayor Virg Bernero said.

The good news?

The government needs help doing it. Thousands of new jobs will be created when the US Census Bureau opens a Lansing office in early October.

"It's a vital effort, the census count, and plus, the effort is going to bring 2,000 jobs to the area," Bernero said.

The government is looking for six managers to run the office --- plus the thousands who will go door to door.

"They're ultimately responsible for making sure all the local communities will have the correct addresses, where they're located," Jason Mackie, the Census Bureau area manager, said.

IT experience is a plus.

"If there's quality candidates out there with technical backgrounds and management background, we'd love to hear from you," Mackie said.

And though the jobs are temporary, Bernero said this may be the economic shot in the arm the Lansing area needs.

"For the next two years, to have the Census Bureau move in, it's a big economic boost to this area," he said.

The site for this brand new office was carefully chosen, in a building that's been vacant for three years, right in the heart of South Lansing.

"This is going to be turning into a bee hive of activity with 2,000 people coming and going," Bernero said. "It will only help local restaurants."

The city hopes thousands of local workers make this opportunity count.

To get more information, call the government toll free at 1-877-474-5222.

Or you can call the Cristo Rey Community Center at 517-372-4700.