Two employers in Central Kitsap are looking to fill hundreds of full-time, part-time and temporary jobs.

TeleTech and the U.S. Census put out the call earlier this month, but despite an 8.8 percent unemployment rate in Kitsap County, they are still trying to fill positions.

Although the wages aren’t going to pay for boats, vacations and jewelry, for those whose unemployment benefits are running out or those looking to break into the job market in a down economy, the jobs can provide a needed stop gap.

TeleTech, a Silverdale inbound call center, is looking to hire about 150.

The U.S. Census is looking to add even more than that.

Teletech, which handles customer service for a wireless carrier, is looking for employees who enjoy talking with people with six months of customer service experience.

Answering calls comes with challenges of dealing professionally and politely with people, said Andreas Wieman, executive director of global operations for the Denver-based company.

“It definitely is a challenging job, you have really learn how to mentally deal with it,” Wieman said. The position comes with five weeks of paid training, where new employees learn some job skills as well as some training on voice inflection.

Base pay is $9.50 an hour, but with performance bonuses the average pay since the beginning of the year is about $11.72 an hour, Wieman said. Employees are eligible for benefits after 30 days.

The positions come with flexibility to meet the needs of

“We try our best to juggle schedules around and try to make it work for everybody,” Wieman said.

Applicants can go to www.hirepoint.com to take an online testing assessment or come in person to 1400 NE McWilliams Road to take the test.

The U.S. Census makes an initial six attempts to contact residents for the 10-year count, and needs an army of employees to do so.

Training starts for the various positions next month and the pay ranges from $13.25 for enumerators to $16.25 for a field operations supervisor. Training is paid as well as mileage.

Although the job is temporary and offers no benefits, it offers flexibility, said Brian Maule, adding that they have shifts in the morning, afternoon, evening and weekend to fill.

A preference for being outdoors and dealing with people is a plus, but even shy people can find a place, Maule said, noting that enumerators often have to go into nursing homes to count.

“There is always something for someone,” he said, adding that the job isn’t for everyone. “Some people love the work, some people show up for training and quit.”

For more information on applying for a Census job call (360) 447-4470, toll free at (866) 861-2010 or visit the Web site at 2010censusjobs.gov.