Job fair: quality over quantity

The annual spring job fair hosted by the Fallon Chamber of Commerce and local businesses may not have drawn as many people in recent years, but the number of quality openings and applicants increased.

Lucy Carnahan, executive director of the Chamber said she was pleased with the turnout of applicants who attended the Friday job fair at The Wok’s banquet room.

For example, by 10:30 a.m., two applicants had found employment, while other companies were currently interviewing others for jobs.

Many companies at the fair offered differnt types of employment and shifts.

“We’re looking for permanent and temporary positions,” said Paul Harmon of the Nevada Department of Transportation.

Harmon said most permanent openings are in the administrative offices in Carson City and Reno, while temporary crews are needed for spring construction or fall snow removal.

“We tell new people who work a temporary job for us that this is a good way for us to know you,” he said, adding many temporary workers eventually move up to permanent employment.

Helen Shaw, the Dairy Farmers of America’s human resource and safety officer, said the dry milk plant is looking for production operators. DFA currently employs 40 workers.

“We have a few good applicants,” Shaw said. “Our turnover is low, but we train.”

About 80 miles southeast of Fallon and across the highway from Gabbs, Premier Magnesia Co., is growing and.

“We have so many users for our products,” said Jennifer Williamson, human resource and safety officer.

Currently, Premier is looking for laborers, electricians, maintenance workers and mechanics. Salaries ranges from $23-$30 and includes benefits.

Toni Burton represented the Fallon Tribal Development Corporation. She said Fox Peak Cinema ramps up the number of employees for summer. Other openings occur, she said, because people find another job and move on.

At Banner Churchill Community Hospital, Samantha Stasik from Human Resources said she talked to applicants who are interested in nursing positions or CNAs (certified nursing assistant) seeking work in technician positions.

Manpower was busy, hiring four people for jobs before noon.

Matt Louie, president of the Chamber and manager of Louie’s Home Center, said applicants were more prepared, especially the younger people.

“They’re trying to tie their experience to what the business has to offer,” he said.

Jacobson Staffing Solutions recently opened on West Williams Avenue and is assisting businesses looking for employees,

“We’re a staffing firm and hire people for other companies,” said Tiffany Head, a staffing specialist. “We take care of all the payroll, hiring, drug testing and insurance.”

Currently, she said Jacobson Staffing Solutions also offers safety training.

Many applicants said they were pleased with the firms who attended this year’s job fair.

“I might have a few interested in me,” said Scott Gray, who is looking for a sales position. “My interviews went well.”

Gray said he has some good leads in both Fallon and Yerington and also at the Tahoe-Reno Industrial Center.

Brandon Orong has experience in sales and said the job fair had many businesses looking for salesmen.

“They are more into experienced sales people so it looks promising,” Orong said. “I interview (with one firm) next week.”

Orong said the job fair provides great opportunities.

Amber Bixby, branch manager of Manpower in Fallon and Fernley, said the Chamber’s job fair is one of the best organized events of its kind in the area.