Number of local job openings soars

Job Service Thompson Falls says they are seeing more job listings than they ever have, according to a Facebook post on their page, Job Service Thompson Falls. Currently they have over 100 job listings throughout the county. The listings include a variety of employment opportunities from full to part-time. An array of fields is represented in those listings, from hospitality to food service and construction to schools.

According to Erin Schock, manager for the services in both Sanders and Lake counties, this is “the most I have ever seen.” Schock has been working with Job Service for nine years and said the average number of listings usually sit at around 50 to 60 listings. The most she has seen has been in the seventies, until now.

Of the listings, there are a number related to the Clark Fork Valley Hospital, which is one of the biggest single employers in the county. “Housing is a big concern,” said Schock, speaking about the difficulties locals in both counties have been reporting when looking for jobs. Another issue she mentioned was childcare, citing that the amount of childcare providers as a whole has dropped after COVID-19. She also believes that after the pandemic, “many people are re-evaluating things.” According to Schock, a lot of people are looking for remote jobs and there is still some concern about COVID-19.

The Montana Job Service provides many of the needs people have when looking for a job or even a career change. “The society that we are in now, people are often changing careers,” said Schock. She mentioned that many people may not realize that they have transferable skills relevant to other careers they may be interested in. “It is not necessarily something to be afraid of,” said Schock about career changes. She also mentioned that nationwide there are numerous job openings, so now is a good time to look for a job, for any reason.

“People are always welcome to call our office, schedule a Zoom meeting or even stop by,” said Schock. “Ashley (Fredrickson) and Bonnie (Haun) are great and can help with career planning, training or getting started with a job search,” said Schock, referencing Job Service Thompson Falls employees. They can help with career changes, resume assistance and more. Another way Job Service in Thompson Falls can help is through a federal grant called the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act. This allows the service to help prospective employees find and fund training for certain jobs. It also can provide on the job training compensation options for those who want to learn locally.

The job service is working with the Thompson Falls Chamber of Commerce to host a career fair in the Thompson Falls High School gymnasium on Thursday, July 29. The fair will be 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. and is focusing on local job opportunities. Currently, they have 15 employers registered, but hope to take on more. Interested employers can contact Job Service, call the Chamber at (406) 544-6017 or email the Chamber at [email protected]. The fair will also feature veteran resource providers to help servicemen and women find job opportunities locally.

Employers who have registered for the job fair, as of Monday, include Clark Fork Valley Hospital, Sanders County, Quinn’s Hot Springs Resort, Professional Travelers Inc., Veterans Inc., Route 93 Truck Driver Training, Ameriprise Financial, Knerr Inc., Rimrock, Thompson River Lumber, Town Pump/Lucky Lil’s, Rehbein Ford, First Security Bank, Studs, LLC and The Sanders County Ledger.

Job seekers are encouraged to reach out to Job Service prior to the event for help with resumes and other tools for the job fair. Resume reviews will also be available at the job fair.

Updates on Job Service can be found on their Facebook, as well as by calling their office at (406) 382-3045. Their building is located just off Highway 200, east of Thompson Falls, at 2504 Tradewinds Way. Their office is open Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Wednesday from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.