400+ Job Seekers Line Up for Over 200 Local Jobs
Attendees talk to participating agencies at the Job Fair. Courtesy photos.
PORT OF HUENEME — The Port of Hueneme/Oxnard Harbor District hosted its first-ever job fair last Saturday, offering 450 members of the local community the opportunity to apply for over 200 jobs.
Amanda Burwick, Placement Project Specialist for Oxnard College, came to the Job Fair offering over 70 jobs currently available through the Ventura Community College District’s three campuses. “The turnout was tremendous and very consistently busy all day,” she said. “The Port did an incredible job with the event; everything was well-planned, and it was a great idea to have professionals available to help attendees with resume writing,” she added.
Port Hueneme resident Joshua Baily came to the Fair to seek customer service jobs, but got a lot more, as many of the partners provided career guidance. “This is really amazing because companies described [the available jobs] so well and weren’t rushing to explain,” he said. “They took their time.”
Drew Rodriguez, Administrative Assistant, provides information about the Port of Hueneme to Job Fair attendees
Tracy Pham came from Simi Valley to attend the Fair. She will be graduating California State University Northridge in May with a degree in electrical engineering and made a beeline for the Naval Facilities Engineering Command table. “They were very helpful and offered a lot of options. I was impressed that they gave me a decent amount of information about jobs and how to apply,” commented Pham.
“Hosting a local job fair is important for our residents. The Port believes it is vital that we continue offering employment opportunities for residents who count on their Port for economic growth and vitality,” explained Oxnard Harbor District President Jess Ramirez.
Partnering agencies included County of Ventura, the City of Port Hueneme, Oxnard College, Naval Facilities Engineering and Expeditionary Warfare Center (NAVFAC EXWC), Goodwill Industries of Ventura and Santa Barbara Counties, Ventura County Fire Department, U.S. Census Bureau, Employers Depot, Inc., Salvation Army Employment Services, UA Local 484 Plumbers, and Carpenters Local 805.
Michael Escamilla, Chair of the Political Action Committee for Local 805 was on hand with his team, speaking with attendees about carpenter jobs. “We talked to over 100 people today and accepted about 60 applications for jobs that range from foundation to finish work for construction projects,” explained Escamilla. “There is a lot of work locally, even right here at the Port,” he added.
On hand to help check in Job Fair attendees and answer questions were Port Hueneme Police Department Explorers. Law Enforcement Exploring is the preeminent career orientation and experience program for youth ages 14-20 contemplating a career in criminal justice.
“I was very pleased with the turnout from not only job seekers, but also from our local partners who participated in the Port Job Fair,” commented Andrew Palomares, Deputy Executive Director, CFO/CAO for the Port of Hueneme. “One of the best aspects of the Fair was the wide variety of jobs and professions available for job seekers. I know we talked with a number of great candidates for our Port positions,” added Palomares.
Joshua Baily echoed the sentiment. “I feel like if anyone comes here they will get something – you will find something for you.”
Find out more about employment at the Port of Hueneme: www.portof.org/jobs
The Port of Hueneme is one of the most productive and efficient commercial trade gateways for niche cargo on the West Coast. The Port is governed by five locally elected Port Commissioners. The Port moves $9.5 billion in goods each year and consistently ranks among the top ten U.S. ports for automobiles and fresh produce. Port operations support the community by bringing $1.7 billion in economic activity and creating 15,834 trade-related jobs. Trade through the Port of Hueneme generates more than $119 million in direct and related state and local taxes, which fund vital community services. In 2017, the Port of Hueneme became the first port in California to become Green Marine certified and was voted the Greenest Port in the U.S. at the Green Shipping Summit.