CLARKSBURG, W.Va. — West Virginia Division of Highways is looking to fill 500 vacancies to complete the various projects part of the Roads to Prosperity Highway Program passed in October.
DOH recruiter Leslie Adkins has been busy with events throughout the state to attract new prospects to fill those roles, bringing long-term career opportunities to those looking for employment.
“This road work is going to last years. I mean, it’s not just going to be over with tomorrow, it’s going to last years,” Adkins said. “People have asked me, ‘When this is all done, what happens to me?’ You’re going to remain a West Virginia Division of Highways employee. We won’t let you off.”
The next recruitment event will be held from 10:30 to 11 a.m. at the Louis A. Johnson VA Medical Center in Clarksburg Thursday.
“I’ve arranged to speak to a group of veterans who are trying to get back into the workforce,” Adkins said. “I’m going to go speak to them and explain to them what we have to offer and how to apply.”
The Division of Highways is hiring highway engineers, project inspectors, transportation workers, technicians and other various positions, as well as trainees and associates.
One unique position is the transportation engineering technician and an accompanying trainee position with multiple levels to work up toward, Adkins said.
“We train them on the job, send them to school and when they get done, they will have a degree in engineering technology. We also do the same for our bridge inspectors,” she said.
While Adkins is getting quite a bit of interest in those jobs, there’s still many more to fill. But she’s optimistic they’ll fill all 500 openings.
“I don’t think we’ll have a problem getting things filled,” she said. “We are the state, so things run a little bit slower in the private sector, but we’re getting people to apply and we’re starting to see the fruits of our labor and seeing them hired.”
DOH is currently in the process of creating a computer system to track potential hires through the job application process, but Adkins prefers using a more hands-on approach with each of the recruits she meets.
“When I meet somebody, I always tell them, ‘Keep in contact with me. Here’s my number. I want to know when you apply. If it’s a tested position, I want to know when you test. I want to know when you get on the register. I’m going to watch you through this, and I’m going to help you all I can.”
Another hiring event will be held in the hiring event in the eastern panhandle on July 17 for Berkeley and Jefferson counties. This event will be targeted toward recruiting transportation workers and will be held at the Berkeley County headquarters in Martinsburg.