Job Fest draws a crowd

An employment application is your first impression. "Spelling, grammar and punctuation errors are the first thing potential employers notice when someone submit an application for a position," said Miguel Salazar, social service supervisor of the Kern County Department of Human Services.

"A messy application might make an employer think twice about hiring you because you might be messy."

That was just one piece of advice provided at the Wasco Job Fest on last week at the Recreation Hall. The Department of Human Services hosted the event in collaboration with the City of Wasco and the Department of Recreation and Parks.

The Wasco Recreation Center saw a rise in the number of vendors at its second annual event. "There were 28 vendors last year," Salazar said. "This year we had 38 vendors, and we are expecting more applicants to arrive."

This year's vendors included Jack in the Box, Exact Staffing Associates, and the Kern County Sheriff's Office.

This year both rooms were filled with employers and those assisting job applicants.

Several employment agencies and local companies were available for applicants to interview with. "One of the positive experiences about the Job Fest is that the applicant can apply directly to an employer and get an interview on the spot," job developer George Frayre said. "Our goal is to continue holding a job fest in Wasco so we can get the applicants and the businesses together."

Recruitment Coordinator Jasmine Tijerina and Human Resources Manager Kristina Gordon represented the Valley Achievement Center, a nonprofit providing adult services and help for children.

The center gives one-on-one instruction for students with autism spectrum disorders, emotional disturbance and/or intellectual disabilities. There are separate programs for students of different age groups in need of special classes. The program instructors provide adaptive measures for each student's needs.

The center also offers a preschool program for ages 3-5.

The adult program offers independent life skill coaching, supported living services, professional vocational social adjustment, group-supported employment and a day program.

The center is currently hiring direct care staff and program managers.

It is located at 1400 New Stine Rd. in Bakersfield and can be reached at 661-617-6040.

The Department of Corrections also made an appearance at the Job Fest, represented by Correctional Officers L. Quiroz and E. Ocampo (they would not provide their names, citing security concerns), Supervisor of Building Trades John Florez and Correctional Food Manager Comas Boyd.

Florez shared information about his family's history with Wasco State Prison. "My stepfather, Mike Carrillo, was the first warden."

Various flyers were on display detailing open positions, such as cook specialist, correctional supervising cook, Protestant chaplain, materials stores supervisor, painter and office technician. The lowest starting monthly salary was $3,087 for a clerical position and the highest salary was $6,439 for a Protestant chaplain.

Nearby, 14-year Deputy Probation Officer Rebeca Barron and 20-year Deputy Probation Officer Rosa Lopez opened up about how the department recruits help from juveniles. "Open recruitment and the minimum requirement for Extra Help Juvenile Corrections Officers is 60 semester units," Barron said.

The Department of Corrections is currently looking for a juvenile corrections cook. Minimum requirements include a year of experience in a full-service kitchen and a food handlers certificate or culinary arts degree/certificate from the County of Kern. Applications can be submitted on the county website.

Also present was the radio station KUZZ. Aidee Velazquez, who has been with the company 23 years, and 15-year employee Esther Gayton praised the station. "It's a small company, not a corporate environment," Velazquez said. "We are more like a family."

Positions available at Buck Owens' Crystal Palace are line cooks, dishwashers and servers. Resumes can be sent to [email protected] or mailed to Buck Owens Production Co., 3223 Sillect Ave., Bakersfield 93308.

The Kern County Probation Department was hoping to obtain volunteers in probation. Their brochure states that volunteering offers an opportunity to be involved in the criminal justice system at the community level. It reads: "Volunteers are DO-ers as well as LISTENERS."

Volunteers must be over age 18 with a valid California driver's license or California ID. Interns must be 21 years or older with a current CDL.

Anita Ziegeler is the probation volunteer services coordinator and can be reached at 661-868-7428. The department is located at 2005 Ridge Rd. in Bakersfield.

The City of Delano was represented at the event by Human Resources Manager Darcel Carrillo, who stated that she loved working in Delano. "You know everyone. We aren't too big or too small."