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Now Hiring

With another busy summer season around the corner, local businesses are eager to grow in a tight labor market

By Dillon Tabish
Beacon File Photo

Arguably more than ever before, and certainly more than most places, the Flathead Valley is now hiring.

Job postings are piling up as broad economic growth continues to swell and the bustling summer season approaches. All indicators, from residential and commercial development to population gains and nonresident visitation, demonstrate that Flathead County is once again a leader in Montana’s thriving economic landscape, similar to the pre-recession boom.

In the last 12 months, the county gained 736 jobs, the second most in Montana, according to the latest figures from the state Department of Labor and Industry. Gallatin County continues to tower above the rest of the state in terms of economic expansion, adding 2,467 jobs since February 2016.

Montana as a whole is enjoying sizeable momentum in job growth. The latest data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics shows the state led the nation in job growth last month with the largest nonfarm payroll employment increase. With 0.6 percent growth in February, Montana tied with Nebraska and was slightly ahead of New Mexico (0.5 percent), Arkansas (0.5 percent) and Illinois (0.4 percent).

Employment is picking up steam in preparation for summer, particularly in places with seasonal upticks, such as Flathead County. Payroll employment in Montana increased by roughly 3,000 jobs from February to March, with the private sector adding 2,800 of those jobs, according to the labor department. The construction, retail trade, and leisure activities industries posted the largest job gains.

“Montana’s economy is off to a hot start in 2017, with thousands of new jobs added just last month,” Gov. Steve Bullock stated. “More Montanans are at work than ever before in our state’s history and Montana businesses are creating good-paying jobs being filled by our friends, families, and neighbors.”

The health care industry remains a bright stalwart in the local economy, accounting for roughly 6,300 jobs and 21 percent of the county’s total payroll. The industry is expected to grow faster than the national average over the next 10 years.

The construction industry is also booming, driven by new commercial and residential development. Service industries, such as hotels, restaurants and retail locations, are expected to keep benefiting from a massive influx of tourists. Nonresident visitors spent an estimated $635.4 million in Flathead County in 2016, second most in Montana behind only Gallatin County.

Flathead Valley Community College, which provides a growing lineup of relevant skilled labor training programs, has held strong enrollment numbers while other regional schools, such as the University of Montana, have experienced decreases, and the Kalispell campus is poised for additional gains as the new student housing facility nears completion.

“It’s a very good environment out there right now,” Joe Unterreiner, president and CEO of the Kalispell Chamber of Commerce, said.

Yet for all the good news, there is also plenty of room to improve.

Flathead County still had nearly 2,900 unemployed residents last month. Average local wages have improved by nearly $6,000 since 2010 but remain at $38,480, among the lowest in the state and well below the national average of $48,098, according to the latest figures from the state labor department. Affordable and available housing are increasingly worrisome for job seekers, families and city planners.

“(Affordable and available housing) are key concerns that we see with job seekers,” Janie Hunter, branch manager at LC Staffing, said. “There are folks who would be willing to relocate here, but unless they have connections here, they often don’t have a place to live.”

At the same time, the local labor pool has shrunk considerably, making it difficult for many local businesses to find and retain employees.

“There is definitely a smaller pool of available workers,” Hunter said.

A year ago, there were more than 900 available jobs in Flathead County, the most ever, according to the local job service.

This tight labor market is a big challenge facing local businesses, Hunter said. The strain of the worker shortage is leading employers to make certain changes to accommodate prospective employees.

Some businesses have begun offering bus passes or fuel reimbursement to help with transportation needs. Others that rely on a strong seasonal workforce have implemented “end-of-season bonuses” that reward those who stick it out until the end, Hunter said. As another creative incentive, some local companies are offering “attendance bonuses” that reward those who don’t miss days during the hectic summer season, when every day can feel like a busy weekend.

“These (incentives) can create stability for businesses at a time when they need it most,” Hunter said.

Some businesses have started providing lunch, and others are expanding access to employer-paid services, such as community events or gym memberships. Others are allowing flexible schedules to accommodate families that need to get kids to school or daycare in the morning and pick them up in the afternoon.

Job seekers are especially interested in health care coverage, particularly employer plans that cover other family members.

“That’s a huge incentive for families to get full coverage,” Hunter said. “With rising costs, fewer businesses are able to provide all family coverage, but I tell (businesses) that if they do offer that, it makes them competitive.”

Specific jobs that are in high demand include construction workers, plumbers, electricians, and food and service industry workers. Certain skilled labor is also experiencing a job shortage as a growing number of workers in the Baby Boomer generation retire and vacate positions, tightening the labor market even further. Nearly 6.5 percent of Montana’s labor force is already over 65 years old, the second-highest share in the U.S. Another 96,000 workers are between 55 and 64 and approaching retirement. Flathead County has one of the largest percentages of older workers in the state, according to state labor data.

“There is a gap between people who are retiring out of that workforce, and there is really not a lot of available talent to refill those jobs,” Hunter said.

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Upcoming Job Fairs

March 30

2 p.m., grouse Mountain Lodge, Whitefish

Several local employers, such as Glacier Park Inc., Whitefish Parks and Recreation, Great Northern Brewing Co., and Sweet Peaks, will be in attendance seeking employees. This event is free and open to the public with refreshments provided. Make sure to bring an up-to-date resume.

April 20

2:30-6 p.m., Gateway Community Center, Kalispell

Organized by Flathead Job Service and Flathead Valley Community College, this free event will provide employers actively seeking applicants for full-time, part-time and temporary positions the opportunity to connect with job seekers from the college and the community in a one-stop environment. Job seekers are asked to bring their resumes, dress professionally and be prepared to be interviewed at the event. Veterans and their families will have exclusive access to employers from 2:30-3 p.m. For more information, call 756-3880.