By Kristina Stucki
Contributor
The second annual local job fair will be at the Grange on Thursday, Jan. 30, from 4-7 p.m. Local businesses and potential employees will gather in the hopes of filling spring and summer staffing positions on the island.
Candace Ragsdale, human resources director for Roche Harbor Resort, is running the fair for the second year in a row. She originally conducted it at Roche for Roche jobs only. Always community-minded, Ragsdale wondered in 2024 if a wider group would benefit from a similar event. She put the word out, had positive responses and ran a successful event with 15 employers and 89 job-seekers.
“It’s just me doing it through my human resources position at Roche Harbor,” Ragsdale said. “We cover the cost, and I cross my fingers and toes that people will show up!”
This year’s roster of businesses is still coming together, although it looks likely that the event will include Roche Harbor Resort, Peace Island, Seattle Final Mile (Amazon Delivery), Island Rec, Val-mark and Philbrook’s Boat Yard. Changes could still happen before the event – likely by adding more businesses. Any interested employers can contact Ragsdale directly at fbjobs@rocheharbor.com to secure a table at the event.
Job seekers should bring a current resume and a phone or laptop if possible for online applications. A calm demeanor and open mind are helpful, too, Ragsdale suggested.
“I want this job fair to be free of stress and not overwhelming,” she said. “Last year, we had teens come in looking for their first job and it was amazing to watch them talk freely with potential employers. It can be so stressful talking to adults, and I was so happy that it all came together.”
Staffing is an infamously difficult element of running businesses on the island – much of that due to housing issues and seasonality, according to Ragsdale. While Roche has staff housing available, many employers in the county can’t offer the same and need to rely on current residents to fill positions. The job fair is a way they can reach job seekers who already live here.
Ragsdale counseled job seekers to keep looking and be willing to take opportunities as they arise, even if it isn’t exactly what they’re hoping for initially.
“I want people who are searching for employment to know that their dream job is out there,” she encouraged. “The positions being offered at the job fair may not be exactly what they want. But think of them as stepping stones! You never know what is waiting for you around the corner.”