By Michelle Price
Special to the UCBJ
UPPER CUMBERLAND – Although there is a light being shined upon those unemployed as a result of the COVID pandemic, there remains a vast number of jobs available across the Upper Cumberland ranging from manufacturing positions to healthcare providers and even hospital administrators.
Many employers are accepting applications daily on site with some having standing open interview days. Employers such as Aphena, Ficosa, Flowserve, Academy Sports Distribution Center and Perdue Farms are recruiting for multiple positions and many have openings for between 10 and 100 immediate hires.
See related story: Local employers struggle to find workers
For those starting out in the workforce, there will be a job fair for the Class of 2021 on Saturday, May 15 from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Express Employment Professionals, 1459 Interstate Drive in Cookeville.
There are also many professional jobs available ranging from administrative assistants, buyers and sales representative assistants at Flowserve to an experienced administrator for the Saint Thomas DeKalb Hospital in Smithville, which is owned by Ascension Saint Thomas.
Most of the school systems in the Upper Cumberland are now hiring with positions ranging from teachers’ aides and cafeteria workers to teachers, counselors and school psychologists. The Putnam County School System currently has 65 open positions listed on their website.
See related story: Businesses, workers needed for upcoming job fairs
Tennessee Tech University has positions ranging from admissions counselors to lecturers, adjunct professors and university vice presidents. Many of the regional community colleges are seeking adjunct instructors also. Motlow State is hosting a virtual adjunct faculty recruitment event on June 3 for job seekers to meet their team and learn about open positions.
Retail stores including Lowes are in desperate need for workers with starting pay rates of $11 and higher. Similarly, many local restaurants are seeking workers to immediately fill open positions.
