SVH Job Guide September 2022

Sponsored by:

Job Guide September 2022 Participating Employers: Drapery Valley Farms/Perdue Legend Brands

North Cascades Family Physicians Northwest Farm Food Co-op

Skagit Valley Food Co-op The Skagit Casino Resort

Skagit Transit

A supplement to the Skagit Valley Herald and the Anacortes American

Inside: How to find a job you’ll love .............................................................. 2

How to find a job you’ll love

How volunteering can land you a job......................................... 3 Entry-level position: take it or leave it? ....................................... 4 Answering Tough Questions ............................................................. 6 Tips for negotiating a salary proposal ......................................... 8 Immigrants: transfer your skills to boost your career ........ 8 Moving Up Into Management........................................................10

As the saying goes: “if you love your job, you’ll never work a day in your life.” If you’re looking for your dream job, here are some tips for setting you in the right direction.

Identify your passions. Discover your interests by asking yourself the right questions. What websites do you visit when you want to relax? What types of movies or books do you enjoy? When was the last time you put extra effort into something, personally or professionally? Your answers may provide insight into what you love.

Skagit Valley Herald Classifieds has you covered.

Visit careers.goskagit.com today!

Set salary and money aside. If you concentrate too much on salary expectations, you may be missing out on jobs you’d love.

Pretend you don’t have any financial commitments. What would you do? You may find you’d be willing to work longer hours at reduced pay if you’re in an environment that motivates and engages you.

Seek advice. Your friends and family know you best. Therefore, ask them for their opinions on your perfect job. They may see qualities in you that you’ve downplayed, like public speaking or cooking.

Moreover, meeting with a career counselor can help you identify industries or roles you may have overlooked.

Know your values. If you love being outside in nature, you may not find an office job fulfilling. On the other hand, if you value having free evenings and weekends, then a Monday-to-Friday job may suit your lifestyle best.

1215 Anderson Road, Mount Vernon, WA 98274 Advertising: 360.416.2180 | ads@skagitads.com © Skagit Publishing 2022 | All rights reserved.

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Once you’ve identified your preferences, find ways to put them to work. Volunteer, take classes or earn certifications in those areas. Do some research into companies and job opportunities in your fields of interest.

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How volunteering can land you a job information from colleagues, board members, clients and suppliers. You never know who may be able to help you find a dream job.

Although education and work experience are essential for landing your first job, volunteering can also give you an advantage over other applicants.

Here’s how.

1. It gives you new skills and experience.

When you volunteer, you may have to deal directly with clients, suppliers and board members. You may also have to learn new computer programs or give presentations.

You can learn both hard and soft skills while volunteering, which you can bring to the table when you apply for a paid job.

2. It prepares you for the application process. Most organizations require potential volunteers to fill out an application and participate in an interview. Many will also demand a

driver’s license and criminal record check.

Going through this process will ensure you know what to expect when applying for a paid gig.

3. It expands your network. When you volunteer, you meet new people and broaden your network of friends and associates. It’s good to save contact

4. It can give you references. It’s tough to get references without work experience.

However, a non-profit organization or charity reference is just as valid as one from an employer. Use your volunteering references to apply for your next job or post-secondary program.

Make sure you put your volunteering experience on your resume. Include the job title and description, examples of your activities, the skills you learned and your achievements. Also, explain how your experience relates to the job you’re applying for.

PRODUCTION LABORERS NEEDED! Come work for a great business!

Immediate openings.

Wages $18.90 - $22.90 per hour, Plus excellent benefits.

Must be able to lift 50 lbs.

Applications can be obtained Monday through Friday 8:00 am – 4:00 pm at: 1370 South Anacortes Street, Burlington, WA. Please call (360)757-4225 for more information on this opportunity.

Northwest Farm Food Co-op is an EOE. goskagit.com

Skagit Valley Herald Job Guide

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Entry-level position: take it or leave it?

It’s rare to get your dream job on the first try. Therefore, if you’re offered an entry-level position, it’s necessary to ask yourself if it’s a good idea to accept it. Here are some tips to help you decide.

Are you having trouble finding a job that suits you? Consult job hunting resources in your area.

When to accept

If the job is related to your area of expertise and allows you to use and develop your skills, it may be worthwhile. The job may let you explore a field you’re interested in and help you obtain a better position in the future. The offer may also be attractive if there’s room for career development within the company.

When to refuse If you sincerely doubt that you’ll enjoy your everyday tasks, the job probably isn’t for you. The same applies if most of your skills and educational achievements don’t apply to the job and won’t contribute to your professional development. Finally, it may be best to refuse the position if the salary is significantly lower than your expectations or if the company has a high turnover rate.

We’re ’re Hiring! g!

Perks of working at the Co-op: • Starting wage is $16/hr • Awesome, affordable insurance • Generous staff discount • Progressive paid time off • The people! Our community rocks!

Scan here to apply! www.skagitfoodcoop.com/employment 4

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CAREER OPPORTUNITIES

EXCELLENT BENEFITS FOR FULL-TIME POSITIONS

Day – Swing – Graveyard shifts available

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Great Wages

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Excellent Shift Premiums/Differentials

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Generous Paid Time Off

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Paid Holidays

Production: Assembly and Machine Operators

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Paid Life Insurance

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Paid AD&D Insurance

Warehouse: Material and Shipping Associates

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Paid Disability Insurance

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Excellent Employee Assistance Plan

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Dental Insurance

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Medical Insurance – low premiums for ENTIRE FAMILY Low deductible & low maximum out of pocket

Employing state of the art production technology!

Facilities: Building Maintenance Production Support: Production Supervisors, Equipment Maintenance Techs, Equipment Manager

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401k with generous company match

Engineering: Manufacturing, Test, and Mechanical Engineers

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Company sponsored pension!!!

Recruiter/HR Customer Service

Come join our entrepreneurial spirited company as we expand our business operations! Our long-standing company in the beautiful Pacific Northwest is seeking dedicated, focused individuals to contribute to our ongoing success.

Legend Brands is the industry leader and in addition to our team atmosphere, we provide competitive pay and an EXCELLENT benefits package!

APPLY TODAY! Visit: www.legendbrands.com Located just minutes off of I-5 – 15180 Josh Wilson Rd, Burlington WA 98233 goskagit.com

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Answering Tough Questions the heart of that decision.

If you’re under-qualified or under-experienced and argue you should Interviews allow hiring be the CEO in a handful managers to get a broader of years, your answer idea of who you are than has illustrated a certain professional immaturity. any resume could ever provide. This question in Veteran employees with particular allows them to a lengthy job history but no ambition to move up understand your goals. may be signaling a lack of WHAT THEY’RE engagement or work ethic.

LOOKING FOR HOW TO ANSWER The question of where Start with a key goal you see yourself in five years is meant to measure or two, connecting these benchmarks with qualities both motivation and you’re trying to convey planning skills, and to to the hiring manager. gauge how you match Then transition to how with the prospective role. Companies want to you plan to get there and why it’s important to you. know what value you’ll bring as a person, beyond Conclude by stating how this all fits into your large your experience, and career arc. Don’t make how determined you a joke, imply that you are to keep learning and don’t intend to be with achieving. Your answer also frames your place in the company that long or the company, as a valuable make it clear that you’ve team member or perhaps never really considered the question before. an emerging leader.

Maybe you’ve realized that People who think too this isn’t your dream job. little — or too much Or maybe you just don’t — about moving into know where you’d like to management can find be in five years. It’s OK to themselves on the outside say that, but it won’t create looking in when a hiring the clearest pathway to decision is made. The five- being hired. year query goes directly to

Nobody really knows where they’ll be in five years. You’ll be asked anyway.

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Instead, try to tailor your job search so that it fits into the real answer.

If that’s not immediately possible, consider how this position can help you build needed and desired experience for later.

Deeper understanding of this job, or this company, could eventually open doors to other employment opportunities that better fit your goals.

Maybe it’s just a chance to grow personally, as a professional or as a manager. That can become

Skagit Valley Herald Job Guide

a cornerstone of your long-term plan in the meantime.

BE HONEST WITH YOURSELF Too often the question of where you’d like to be five years is considered from an external point of view. But the answer is about more than looking good during a job interview with a prospective employer.

Set realistic career expectations, and you’ll sell them on your

September 2022

candidacy — while also laying out an achievable set of benchmarks for yourself.

Where you see yourself in five years could, if approached the right way, become your professional destiny. For instance, if you’re a naturally ambitious person, some jobs may simply be too unfulfilling to pursue. If the position doesn’t align with or advance your larger professional goals, then you may need to keep looking. goskagit.com

APPLY

√ Great Wages √ Paid Vacation √ Sick Days √ Paid Holidays √ Paid AD&D Insurance √ 401k Plan

ON OUR WEBSITE (THESKAGIT.COM)

TODAY!

√ Disability Insurance √ Employee Assistance Plan √ Dental Insurance √ Paid Life Insurance √ Medical Insurance √ AND MORE!!!

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NEW WAGES

STARTING AT $18/HR! (ONLY FOR NON-TIP POSITIONS)

FOOD & BEVERAGE

• • • •

Cook/Lead Cook Food and Beverage Supervisor Dishwasher Server

HOTEL

• • •

Front Desk Clerk Housekeeping Night Audit

OTHER CAREERS

• • • • • • • • •

Security Officer Surveillance Officer Cashier/Utility Worker Convenience Store Clerk Retail Clerk Slot Department Cage Cashier Maintenance Mechanic EVS Cleaner

theskagit.com • On I-5 at Exit 236 • 877-275-2448 CASINO•RESORT goskagit.com

Must be 21 or older with valid ID. Details at Rewards Club. Management reserves all rights. ©2021 Upper Skagit Indian Tribe dba Skagit Valley Casino Resort.

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Tips for negotiating a salary proposal Did you receive a job offer, and urgency to fill the position. but the salary is too low? Here The context are a few tips to help you You’re much more likely to negotiate a higher salary that negotiate a higher salary if you’re matches your skills.

The criteria Companies tend to set their employees’ salaries based on specific criteria. Among other things, internal equity is typically a factor. This means your salary should be reasonable in comparison to other team members who occupy the same position and level of seniority.

The salary amount may also be based on the company’s budget

the company’s first choice. If the recruitment process drags on or you feel like you’re one of many candidates on a waiting list, you may be a second or third choice.

In this case, asking for a better salary could be futile.

among colleagues. Therefore, you Whatever your proposal, end should focus on aspects of the it with an open question like job that’ll remain confidential, “What do you think?” to get the like your salary and a company discussion going. computer or cell phone.

Points to talk about Some things, such as vacation days and working hours, are difficult to keep secret and can cause dissatisfaction or jealousy

Immigrants: transfer your skills to boost your career a convincing application.

If you’ve recently immigrated to the United States, you may not be able to Get your credentials recognized practice the trade you did in your home It’s a good idea to get a credential country immediately.

This is especially true for certain industries and positions with specific requirements. However, you can work on transferring your skills to launch a new career without starting from scratch.

evaluation. An independent credential

Go back to school temporarily.

Depending on what you want to do, you can register for a higher education course related to your field. You may also be able to obtain missing credits for a diploma or write an equivalency exam to validate your professional license.

List your transferable skills.

Analyze your past experiences and make a list of your skills and education.

If a job posting catches your eye, read it carefully and determine how your experience matches what the company is looking for. Use this information to build 8

evaluation service can analyze your non-U.S. qualifications and compare them to similar qualifications in the U.S. education system, labor market or specific profession. This’ll allow you to apply for jobs with special education or skill requirements.

Are you unsure where to start? Meet with a career counselor or recruiter to discuss your situation.

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Moving Up Into Management EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY Accounting Supervisor

www.skagittransit.org/careers Salary Range: $75,603.84-$85,035.39; dependent upon experience

If you’d like to climb the ladder into management, you’ll have to properly position yourself for the move.

Supervisors are expected, first and foremost, to lead — so you’ll have to define yourself as someone who’s ready to help others succeed.

Open until filled Position Summary:

Ensures financial integrity of accounting system and reporting for Skagit Transit. Supervises accounting and administration staff. Prepares financial and operations reports. Ensures compliance with federal, state, and local laws and regulations. Assesses accounting systems and implements appropriate internal controls. Coordinates accounting activities with other Skagit Transit departments and outside auditors.

Duties and Responsibilities • Ensure accounting is in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP), GASB, IRS, state, and FTA requirements • Prepare financial and operating reports; provide financial analysis and narrative of issues impacting the Agency’s financial condition • Supervise payroll, payables, receivables, general ledger, and fixed assets processes and procedures • Review, modify, and document business processes for optimal efficiency and internal control • Maintain policies and procedures to ensure compliance with generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP), grant agreements, laws and regulations • Monitor cash flow • Reconcile monthly bank statements ensuring entry accuracy • Prepare the annual financial report for the Washington State Auditor’s Office • Prepare NTD (National Transportation Database) monthly and annual reports

• Monitor grant funded projects accounting; manage grant project costs for reimbursement • Ensure compliance with FTA grant rules and all grant reimbursement requirements • Manage the annual financial and accountability audits, WSDOT audits, FTA triennial review, and all other financial audits • Ensure the integrity of financial systems; integrate systems technology into all aspects of the Accounting Department; manage related projects • Maintain fixed asset records including recording capital asset acquisitions, disposals and transfers; • Update depreciation schedule monthly • Maintains vehicle files • Reconcile subsidiary ledgers and depreciation schedule to general ledger • Coordinate physical asset inventories and update records accordingly • Perform special assignments and other related duties as assigned

Qualifications

Any equivalent combination of education and experience that provide the knowledge, skills and abilities required to successfully perform the job. A typical way to meet this requirement would be: • Bachelor’s degree in Accounting • 1 year of GASB experience • 1 year of Financial Statement Compensation experience • Financial software system expertise • 5 years of progressively responsible accounting experience • 3 years of supervisory experiences • Intermediate/ Advanced MS Office Word, Excel, Access

• Complex financial analysis expertise • Payroll processing compliance • Certified Public Accountant or Certified Management Accountant preferred • Grant administration experience • Transportation industry experience preferred • Government accounting and procurement knowledge

Salary and Benefits

Salary Range: $75,603.84-$85,035.39; dependent upon experience Medical insurance with premium share; dental, vision, and life insurance all paid by employer 401(a) qualified and 457 deferred compensation plans, 125 Flexible Spending Plan Paid Holidays

To Apply

Apply at www.skagittransit.org/careers Submit your application packet and resume to hr@skagittransit.org or 600 County Shop Lane, Burlington, WA 98233 Skagit Transit is an Equal Opportunity and Drug Free Employer

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START OFFERING SOLUTIONS Let’s face it, every workplace environment comes with its own unique set of challenges. What sets good managers apart from others is the ability to problem solve rather than sitting back and complain.

Those who get promoted are the ones who go further than simply identifying issues, instead offering solutions when a setback occurs.

Whether it’s quality control, outside competition or communication breakdowns, the most effective managers are first and foremost looking for answers. The faster these problems can be overcome, the closer everyone will be to the success everyone is striving for.

Identify issues, preferably before they become chronic, develop solutions and discuss it with company leaders. You’ll soon join them.

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BUILD WORK RELATIONSHIPS Candidacies for management are also strengthened by the ability to communicate and work with others. If your proposed solution won’t work, consider brainstorming with others to improve the idea.

Help out with projects, even if they are outside of your immediate job description. Be a sounding board and offer advice when appropriate on workplace topics. Building positive professional relationships shows that you are collaborative and that you understand the broader spectrum of how the operation functions. They also show that you can be trusted. You’ll become a better leader, even if these relationships don’t immediately create a springboard with your current employer. They might open doors down the road.

DEVELOP SKILLS Moving into a management role is more than supervising. You’ll also be expected to inhabit a larger leadership role, inspiring others and sharing a vision for future success. If you feel under-prepared for this shift, or simply want to better position yourself for a promotion, consider pursuing professional development training in motivating others, problem solving or performance evaluation.

Understandably, these skills may not have been an element of your previous jobs with the company — but they’ll be key to succeeding on the next level. Your company may already have training programs.

Otherwise, seek them out online, in textbooks or through area universities or community colleges. And remember that this learning process is ongoing. Effective managers continue incorporating new ideas, strategies and leadership skills into their personal management style.

TALK ABOUT YOUR GOALS Develop a timeline for your promotion. Sketching this out will help focus your work. At the same time, management may be looking for the next great leader on their staff, but they won’t necessarily understand your ambitions if you don’t voice them. Once you have a clear idea of what job you’re interested in and when, communicate those aspirations honestly and openly with the management team.

That can happen through the course of a performance review, when asked about your career goals, or in conversations held in a more informal manner. But be forthright with your goals. If you’re a good candidate for future opening, they’ll remember these important discussions.

EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY Relief Transit Coach Operators Fixed Route & Paratransit www.skagittransit.org/careers

RECRUITING FOR NOVEMBER CLASS Wage: $22.42-$29.95/hr.

POSITION SUMMARY:

Driving a bus is a very important and highly rewarding job. A Relief Transit Operator covers vacancies created by full-time operators who are unavailable for reasons such as vacation, training, illness, etc. Upon successful completion of training, you will begin in entry-level part-time positions and promoted to a full-time position based on seniority as vacancies occur. Relief Operators are guaranteed a minimum of 32 hours per week, yet could work 40 or more hours depending on the needs of the Agency in any given week. Relief Operators must be available seven days a week and will be scheduled for on-call work.

Our operating hours begin at 4:20 a.m. and continue until 9:30 p.m. Relief Operators are expected to drive any shift and any route including nights, holidays, weekends, mornings, split shifts, and on-call.

WAGE:

• $22.42 per hour during training (you will work full-time during training).

• Relief Transit Operator wages range from $22.42-$29.95 per hour

JOB DUTIES/RESPONSIBILITIES: • Operate a passenger coach on specified routes and time schedules in accordance with established safety and operational policies and procedures while picking up and delivering passengers • Promote good passenger relations by positive treatment of passengers; greet passengers in a courteous manner; assist passengers with boarding, seating, questions and related matters

• Operate two-way radio for professional routine communication with dispatch center and other coaches • Assist passengers boarding and disembarking from vehicles; properly secure passengers and mobility devices; operate lift for persons with and without mobility aids • Prepare vehicle for operation by following required pre-trip inspection as instructed

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

Any equivalent combination of education and experience that provide the knowledge, skills and abilities required to successfully perform the job. A typical way to meet this requirement would be: • High school diploma or equivalent • 5 years of driving experience • 1 year of experience in customer service or related field • Valid Washington State Commercial Driver’s License (Skagit Transit provides training & testing to obtain) • Maintain an acceptable driving record  No moving violations within the last 2 years  No more than 2 moving violations within the last 5 years  No more than 2 accidents, at fault or not at fault, within the last 5 years  No DUI violations or revocation of license within the last 10 years

BENEFITS:

All Relief Transit Operators are eligible to receive: • Medical • Vision • Telemedicine • Paid Holidays • Employee Assistance Program • Free Bus Pass • Dental • Life Insurance • General Leave • 401 (a) Retirement Plan with Match • 457 Deferred Compensation Plan • Voluntary Flexible Spending Account Benefits begin the first day of the month following the date of hire.

SELECTION PROCESS & TIMELINE:

Applicants must be available for the following recruitment dates: • September 26th-30th: Interview • October 3rd-7th: DOT Physical Exam • October 10th-14th: CDL Permit Testing • October 31st: Start Date If selected for an interview you must submit a five-year driving abstract from all states in which you have been licensed to drive in the last five years.

After an offer of employment has been made, an applicant must pass a pre-employment drug test and pre-employment Department of Transportation (DOT) physical exam certified by a medical examiner in accordance with the Motor Carrier Safety Regulations parts 391.41-391.349.

TO APPLY:

Submit application packet. An application packet is available online at www.skagittransit.org/careers or in person at 600 County Shop Lane, Burlington, WA 98233.

Please read application packet thoroughly and fill out packet completely. Incomplete packets will not be considered.

Recruitment Closes September 23rd

Skagit Transit is an Equal Opportunity Employer and Drug Free Business

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TOGETHER FOR YOU. Full time- Day and Night shift

At Perdue we take PRIDE in taking care of our associates, positions starting at $16.30/Hr. Draper Valley Farms offers

• $3,000 Sign on BONUS • Daily overtime pay (production only) • FREE weekly health clinic • On site Nurse • Night shift and Department Premiums • Paid time off • Medical, Dental, and Vision Insurance • H.I.P testing 401(k) - 5% Company match

401 (k) - 5% de coincidencia

$3,000 Bono de inicio de sesión

Draper Valley Farms ofrece

• Pago de horas extras diarias (solo producción) • Clínica de salud semanal GRATIS • Enfermera en el sitio • Primas por turno de noche y departamentales • Tiempo libre pagado • Seguro Medico, Dental, y Vision • Prueba de H.I.P.

Paid out Pagad $600 o @ 30 d a y s/dias $600 @ 60 d a ys/dia $600 s @ 90 d $1,20 ays/d 0@6 ias mont hs/m eses

Juntos Para Ti.

Tiempo completo -Turnos de Dia y Noche En Perdue nos enorgullecemos de cuidar nuestros asociados, posiciones desde $16.30/hora

1000 Jason Lane, Mount Vernon, WA • (360) 419-7880 2 1

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September 2022

https://www.perduecareers.com/ goskagit.com