EM and its contractor partners at the Hanford Site recently hosted an online job fair that attracted more than 1,500 participants.
Office of Environmental Management
March 22, 2022
minute read time
RICHLAND, Wash. – EM and its contractor partners at the Hanford Site recently hosted an online job fair that attracted more than 1,500 participants.
The One Hanford Virtual Job Fair was the first combined outreach by the One Hanford team, which includes EM and its contractors, to generate awareness and interest in Hanford’s environmental cleanup mission, while highlighting a wide range of career opportunities. One Hanford is a collaborative effort across the site that includes federal and contractor employees.
DOE and Hanford Site leadership met in 2019 to discuss staffing for site operations over the next five to 10 years. With factors such as new operations and programs, combined with retirements and other attrition, the One Hanford team estimated it would need to hire between 1,500 and 1,700 professionals over the next five years.
“While the cleanup work is technical and we certainly need engineers, chemists and environmental scientists, among others, we also need motivated professionals in contracting, finance, communications, and skilled labor in nearly every trade,” said Brian Vance, manager of the EM Office of River Protection and Richland Operations Office. “The One Hanford Virtual Job Fair was an opportunity to show that the Hanford Site provides unique experiences and opportunities for professional growth that are rewarding for both early career and seasoned professionals.”
DOE, including the Office of the Chief Human Capital Officer, collaborated with contractors Central Plateau Cleanup Company, Hanford Mission Integration Solutions (HMIS), HPMC Occupational Medical Services, Bechtel National Inc., Hanford Laboratory Management and Integration, and Washington River Protection Solutions, as well as Amentum, to host the event in early March. The One Hanford team expanded the outreach with community partners, including Columbia Basin College, Washington State University Tri-Cities and WorkSource Columbia Basin, a partnership that provides employment and training services to job seekers and employers.
Managed by the One Hanford team, and supported by HMIS staff, the online job fair drew 1,500 registrants and maintained steady attendance throughout the event, with many contractor booths having more than 50 attendees in line to speak with recruiters.
“It was exciting to see the virtual job fair turn into such a success,” said Santos Ortega, the EM equal employment opportunity and diversity manager at the site. “Having partnerships with local colleges and organizations enhanced our outreach. The Hanford Site has great career opportunities available, and the virtual platform allowed us to engage a broader audience.”
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