For Release: July 12, 2006
Orlando, FL – As any emergency responder will tell you, being prepared is half the battle. Already a few weeks into the 2006 hurricane season, PBS&J is getting ready to “pre-hire” hundreds of qualified disaster response staffers, who can hit the ground running in case of an emergency.
One of the many frustrating things associated with Hurricane Katrina last year was the length of time that it took to get help into the region. Since that time, government agencies have taken steps to make sure that help is ready to go immediately, should the need arise. So has PBS&J.
Approximately 200 people will be needed in the Orlando area to help monitor and document debris removal activities should a hurricane strike. To enable the immediate mobilization of recovery crews, a job fair will be held on July 19 at the Holiday Inn Hotel & Suites Orlando Universal Studios, 5905 S. Kirkman Road, to prescreen and “pre-hire” disaster relief staff.
Human Resources representatives will be available from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. to take applications and interview applicants. Job candidates will be identified at the job fair and, if qualified, issued a provisional offer letter stipulating hourly rates and conditions should they be called into service.
“This is a wonderful opportunity for people to help their community recover from the effects of the disaster and at the same time earn a decent income,” says Joni Freedman, manager of Recruiting and Relocation for PBS&J, a national engineering firm that also coordinates disaster response services for cities, counties, and state agencies across the country. “There is potential for people to start work at $14 per hour with time-and-a-half pay for work over 40 hours. These positions typically work 12 to 16 hours per day, 7 days per week.”
Debris inspectors provide quality control over debris removal contractors to ensure that the debris is removed thoroughly and safely, contractors are in compliance with government regulations, and ethical standards are followed. The jobs are physically demanding and require the endurance to work outdoors under difficult conditions for an extended period of time. All positions are temporary but could last several months or longer.
Applicants must be able to write and speak English. Requirements include a high school diploma or GED and a valid driver’s license. Those who apply must be authorized to work in the U.S. immediately. Drug/background/license checks will be conducted.
An application may be downloaded and completed prior to the events by going to: http://www.pbsj.com/Press/PDF/REM_application.pdf>.
PBS&J has significant experience managing recovery services for a variety of weather- and other disaster-related emergencies. In 2002, the firm hired 400 people to support recovery efforts after the North Carolina ice storms. Three hundred people were hired in Virginia in 2003 after Hurricane Isabel, monitoring the removal of more than 1 million cubic yards of debris. In 2004, in Orlando, 450 people were employed to monitor the removal of more than 7 million cubic yards of debris after Hurricanes Charley, Frances, and Jeanne. Last year, 575 people were hired, primarily in Broward County, after Hurricanes Katrina and Wilma.
“These jobs are perfect for a wide range of people, from ex-military personnel and construction workers to able-bodied retirees,” according to Freedman. “For previous recovery efforts, many of our inspectors have been able to make quite a bit of money in a short period of time. They’ve also left with a real satisfaction in knowing they helped their neighbors get their lives back in order.”
For additional information about the job fair, contact Joni Freedman at (813) 281-7331.
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Contact:
Billie McLean Breedlove
Regional Marketing Coordinator
Toll-free:800.284.5182, ext. 4304
Phone:407.806.4304
Fax:407.647.0949
bmbreedlove@pbsj.comMailing Address:
PBS&J
482 South Keller Road
Orlando, Florida 32810
