In a significant move to support former federal employees and displaced workers, Kansas City, Missouri, hosted an information and resource fair this past Tuesday to help these individuals transition into municipal jobs.
The fair featured a wide array of departments, including KC Water and KC Aviation, with representatives on hand to answer questions and assist attendees in exploring open positions.
The event highlighted Kansas City’s commitment to supporting local federal workers by providing job opportunities close to home.
This effort aims to give these employees the chance to apply their skills in a public sector environment and continue contributing to their communities.
Event Details and How It Benefited Attendees
At the fair, attendees had the opportunity to engage directly with recruiters from various city departments.
The city’s recruitment team provided helpful resources for job seekers, including the ability to create accounts, apply for positions online, and receive personalized guidance on how their federal experience could translate into municipal roles.
| Details | Information |
|---|---|
| Date of Event | Tuesday |
| Location | Kansas City, Missouri |
| Departments Represented | KC Water, KC Aviation, and others |
| Key Benefits for Attendees | Create accounts, apply for jobs, resume reviews |
| Special Offers | Personalized assistance and job application setup |
| Next Hiring Event | Another hiring fair on July 19 |
The hiring event was designed to be more than just an informational session. According to LaToya Black, a Talent Acquisition Manager for Kansas City, the goal was to actively assist former federal employees in their job search.
She emphasized how the event aimed to bridge the gap between federal employment and local municipal opportunities.
“Public sector transfers great to public sector,” Black said. “Pay is okay compared to the private sector, but it’s more about the people. Federal employees are in it for their country, and now they get to make a direct impact on their community here in Kansas City.”
Testimony from Former Federal Employees
One of the attendees, Bret McSpadden, a former subcontractor with USAID, shared his personal experience with the event.
After working for 15 years with USAID on projects related to water, sanitation, and hygiene finance, McSpadden found his career path disrupted when the agency was dismantled.
“I was really disheartened to see my whole career dissolve in front of my eyes,” McSpadden shared. “But seeing the city of Kansas City welcoming federal employees and offering growth opportunities is really positive.”
McSpadden, originally from Kansas City, expressed his excitement about the potential to return home and contribute to the growth of his city.
With his experience working on international development projects, including in East Africa, Southern Africa, Asia, and Latin America, McSpadden is eager to bring his wealth of experience to the city’s development.
Kansas City’s Growing Opportunities
As Kansas City continues to grow, so do the opportunities within its municipal government. The city is seeing an increase in development initiatives, creating a high demand for skilled workers to manage and implement various public projects.
Black highlighted the city’s growth and the need for skilled individuals to help with these initiatives.
“Kansas City is growing like crazy,” Black stated. “We have so many different projects coming about, and it’s very important for us to be able to take on skilled workers from the federal level who can bring their experience into local government.”
How to Apply for Jobs in Kansas City
For those who were unable to attend the job fair, Black emphasized that Kansas City’s open positions are available online through the city’s official website.
Furthermore, a second hiring fair will be held on July 19, offering another opportunity for job seekers to connect with city departments.
Residents and former federal employees are encouraged to explore the available opportunities and apply directly through the city’s website.
This initiative shows Kansas City’s proactive approach in supporting its community and filling vital positions with qualified, experienced individuals.
Kansas City’s initiative to hire former federal employees is a significant step in supporting the community and filling the growing demand for skilled workers in the city.
With resources available through job fairs, online applications, and personalized recruitment assistance, Kansas City is providing a welcoming environment for federal employees looking to transition into local government roles.
The upcoming July 19 hiring fair will offer even more opportunities for those seeking to contribute to the city’s rapid growth and development.